Amaretto is the outlier in the Cîroc flavored range and the only one that does not lead on fruit. Every other expression in the line reaches for berry, citrus or tropical fruit; this one goes for almond, marzipan and a warm confectionery sweetness, which puts it in a different part of the drinks cabinet entirely. Worth being precise about what it is: this is vodka infused with amaretto flavor, not amaretto liqueur. Traditional amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur built on apricot kernels or almonds and bottled at low strength with substantial sugar. This borrows that flavour profile and puts it on a Cîroc base, which means it drinks as a spirit rather than as a syrup. The base matters here as much as anywhere in the range. Cîroc is distilled five times from fine French grapes in an eau de vie style rather than from grain or potato, and the light fruitiness that leaves behind gives the almond something to sit against. Expect sweet almond and marzipan on the nose with a soft vanilla warmth behind, then a rounded palate carrying nutty confectionery sweetness and a touch of stone fruit, closing smooth and warming rather than cloying. It is bottled at 70 proof, matching the standard Cîroc flavored strength. This is a cold weather and after dinner bottle in a range otherwise built for summer: serve it over ice, mix it with cola or coffee, pour it into hot chocolate, or use it where an amaretto sour would normally go for something drier and less sugary.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
35% |
| Proof |
70 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
France |
| Brand |
Cîroc |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Category |
Made with Vodka Infused with Natural Flavors |
| Expression |
Amaretto |
| Base |
Fine French grapes, distilled five times |
| Flavoring |
Amaretto flavor and other natural flavors |
Tasting Notes
Color: Clear.
Nose: Sweet almond and marzipan lead, with soft vanilla warmth behind.
Palate: Rounded and nutty. Almond confectionery sweetness carries through with a touch of stone fruit, kept from turning heavy by the light grape base.
Finish: Smooth and warming, with lingering marzipan and vanilla.
FAQ
Q: Is this amaretto liqueur?
A: No. It is vodka infused with amaretto flavor. Traditional amaretto is a sweet low strength Italian liqueur; this drinks as a spirit at 70 proof.
Q: What proof is it?
A: 70 proof, matching the standard Cîroc flavored strength.
Q: What does it taste like?
A: Sweet almond and marzipan with vanilla warmth and a touch of stone fruit, rounded rather than cloying.
Q: What is Cîroc made from?
A: Fine French grapes rather than grain or potato, distilled five times in France.
Q: How should I serve it?
A: Over ice, mixed with cola or coffee, stirred into hot chocolate, or in place of amaretto in a sour for something drier.
Q: Where can I buy Cîroc Amaretto online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
