How to Make an Amaretto Sour

A brief history of the Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour as we know it today likely emerged in the mid-20th century, riding the wave of popularity that cocktails experienced during this era. Its rise to fame, however, truly took off in the 1970s. This decade was marked by a growing fascination with exotic and flavourful cocktails, and the Amaretto Sour, with its distinct almond flavour and refreshing sourness, became a favourite among bartenders and patrons alike.

In the decades that followed, the Amaretto Sour maintained a steady presence in bars and home cocktail repertoires. However, it wasn’t until the recent resurgence of craft cocktails that the drink saw a renaissance. Modern mixologists have embraced the Amaretto Sour, refining its recipe and presentation to suit contemporary tastes. This renewed interest has led to innovative variations and a deeper appreciation for the drink’s classic roots, cementing its place as a beloved cocktail in the world of mixology.

Essential tips for perfecting your Amaretto Sour

Creating the perfect Amaretto Sour requires a delicate balance of ingredients and technique. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Amaretto Sour is always top-notch:

• Use fresh lemon juice. The key to a great Amaretto Sour lies in its freshness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for achieving the bright, tart flavour that balances the sweetness of the Amaretto. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t provide the same vibrant taste.
• Balance sweetness and acidity. The harmony between sweet and sour is crucial in an Amaretto Sour. Too much sweetness can make the drink cloying, while excessive acidity can be overpowering.
• Egg white for texture. Using an egg white in your Amaretto Sour adds a luxurious, silky texture and a beautiful frothy top. While some may be hesitant about using raw egg whites, they are a classic component of many sour cocktails. To use, dry shake (shake without ice) all ingredients first to emulsify the egg white, then shake again with ice to chill and dilute the drink.
• Shaking vs. stirring. Shaking is the preferred method for making an Amaretto Sour, especially if you’re using egg white. The vigorous shaking action not only chills and dilutes the drink but also helps to create a frothy, aerated texture. Stirring, on the other hand, is not recommended for this cocktail as it won’t achieve the same consistency.
• Quality ingredients. As with any cocktail, the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final product. Use a high-quality Amaretto liqueur for the best flavour.
• Garnish with care. A well-chosen garnish can elevate your Amaretto Sour both visually and aromatically. A traditional garnish includes a cherry and an orange slice. For a modern twist, try garnishing with a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Delicious variations of the Amaretto Sour to make at home

There are several super tasty variations you can try by swapping out certain Amaretto Sour drink ingredients. This includes:  

Amaretto Stone Sour

This easy Amaretto Sour recipe is a citrusy and refreshing riff on the original – perfect for brunch or lingering lunches! It combines 45 ml Amaretto, 45 ml orange juice, and 45 ml sweet-and-sour mix. As you can tell, there is no egg white involved, which makes it a less tricky drink if you’re just starting out.  

Fear not the egg white! Your Guide to Making Egg White Cocktails the Easy Way 

A completely new & amazing creation

Did you know that you are 100% allowed to play around with any of the cocktail recipes on The Mixer without the Proper Cocktail Police coming after you? True story, friend! You get to experiment all you like.  

So, while you are learning how to make an Amaretto Sour cocktail, we double-dare you to try a few swaps to make it your own. You could for instance:  

• Use Frangelico instead of Amaretto if you like a more upfront nutty taste  
• Swap the egg white for 60 ml of aquafaba (the liquid in a tin of chickpeas) to make it vegan 
• Use maple syrup instead of simple syrup to coax out the smoky notes in the bourbon 
• Try some orange bitters to dial up the zesty vibe of the drink 

What mixes well with Amaretto?

Since you are going to have a bottle of Amaretto around after trying this cocktail recipe, here are a few other ingredients that pair well with this drink:  

Coffee – add it to hot coffee with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon on top 

Cognac – mix a measure of each to make a perfect French Connection cocktail 

Scotch – the Godfather is another two-ingredient cocktail that features Amaretto 

Pairing the Amaretto Sour with food

Wondering what to serve with your Amaretto Sour Cocktail? Here are a few lovely canapé pairings that will up the ante on this drink:  

• A cheese platter with plenty of dark, red fruit like plums and grapes 
• Desserts like flan, chocolate cake, and cookies like biscotti 
• Simple snacks like pretzels and nuts also do the trick 

Read more: Fuel the Fire! How to Pair Cocktails with Spicy Food