Introduction
The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a refreshing treat. This vibrant drink, with its sweet almond-like flavor from amaretto and zesty tartness from lemon juice, delivers a balanced, refreshing sip in every glass. Presented in a chilled cocktail glass (or rocks glass), garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry, the Amaretto Sour offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a traditional version adaptable for preferences, ideal for home mixologists seeking a quick, crowd-pleasing cocktail that brings sophisticated, timeless charm to any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Amaretto Sour:
- 2 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothy texture)
- Ice cubes
For Serving:
- Optional: Orange slice, maraschino cherry
- Suggested Accompaniments: Light appetizers (e.g., bruschetta, cheese platter)
- Suggested Pairings: Sparkling water, iced tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass
- Suggested Equipment: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, citrus juicer, chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Ingredients: Juice fresh lemons to yield 1 oz lemon juice. If using simple syrup, ensure it’s prepared (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved over low heat and cooled). Taste the lemon juice and simple syrup mixture (1:1 ratio) to ensure a balanced sweet-tart base; adjust with more syrup or juice if needed.
- Shake Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using). If using egg white, dry shake (without ice) for 10–15 seconds to emulsify. Add ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass filled with ice. Taste a small sip and adjust the sweet-sour balance with a dash of lemon juice or simple syrup if needed.
- Garnish: Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with light appetizers, sparkling water, or iced tea.
Tips for Better Amaretto Sour
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, tartest flavor; bottled juice may dull the taste.
- Taste the lemon juice and simple syrup mixture to balance sweet and tart flavors; adjust before shaking.
- If using egg white, ensure it’s fresh and shake well for a frothy, silky texture.
- Chill the glass in the fridge or with ice water for 5 minutes to keep the drink cold.
- Use a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass for a vibrant presentation, highlighting the golden hue and colorful garnishes.
- Make ahead: Prepare simple syrup and refrigerate up to 1 month; juice lemons fresh for best flavor.
- For a stronger amaretto flavor, increase amaretto to 2.5 oz and reduce simple syrup to 1/4 oz.
- Enhance aesthetic: Present in a chilled glass with an orange slice and cherry for a sophisticated, inviting look.
Variations and Customization
- Non-Alcoholic Amaretto Sour: Replace amaretto with non-alcoholic amaretto syrup or almond extract (1/4 tsp mixed with 2 oz water).
- Vegan Amaretto Sour: Replace egg white with 1/2 oz aquafaba (chickpea brine) for frothy texture.
- Spicy Amaretto Sour: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the shaker for a subtle kick.
- Bourbon Amaretto Sour: Add 1/2 oz bourbon for a deeper, oaky flavor.
- Lime Amaretto Sour: Substitute lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a zestier twist.
- Sweeter Amaretto Sour: Increase simple syrup to 3/4 oz for a sweeter profile.
- Herb-Infused Amaretto Sour: Muddle 2–3 fresh basil leaves in the shaker for a herbaceous note.
- Frozen Amaretto Sour: Blend with 1 cup ice for a slushy variation.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month; shake before using.
- Do not store mixed cocktails, as they lose freshness; prepare fresh for best quality.
- Serve immediately while cold for the best flavor and texture.
- Use as a signature drink for gatherings or as a refreshing treat.
- Pair with light appetizers or sparkling water to complement the sweet-tart flavor.
- Presented in a chilled cocktail glass with vibrant garnishes for a sophisticated, inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 1 serving:
- Calories: 200 kcal (without egg white)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (without egg white)
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 0g (without egg white)
- Vitamin A: 0% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
- Calcium: 0% Daily Value
- Iron: 0% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by amaretto brand and whether egg white is used (adds ~20 kcal and 3g protein). Low in sodium. Pair with light snacks for balance.
Conclusion
This Amaretto Sour recipe offers a sweet-tart cocktail perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a timeless classic. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The balanced almond and citrus flavors delight every sip. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its refreshing, sophisticated appeal.
Amaretto Sour Recipe: Sweet and Tart
Ingredients
- 2 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white optional
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Orange slice maraschino cherry
- Suggested Pairings: Bruschetta sparkling water
Instructions
- Juice lemon; taste lemon juice and simple syrup (1:1) to adjust the sweet-tart balance.
- In a shaker, combine amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using). Dry shake for 10–15 seconds, then add ice and shake for 15–20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass with ice. Taste and adjust.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. Serve with bruschetta and water.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Store simple syrup in the fridge for 1 month; mix the cocktail fresh.
- Try vegan or bourbon variations.
- Pair with a cheese platter.
