Almond vs. Amaretto — What's the Difference?

The tree that bears the almond, a species of Prunus.

Often served on the rocks or mixed into coffee.

A type of nut obtained from an almond tree.

Used in making desserts and cocktails for its sweet, aromatic flavor.

Relating to the shape of the eyes, which are almond-shaped.

Associated with a rich, sweet, and slightly bitter taste.

Used to describe a pale, tan color.

A sweet Italian liqueur flavored with almonds or apricot pits.

A kernel of this nut used in various recipes.

Can be used in a culinary context as a flavoring agent.

The almond (Prunus dulcis, syn. Prunus amygdalus) is a species of tree native to Iran and surrounding countries but widely cultivated elsewhere.

Amaretto (Italian for "a little bitter") is a sweet Italian liqueur that originated in Saronno. Depending on the brand, it may be made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or almonds, all of which are natural sources of the benzaldehyde that provides the almond-like flavour of the liqueur.

A deciduous tree (Prunus dulcis) in the rose family, native to Asia and northern Africa and having alternate, simple leaves, pink flowers, and leathery fruits.

Pl. am·a·ret·tos An Italian liqueur flavored with almond.

The ellipsoidal kernel of this tree, either eaten as a nut or used for extraction of an oil for flavoring.

Pl. am·a·ret·ti (-tē) A small crisp Italian cookie typically flavored with almond.

Any of several other plants, such as the Indian almond, especially those with fruits or seeds suggestive of the almond.

A sweet-bitter liqueur originating from Italy (but also produced in Turkey), flavored with almonds and a secret blend-specific mix of some 200 ingredients such as the pits from apricots, peaches, cherries or other stone fruits.

Something having the oval form of an almond.

(countable) A glass of that liqueur.

A pale tan.

(countable) A light Italian cookie made with almonds.

(countable) A certain tree nut.

(countable) A small deciduous tree in family Rosaceae, Prunus amygdalus, that produces predominantly sweet almonds.

Other plants that produce almond-like nuts:

Prunus dulcis var. amara, bitter almond, that only produces bitter fruits

Prunus japonica, flowering almond, an ornamental shrub in family Rosaceae

Prunus andersonii, desert almond, a North American shrub in family Rosaceae

Prunus fasciculata, desert range almond or wild almond, North American shrub in family Rosaceae

Terminalia catappa, Indian almond or tropical almond, in family Combretaceae

Brabejum stellatifolium or bitter almond, in family Proteaceae

(uncountable) The colour of the kernel of an almond without its shell and thin seed coat, a creamy off-white colour.

(uncountable) The color of an almond still covered by its skin, a shade of brown.

(uncountable) Flavor or other characteristics of almond.

Anything shaped like an almond; specifically, a tonsil.

Brownish, resembling the colour of an almond nut.

The fruit of the almond tree.

The tree that bears the fruit; almond tree.

Anything shaped like an almond.

Small bushy deciduous tree native to Asia and North Africa having pretty pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull; cultivated in southern Australia and California

Oval-shaped edible seed of the almond tree

Yes, almond extract can replace amaretto to achieve a similar flavor, though the texture and alcohol content will differ.

Generally, amaretto is vegan, but it's best to check the brand's specific ingredients.

Yes, amaretto can also be made using apricot pits to achieve a similar flavor.

Amaretto is used in cocktails like the Amaretto Sour and the Godfather.

Amaretto can be served neat, on the rocks, or as part of a cocktail.

People with nut allergies should avoid amaretto, especially if it contains actual almonds.

Almond is a nut, while amaretto is a liqueur flavored with almonds or apricot pits.

No, almond milk is a non-dairy milk made from almonds, while amaretto is an alcoholic liqueur.

Yes, amaretto can be used in desserts and other dishes for its flavor.

The name 'amaretto' comes from the Italian word "amaro," meaning "bitter," due to the bitter almonds or apricot pits originally used.

Yes, almonds are high in protein, fiber, and vitamin E, making them beneficial for health.

Amaretto has a long shelf life due to its alcohol content but should be stored properly after opening.

Almonds are versatile in use, from salads and baked goods to almond milk and almond butter.

Almonds have about 7 calories per nut, whereas amaretto has about 110 calories per shot.

Almonds should be stored in a cool, dry place, and can be refrigerated to extend their freshness.