Amaretto Sour Recipe

Of all the amaretto cocktails, the amaretto sour is probably my favorite. It’s a delectable concoction with a wonderfully balanced sweet and sour profile. 

It’s a classic cocktail that has withstood the test of time. And while the recipe has changed over the years, all changes have been for the better. 

The drink flawlessly exemplifies both tradition and innovation. It effortlessly marries the rich, nutty notes of amaretto with the zesty kick of fresh citrus. 

No matter how you tweak the recipe, the basic flavor profile stays the same. What are you waiting for? It’s time to whip up a tasty amaretto sour.

Amaretto Sour 

Traditionally, the amaretto sour only requires four ingredients. However, this recipe includes a little bit more. Still, it retains the same great taste. 

The base of amaretto is nutty, rich, and full of warmth. The freshly squeezed lemon juice helps lighten and brighten the cocktail. And the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. 

Now, onto the extras. 

Adding a bit of bourbon rounds out the flavor and gives the drink more of a kick. The frothed egg white makes the texture silky smooth. 

The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail, slightly boozier than most amaretto sours. It’s phenomenal, and I can’t wait for you to try it! 

Ingredients 

This recipe has several optional ingredients. I’ll designate them using an asterisk (*) in the following list: 

• Amaretto – Select a brand whose flavor you enjoy. I like Amaretto Adriatico and Di Amore amaretto. 

• Lemon juice – Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. The bottled kind doesn’t always taste as natural and balanced.

• Simple syrup – Use a balanced simple syrup of one part water to one part sugar. Simple syrup with a higher sugar ratio will make the drink too sweet. 

• *Bourbon – Some people prefer their cocktails with a boozier kick. If that sounds like you, add a high-quality bourbon for extra oomph. 

• *Egg white – Adding an egg white will give the drink a frothier, foamier, more velvety texture. 

• Ice – Use ice in both the shaker and the serving glass. Use large cubes that won’t melt as quickly. 

• *Garnishes – I like to add an orange slice and a brandied cherry. You can experiment with different garnishes that you may like better. 

How to Make an Amaretto Sour 

Making this drink is simple. Here’s what to do: 

1. Combine the ingredients. Mix the amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. If you’re using bourbon and an egg white, add those. 

2. Dry shake the mixture. Vigorously shake the cocktail shaker for about 30 seconds until it becomes frothy. (This step is called the “dry shake” because you shake it without adding ice.)

You can skip the dry shake if you aren’t adding the egg white. Simply add all the ingredients to the cocktail shaker, then move on to the next step.  

3. Add the ice and shake it again. Add the ice and shake for it another 20 to 30 seconds until the cocktail is well chilled. 

4. Strain, garnish, and serve. Strain the cocktail into an ice-filled glass. Add a brandied cherry, and stick an orange slice on the rim of the glass. Serve, and enjoy! 

Tips and Tricks 

Remember these tips and tricks when making your cocktail: 

• Chill the glass. Pouring the cocktail into an already-cold glass will keep it cold for longer. 

• Make fancy ice cubes. Freeze some lemon juice into cubes ahead of time. Then, use those for your cocktail. When they melt, they release even more bold, tart flavor into the drink instead of watering it down.

• No cocktail shaker? No problem! Use a Mason jar with the lid sealed tightly instead! 

• Be cautious with storing. Don’t pop leftover amaretto it in the fridge! Instead, store it somewhere cool and dry to maximize its shelf life. 

Variations 

Try these variations for a fun twist:

• Give it a fizzy finish. Don’t have an egg white but still want to give the cocktail a unique texture? Top it off with lemon-lime soda or club soda. It won’t be as velvety as the egg white, but it’ll have plenty of tingly fizz! 

• Experiment with other spirits. Instead of bourbon, try adding whiskey or rum. 

• Make it fruity. Instead of regular simple syrup, try a fruit-infused simple syrup. (Such as raspberry simple syrup.) It will sweeten the cocktail and give it a fruity boost. 

• Turn it into an amaretto stone sour. The recipe stays the same, except you add 1/2 ounce to an ounce of orange juice to suit your tastes.

• Make a mocktail instead. Combine lemon-lime soda, lemon juice, and amaretto syrup for a virgin amaretto sour. It has the same great taste with none of the booze.