MONIN Amaretto syrup is based on the classic Italian sweet, almond-flavoured liqueur. Characterised by the distinctive flavour of the 'mandoria-amara' or bitter almond, the name Amaretto means 'a little bitter' in Italian. Its origins are said to go back as far as the Italian Renaissance. Legend has it that in 1525 the artist Bernardino Luini, a pupil of Leonardo Da Vinci, was commissioned to paint a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles in Saronno. He chose a beautiful local innkeeper to inspire his portrayal of the Madonna. As a gift to show her gratitude and affection, she steeped apricot kernels in brandy and presented the resulting amber liquid to Luini. Today, Amaretto is usually made using apricot pits and may also contain almonds, other spices and flavourings. MONIN Amaretto delivers the bittersweet taste of this popular liqueur and can be used to create a luxurious Tiramisu Cappuccino and many more tempting Italian themed desserts and after-dinner drinks.