Boasting a delectable fusion of nutty almond notes and zesty citrus with a tantalizing hint of sweetness, this 4-ingredient amaretto cocktail is so much more than the sum of its parts. The amaretto gives a warmth of flavor, while the lemon juice helps brighten up the cocktail and balance the sweetness. The ingredients are humble, but the flavor is sophisticated.
Next time you’re in the market for a low-ABV libation that’ll give you a warm buzz, this classic sour cocktail is just the thing. Made with little more than a mild Italian liqueur shaken with citrus and simple syrup, my amaretto sour drink recipe is perfect for happy hour at home or cocktail hour at your next party. For more classic cocktail recipes, try my brandy Alexander recipe, sidecar recipe, or aviation cocktail.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Amaretto liqueur – amaretto di saronno, or amaretto liqueur, is arguably the most important ingredient. Make sure to choose a high-quality almond liqueur, preferably from an Italian distiller.
Lemon juice – make sure you’re reaching for fresh juice for the best taste. To get the most juice from your fruit, roll it firmly on the countertop for 10-15 seconds before slicing it open. You’re also welcome to use sweet & sour in place of the lemon juice and simple syrup.
Simple syrup – add for sweetener as needed. You’re also welcome to use a sugar-free alternative if needed!
Ice – while it might seem strange to list ice as an ingredient, it has as much of an impact on cocktails as vanilla extract does on cookies. Make sure to start with ice made from filtered water for the best, purest flavor.
Orange slices & maraschino cherries – for garnish. Not only do they add a cheerful pop of color and a built-in snack, they also impart their sweet, juicy essence into these easy cocktails for an added layer of complexity.
How To Make Amaretto Sours
1. Combine the amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup to taste to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill with ice and shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.
3. Strain into a cocktail glass with a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry, then serve immediately. Enjoy!
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Start with chilled ingredients. As with most cocktail recipes (excluding warm favorites like my hot toddy recipe), cold is the name of the game. While shaking will help to cool things down, starting with chilled ingredients ensures the ice in the shaker doesn’t dilute the drink too much.
- Simple syrup is easy to make! Just combine equal parts white sugar and water in a mason jar and shake until the sugar is fully dissolved. No heat is required, meaning the sugar syrup doesn’t have to cool, so you can use it immediately.
- Make fancy ice. If you want your Happy Hour celebration to feel extra swanky, go the extra mile and make large ice cubes, preferably from distilled water so it freezes clear. You can find large ice cube trays or molds online or in kitchen goods stores.
- Freeze or chill your glass. Much like starting with chilled ingredients, starting with a frozen old-fashioned glass will ensure your amaretto sour cocktail stays perfectly chilled — even if you’re sipping it with utmost leisure.
- Add egg whites. For an extra frothy spin on this classic, add a raw egg white to the cocktail shaker with the amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Leave out the ice. Dry shake for 15 seconds, then add the ice and shake for another 15 seconds or until frosted on the outside. Strain into a cocktail glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
While they’re both classic sour cocktails, and their components are very similar, the flavor is different. A Whiskey Sour is made with American whiskey, typically bourbon or rye, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and sometimes a dash of bitters. It has a bold, robust booze flavor from the whiskey. On the other hand, this Amaretto Sour features almond-flavored liqueur mixed with the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. It’s slightly nutty tasting, sweeter, and less alcoholic than the whisky version.
That all depends on your personal preferences! Some folks like Disaronno, while others are loyal to Luxardo or Lazzaroni. I’d recommend you opt for an Italian brand for authenticity, then decide based on how much booziness you prefer since it can vary from about 16-32% alcohol by volume.
Absolutely! While the classic recipe traditionally calls for fresh lemon juice, mixology is all about personalization and experimenting with flavors to suit your taste. When substituting lime juice for lemon juice in an Amaretto Sour, just keep in mind that the cocktail will have a slightly different citrusy character. Orange juice can also be used.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Amaretto Sour recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Amaretto Sour
Equipment
- Rocks to lowball cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces amaretto liqueur
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- Ice
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the amaretto, lemon juice, and as much simple syrup to suit your taste to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a cocktail glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Notes
- Start with chilled ingredients. As with most cocktail recipes (excluding warm favorites like my hot toddy), cold is the name of the game. While shaking will help to cool things down, starting with chilled ingredients ensures the ice in the shaker doesn’t dilute the drink too much.
- Simple syrup is easy to make! Just combine equal parts white sugar and water in a mason jar and shake until the sugar is fully dissolved. No heat is required, meaning the sugar syrup doesn’t have to cool, so you can use it immediately.
- Make fancy ice. If you want your Happy Hour celebration to feel extra swanky, go the extra mile and make large ice cubes, preferably from distilled water so it freezes clear. You can find large ice cube trays or molds online or in kitchen goods stores.
- Freeze or chill your glass. Much like starting with chilled ingredients, starting with a frozen old-fashioned glass will ensure your amaretto sour cocktail stays perfectly chilled — even if you’re sipping it with utmost leisure.
- Add egg whites. For an extra frothy spin on this classic, add a raw egg white to the cocktail shaker with the amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Leave out the ice. Dry shake for 15 seconds, then add the ice and shake for another 15 seconds or until frosted on the outside. Strain into a cocktail glass.
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