Learning how to make an Amaretto Sour is not just something you should do if you’ve been cast as a housewife in a 1970s sitcom – it’s a completely delicious notch on the belt of any newbie cocktail maker! This nutty spin-off of the classic Whiskey Sour features an almond-flavored liqueur that comes to the party with rich notes of vanilla and a subtly bitter finish. To get you inspired to make this iconic drink at home, here is our super simple recipe for an Amaretto Sour cocktail.
Amaretto Sour Recipe
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add the amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters to a cocktail shaker without ice and shake for 15 seconds
02
2.
Now add the ice to the cocktail shaker and shake it for another 30 seconds
03
3.
Strain the drink into a glass – the foam will gather at the top
04
4.
Garnish with a lemon peel and Luxardo cherry
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 flavorful cocktails, and the Amaretto Sour, with its distinct almond flavor and refreshing sourness, became a favorite 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 flavor 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 flavor.
- 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 1.5 oz Amaretto, 1.5 oz orange juice, and 1.5 oz 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 2 ounces 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 appetizer 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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The almond flavors of Amaretto make it an ideal pairing with zesty fruit juices like orange and lemon, as well as a great counterpoint to spirits like whiskey, bourbon and cognac. It also goes wonderfully with coffee!
The standard Amaretto Sour contains 1.7 units of alcohol, placing it at 12.97% alc/vol, or 25.94% proof.
Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur traditionally made from a base of apricot pits, almonds, or a combination of both. These ingredients provide the liqueur with its distinct nutty and slightly bitter flavor, complemented by hints of vanilla and spices. The resulting drink has a rich, amber color and a smooth, sweet taste. Some modern versions of Amaretto may also incorporate additional flavorings and sweeteners to enhance its unique profile.
An Amaretto Sour is a refreshing cocktail typically made with Amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. For added texture and a silky finish, many recipes also include an egg white, which is shaken with the other ingredients to create a frothy top. The drink is served over ice and often garnished with a cherry and an orange slice or a lemon twist.
Yes, you can make an Amaretto Sour without egg. The egg white is primarily used to add a frothy texture and a silky mouthfeel to the cocktail. To omit the egg, simply mix Amaretto, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, shake with ice, and strain into a glass. For a vegan alternative, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) to achieve a similar frothy effect without using egg white.
