In 1525, a Saronno church commissioned artist and Da Vinci student Bernardino Luini to paint their sanctuary with frescoes. As the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Luini needed to depict the Madonna, but was in need of a model. He found his inspiration in a young widowed innkeeper, who became his model and (in most versions) lover. Out of gratitude and affection, the woman wished to give him a gift. Her simple means did not permit much, so she steeped apricot kernels in brandy and presented the resulting concoction to a touched Luini. The similarity of amaretto and amoretto leads to the concept of "a little bitter love", referring to the humble but honest offering of Luini's lover. The amaretti created by the amoretti were small biscuits, like love both bitter and sweet, and presented wrapped together in pairs like a pair of sweethearts.

This romantic folklore is the foundation of the Disaronno Originale company. Disaronno, the most popular brand of amaretto, has a characteristic bittersweet almond taste and is known for its distinctive appearance. Disaronno claims its "originale" amaretto's "secret formula" is unchanged from the year 1525. Its production remains in Saronno, but the product is sold worldwide.

The company describes its amaretto as an infusion of "apricot kernel oil" with "absolute alcohol, burnt sugar, and the pure essence of seventeen selected herbs and fruits". The amber liqueur is presented in a rectangular glass decanter designed by a craftsman from Murano. Formerly known as "Amaretto Disaronno", the company changed the name to "Disaronno Originale".