It's not news to you that it's the last full week before Christmas, a time when stores are increasingly crowded and homemade gifts look more and more appealing. How about something for the cocktail lover on your list?

Amaretto is an Italian almond-flavoured liqueur that tends to be on the sweeter side. It's traditionally made from apricot or almond pits and is used in cocktails paired with orange, cola or vodka. If made well, it's wonderful to sip on its own. Which is where this quick last-minute gift ideas comes into play.

Making traditional ameretto can be rather time-consuming and involves macerating and soaking ingredients, draining and filtering and allowing it to sit and age for at least four weeks. To make a last-minute holiday gift, we don't have that kind of time. That's why we were thrilled to discover a quick amaretto recipe that uses almond extract instead of whole almonds and/or apricot kernels. Most of the ingredients you have on hand at home, and after making one batch to give away you're going to want to repeat the process for yourself.

Related: What Can I Do With Cheap Brandy?

(Images: Chow.com)