Amaretto Sour Recipes – Few cocktails strike the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and silky-smooth quite like the Amaretto Sour. Beloved for its almond-forward aroma and refreshing citrus kick, this drink has evolved from a simple two-ingredient bar staple into a refined craft cocktail.
Modern versions incorporate fresh lemon juice, high-quality amaretto, and often a touch of bourbon or egg white to create extra depth and texture. Whether you’re mixing drinks for a dinner party, crafting a signature drink for the holidays, or simply craving a well-balanced cocktail at home, this Amaretto Sour Recipe delivers both simplicity and sophistication.
Recipe Overview
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Cuisines: American, Italian-inspired
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Course: Cocktail / Beverage
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Servings: 1 drink
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Calories: Approximately 220–260 calories (varies based on ingredients)
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
For One Cocktail
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2 oz amaretto liqueur (preferably high quality for better flavor)
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1 oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup (optional; adjust depending on sweetness preference)
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½ oz bourbon (optional but recommended for added complexity)
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1 egg white or 1 oz aquafaba (optional, for foam and texture)
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Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
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Garnish: lemon wheel or twist, maraschino cherry (Luxardo preferred)
Equipment
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother finish)
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Whiskey glass or rocks glass
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Citrus juicer
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Small spoon or cocktail pick (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by squeezing fresh lemon juice. Fresh juice is essential—it elevates the drink from flat and syrupy to bright and refreshing. Measure all ingredients using a jigger.
2. Dry Shake (If Using Egg White or Aquafaba)
Add amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, bourbon, and egg white into your cocktail shaker without ice. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.
This step aerates the mixture and creates the classic frothy top.
3. Shake With Ice
Open the shaker, add a handful of ice, and shake again for 10–15 seconds. This chills the drink and slightly dilutes it, enhancing balance.
4. Strain the Cocktail
Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
For a silkier drink, use a fine mesh strainer.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top the drink with a lemon twist or wheel and a maraschino cherry.
Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet almond and tart citrus.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22–30 g |
| Sugars | 20–28 g |
| Protein | 0–1 g |
| Fat | 0–1 g |
| Sodium | 5–10 mg |
| Alcohol (ABV) | ~14–18% |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0–5 mg (higher if using egg white) |
Tips for the Perfect Amaretto Sour
Use Quality Amaretto
The star of the drink is the amaretto itself. Disaronno is classic, but many craft varieties offer more natural almond and stone-fruit notes.
Fresh Citrus Only
Pre-bottled lemon juice lacks the complexity and brightness needed for this drink. Fresh juice transforms the flavor.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste
If you prefer a more tart drink, skip the simple syrup.
For a dessert-like version, keep the syrup and hold the bourbon.
Egg White for Craft-Style Texture
Egg white (or aquafaba) is optional but highly recommended for a velvety finish and beautiful foam cap.
Add Bourbon for a Modern Twist
This addition—popularized by bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler—balances the sweetness of the amaretto and provides depth.
Conclusion
A well-made Amaretto Sour is much more than a sweet bar drink—it’s a balanced, sophisticated cocktail that highlights the beauty of almond liqueur when paired with bright citrus and silky texture. Whether you’re elevating a casual night in or impressing guests with upscale drinks, this recipe is easy to master and endlessly adaptable.
