The next time you’re looking for an easy-to-make, not-too-boozy dessert cocktail, might I recommend an Amaretto Sour. There are two basic ways to make this classic cocktail; one is simple with only three ingredients and the other is more modern with egg-white added into the mix. Either way I know you will love these amaretto sour recipes as much as I do!
If you’ve never had an amaretto sour before here’s what you can expect. Amaretto is an Italian liqueur that tastes like toasted almonds with a slight cherry, or stone fruit, undertone. Any cocktail described as a ‘sour’ is typically made of a base spirit, simple (sugar), and citrus. This Amaretto sour recipe is on the sweeter side but still balanced and not overly boozy. It’s bright and refreshing flavor makes it the perfect summer drink, but you can enjoy it year round.
Related: Mojito, Kentucky Mule, Pisco Sour, Whiskey Sour, Gin Fizz
Table of contents
Amaretto Sour Ingredients
- Amaretto liqueur
- Simple syrup
- Lemon juice
- Cherries and orange for garnish
Depending on what you have available in your pantry you can swap the simple syrup and the lemon juice for homemade sour mix.
How to make an Amaretto Sour
To a cocktail shaker add ice and all ingredients. Shake until the outside of the shaker becomes very cold in your hand (10-15 seconds).
Strain into a chilled coup or over ice in a rocks glass.
Garnish with a cherry (or two) and a orange wedge.
Amaretto Sour Variations
This is a super popular drink with all kinds of fun additions/customizations you can make. Here are a few ideas:
- Use a fruit infused syrup like orange simple syrup to enhance the fresh flavor of the drink.
- Add an additional alcohol flavor like bourbon or whiskey.
- Use Sprite or another lemon-lime flavored carbonated drink, or even plain club soda to top off the cocktail and add a little fizz. If using Sprite add it right before serving so that the soda doesn’t go flat.
More Cocktails to Try
- Espresso Martini
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Homemade Margarita Mix
- Classic Gimlet Cocktail
- Best Mint Mojito Recipe
Modern Amaretto Sour – with Egg White
While the original amaretto sour was introduced to the mid 1970s it was updated in 2021 by bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler with the addition of bourbon and egg white to create a more boozy, rich cocktail.
Cocktails made with egg whites typically have a foamy top. It’s a staple of many vintage cocktails. And while it’s never fully safe to consume raw eggs, it has become a staple of many trendy cocktail menus.
Modern Amaretto Sour Ingredients
- Amaretto liqueur
- Bourbon – cast-strength is recommended
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Egg white
One egg white is roughly one ounce of liquid. You only need half an ounce for one serving so it’s best to make this version two at a time—perfect for a party!
Amaretto Sours; they are fun, they are sweet, they are delicious. Cheers!
Amaretto Sours – Classic & Modern
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Amaretto liqueur
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice about half a lemon
- 1-2 cherries and an orange wedge for garnish
Modern Version
- 1 ½ ounces Amaretto liqueur
- 1 ounce bourbon
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ½ egg white
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker add ice and all ingredients except the garnish.
- Shake until the outside of the shaker becomes very cold in your hand.
- Strain into a coup or over ice in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a cherry (or two) and a orange wedge.