Amaretto Sour

This one’s on the “List”

I will admit, I have a list of “safe” cocktails. These are options that – no matter what kind of bar you’re in – you’re probably going to get a delicious drink. Two on that list are the Whiskey Sour and the Amaretto Sour. Interesting enough, they are both sour cocktails).

Now, that’s not to say every bar will serve you the same drink. I’ve found that a dive bar Amaretto Sour is a very different experience from a “craft” version. Either way, there’s a pretty good chance you’re getting a fantastic drink, and this one is one of my absolute favorite cocktails. So let’s dive in, shall we?

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AMARETTO SOUR INGREDIENTS

This classic cocktail hinges on Amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur, for the base spirit; it creates a nutty flavor that I find really unique and comforting. 

Amaretto cocktails aren’t super popular cocktails, per se, but I think they should be! The almond flavor provides a unique richness, while adding egg whites to cocktails creates a perfect foam– helping the texture and mouthfeel match the complex flavor.

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Pair this with fresh lime juice and a touch of sweetness from only 3/4 ounce simple syrup, and you have a delicious, balanced drink that isn’t like anything else on a typical cocktail menu.

LET’S TALK GARNISHES

We love cocktail cherries for garnish, but an orange slice is also a popular choice– although I’m honestly not super sure why since there is no orange juice in this recipe. A lemon twist or lime wedge seems more appropriate, depending on the citrus you use.

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The ice used here is one large, single ice cube. I love how it rises up under the foam and gives a platform for the garnish. Beautiful!

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WHAT IS AMARETTO?

Amaretto is an Italian liqueur made with either almonds or apricot pits, giving it its distinctive, nutty flavor. This almond liqueur is often used in sweet desserts like pound cake, banana pudding, and cream pie, offering the perfect balance between sweet and slightly bitter. 

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AMARETTO SOUR

A more modern classic, the original Amaretto Sour recipe came out in 1974; it was created by Disaronno, an Italian liqueur company specializing in amaretto. Our recipe today includes their liqueur, although there are plenty of brands to choose from today.

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HOW TO MAKE AN AMARETTO SOUR

You’ll use a technique called dry shaking for this drink, meaning that you first shake in the cocktail shaker without ice to build the egg white foam. Then you add ice and shake again to chill and dilute the drink. 

You’ll then double-strain the final drink with a fine mesh cocktail strainer, a common technique when using egg whites. 

Watch the video to see exactly how Chris does it– two ways!

AMARETTO SOUR RECIPE VARIATIONS

This is one of those classic cocktail recipes that can be made so many different ways; in the video, Chris even offers you two options to show you how this drink can be elevated in a really craft way. Here are some popular versions:

• Fresh lemon juice instead of lime
• Using lemon-lime soda (like Sprite)
• Adding sweet & sour mix– Personally, we don’t love this one. Fresh is always better in our opinion.
• Split the base with rum (like Chris does) or even whiskey. 

The original recipe is pretty sweet but still delicious, while our more modern take with rum gives more of a hidden almond flavor rather than having it sit up front. It’s less sweet with more of a “kick” from the overproof rum.

Whichever recipe you choose for this classic drink, the rich flavor, delicate foam, and fresh citrus make this a really refreshing cocktail. Grab the recipes below, and then leave us a comment and let us know what you think!