Understanding the Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet and tangy cocktail that balances almond-flavored liqueur with citrus.
It’s a popular drink that’s easy to make at home.
• 1.5 oz amaretto liqueur
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Optional: 0.5 oz bourbon
• Garnish: Maraschino cherry and orange slice
To make an Amaretto Sour, fill a shaker with ice.
Add amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
The Base Spirit: Amaretto
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur with a distinctive almond flavor.
It’s sweet and nutty, giving the cocktail its signature taste.
The name “amaretto” means “a little bitter” in Italian, though the liqueur is quite sweet.
You can find many brands of amaretto, but Disaronno is one of the most popular.
The liqueur is made from apricot pits or almonds, or a combination of both.
Its alcohol content is typically around 21-28% ABV.
Sweet and Sour Balance
In a great Amaretto Sour, you should balance sweetness with acidity.
Fresh lemon juice gives tartness to cut through the sweet amaretto.
You can also add extra sweetness with simple syrup.
You can use store-bought sweet and sour mix, but making your own is easy and tastes better.
To make your own mix, mix equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup.
For a twist, try adding a splash of lime juice.
Some recipes also include egg white for a silky texture and frothy top.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of bourbon to give the drink more depth and complexity.