Best Amaretto Sour Recipe – Easy Classic Cocktail

The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail beloved for its delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors. Originating in the 1970s, the Amaretto Sour quickly became a staple in bars and homes alike, thanks to its simplicity and bold flavor profile. The main ingredient, amaretto, is an Italian almond-flavored liqueur that adds a rich sweetness to the drink, which is beautifully balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon juice.

While traditional recipes use bottled sour mix, a modern and more refined version of the Amaretto Sour calls for fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor, making the cocktail feel both sophisticated and refreshingly approachable. Whether you’re preparing drinks for a party or simply unwinding after a long day, mastering this Amaretto Sour recipe will elevate your cocktail repertoire effortlessly.

In this article, you’ll find a detailed guide covering everything from ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, and tips for creating the perfect Amaretto Sour every time.

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Prep Time, Active Time, Resting Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Active Time: 5 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

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Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American

• Course: Beverage / Cocktail

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Servings and Calories

• Servings: 1 cocktail

• Calories: Approximately 220 calories per serving

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Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker

• Jigger (for measuring)

• Strainer

• Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass

• Ice cubes

• Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)

• Bar spoon (optional)

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Amaretto Sour:

• 2 oz Amaretto liqueur

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)

• ½ oz simple syrup (adjust for sweetness preference)

• ½ oz bourbon whiskey (optional for a modern twist)

• Ice cubes

• Garnish: Maraschino cherry and orange slice

Optional for a frothy texture:

• ½ oz egg white (pasteurized for safety)

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Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Amaretto Sour

1. Prepare Your Glass:
   Begin by filling a rocks glass with ice to chill while you prepare the drink.

2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz of amaretto, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, and ½ oz bourbon if using. If you prefer a frothy texture, add ½ oz of egg white at this stage.

3. Dry Shake:
   If you included egg white, shake the mixture without ice first (called a dry shake) for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a smooth foam.

4. Shake with Ice:
   Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture perfectly.

5. Strain and Serve:
   Discard the ice from your rocks glass. Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass filled with fresh ice.

6. Garnish:
   Garnish your Amaretto Sour with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange for a classic presentation.

7. Enjoy:
   Sip slowly and savor the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: The nutritional values can vary depending on the brand of ingredients used and portion sizes.

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Tips for the Best Amaretto Sour

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and overly acidic. Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers vibrant tartness that perfectly complements the sweet amaretto.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your drink a little less sweet, reduce the amount of simple syrup or increase the lemon juice slightly.

• Add Bourbon for Depth: A splash of bourbon adds a rich depth and cuts through the sweetness, creating a more balanced and sophisticated cocktail known as the “Modern Amaretto Sour.”

• Frothy Texture: Adding egg white creates a velvety mouthfeel and an impressive foamy head. Always use fresh, pasteurized eggs for safety.

• Chill Everything: A chilled glass and very cold ingredients help the cocktail maintain its refreshing character longer.

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Variations

• Amaretto Stone Sour: Add a splash of orange juice for a fruity variation that’s even more refreshing.

• Spiced Amaretto Sour: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version perfect for colder seasons.

• Berry Amaretto Sour: Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries in the shaker before adding other ingredients for a fruity twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Amaretto Sour Recipe

This Amaretto Sour recipe is the ultimate guide to creating a cocktail that’s both nostalgic and elegant. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients, yet flexible enough for creative variations. Unlike overly sweet bar versions that rely on artificial sour mix, this homemade version highlights the natural richness of amaretto, balanced beautifully with the zing of real lemon juice.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting to explore cocktails, this recipe will become a go-to for dinner parties, celebrations, or even just a quiet evening at home.

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Final Thoughts

An Amaretto Sour is a classic for good reason — it’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. By using fresh ingredients and understanding a few basic techniques, you can craft a cocktail that’s far superior to the syrupy versions you might find at an average bar. So grab your shaker, squeeze some lemons, and enjoy the luxurious balance of flavors in this delicious Amaretto Sour recipe. Cheers!