An Amaretto Sour is one of those quintessential cocktails that brings the sweetness and nuttiness of amaretto liqueur together with the sharpness of lemon juice to create a well balanced, refreshing and totally good looking drink. Perfect for any celebration, this refreshing classic cocktail is simple to make and bound to impress. How to master the perfect Amaretto Sour from novice level to pro at home
How to Make an Amaretto Sour
A good Amaretto Sour would call for some premium sweet amaretto liqueur, lemon juice freshly squeezed with simple syrup and a touch bitters. Our straightforward recipe will ensure you get the right amount of flavorful balance in every single sip.
Ingredients
- Amaretto Liqueur: 1 ½ ounces
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 ounce
- Simple Syrup: ½ ounce
- Angostura Bitters: 1-2 dashes
- Ice: As needed
- Garnish: Lemon wheel and or maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: Amaretto and lemon juice are added to a shaker tin with simple syrup and a subtle dash of Angostura bitters.
- Prep Your Shaker: Fill half a shaker with ice and shake it hard for 15ish seconds until the ingredients are nice and cold.
- Serve: Strain into an old fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with lemon wheel or maraschino cherry on top for extra flair.
- Garnish: Garnish with lemon wheel or maraschino cherry on top for extra flair.
- Taste: Happy medium between sweet and tangy, finished with a subtle metallic line of almond-like sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Classically: This Amaretto Sour tastes best in a chilled glass for maximum refreshment.
- Twist: Make these shots fizzy by adding a splash of club soda on top.
- Fruity accent: When a fruity accent is desired, age with some slices of orange or a sprinkle of grated nutmeg.
- Herbs: Add a rosemary branch to finish.
- Sweet + Tart: Pair with a sweet snack like candied nuts, or pair with tart flavors such as lemon bars to complement this flavor profile.
Tips and Variations
- Omit the rasher of bacon and try this frothy option: 1 egg white shaken vigorously before straining.
- Stronger Kick: A dash of bourbon — for some more depth and complexity.
- Replacing Juice: If needed you can easily swap out lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor profile.
- Sweetener: If you need more than 3 tablespoons of simple syrup to hit your desired sweetness level, then mix in all but the last tablespoon, taste, and adjust.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 20g
Ingredient Substitutes
- Amaretto: Sub Hazelnut liqueur, even easier would be non-alcoholic almond syrup if you have it, but feel free to skip completely; it will still taste great without it.
- Simple Syrup: A teaspoon of sugar or a drop of honey
- Fresh Juice — In a pinch, you could use the bottled lemon juice, but fresh is definitely recommended for best taste.
- Triple Sec – in a pinch, use the zest or juice from an orange
- Heavy Cream: Can substitute with milk or non-dairy creamer, but the texture may be compromised.
- Red Wine: Sub in grape or cranberry juice for non-alcoholic (Can also just use a dark colored juice).
FAQs
Can I lighten up the Amaretto Sour?
Sure, it would be lighter if you either cut back a bit on the simple syrup or use an alternative like sugar-free.
What is the Suggested Serving Glass?
An Amaretto Sour is best-suited for an old-fashioned glass as its naturally that size, and makes it look great too.
What kind of alcohol can you substitute in an Amaretto Sour?
The traditional choice is Amaretto, but you can be creative here and use different liqueurs to create different versions (thought be wary it may drastically alter the flavor).
What should I garnish Amaretto Sour with?
A maraschino cherry and an orange or lemon slice are typical garnishes that add a splash of color and flavor.
What Is The Non-Alcoholic Amaretto Sour?
Replaced with non-alcoholic almond syrup — to make this a mocktail.
Conclusion
Not only is the Amaretto Sour a delightful and dare I say versatile cocktail, it is also yet a simple method to take any gathering to the next level. Sweet, tangy, this drink perfectly represents what a classic traditional cocktail should. So, armed with this simple formula, you can add a bit of class to your next party or just make an amazing beverage for yourself at home. In the meantime, here is to a good times and a pretty enjoyable Amaretto Sour.
Amaretto Sour Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix ingredients
Amaretto and lemon juice are added to a shaker tin with simple syrup and a subtle dash of Angostura bitters.
Prep Your Shaker
Fill half a shaker with ice and shake it hard for 15ish seconds until the ingredients are nice and cold.
Serve
Strain into an old fashioned glass filled with ice.
Garnish
Garnish with lemon wheel or maraschino cherry on top for extra flair.
Taste
Happy medium between sweet and tangy, finished with a subtle metallic line of almond-like sweetness.