A smooth and tangy Amaretto Sour, perfectly balanced with sweet almond liqueur, fresh citrus, and a frothy finish, garnished with a cherry and orange peel. This classic cocktail is rich, nutty, and slightly tart, making it a favorite among both casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The sweet almond notes of Amaretto contrast beautifully with fresh lemon juice.
- Velvety frothy texture – The optional egg white creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 5 minutes with a simple shake.
- Classic and elegant – A timeless cocktail with a sophisticated presentation.
- Customizable – Adjust sweetness and tartness to suit your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 oz Amaretto liqueur
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz egg white (optional, for froth)
- Ice cubes
- 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
- 1 orange peel twist (for garnish)
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine Amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
- Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds to create foam.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange peel twist.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Stronger Version – Add 1 oz of bourbon for a deeper, whiskey-infused flavor.
- Sweeter Twist – Increase simple syrup for a more dessert-like drink.
- No Egg White – Simply omit the egg white for a classic non-frothy Amaretto Sour.
- Fruity Amaretto Sour – Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus boost.
- Amaretto Stone Sour – Replace half of the lemon juice with orange juice for a smoother, fruitier cocktail.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Best enjoyed fresh, but the mixture (without ice) can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing alters the texture and flavor.
- Reheating: This cocktail is served cold, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
What is Amaretto?
Amaretto is a sweet Italian almond-flavored liqueur, often used in cocktails and desserts.
Do I have to use egg white?
No, but it creates a smooth, creamy froth that enhances the texture of the drink.
What’s the best Amaretto for this cocktail?
Disaronno is a popular choice, but any high-quality Amaretto will work.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
What’s the difference between an Amaretto Sour and a Whiskey Sour?
The Amaretto Sour uses almond-flavored Amaretto, while the Whiskey Sour uses bourbon or rye whiskey.
How can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Use almond syrup or orgeat syrup instead of Amaretto for a mocktail version.
Can I serve this straight up instead of over ice?
Yes! Strain into a chilled coupe glass for a more elegant presentation.
How do I get the perfect foamy top?
Dry shake the ingredients vigorously before adding ice, then shake again for extra froth.
What’s the best way to garnish this drink?
A maraschino cherry and an orange twist add both flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Mix all ingredients except egg white in advance, then shake individual servings fresh for the best texture.
Conclusion
The Amaretto Sour is a timeless, smooth, and refreshing cocktail that combines sweet almond flavors with bright citrus for the perfect sip. Whether you enjoy it with or without egg white, this elegant drink is always a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations and enjoy a classic cocktail that never goes out of style!
