Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe
Amaretto Sour Nutrition Facts
Calories:240
Fat:0g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:28g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail that originated in the 1940s in the United States. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy the sweet almond flavor of Amaretto liqueur, which is derived from apricot pits and almonds. The cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it a favorite among many.
- The Amaretto Sour gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s
- It is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or aperitif
- The cocktail is a great introduction to the world of mixology for beginners
How Amaretto Sour Tastes?
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty cocktail. The sweetness of the Amaretto is balanced by the sourness of the lemon juice, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Interesting facts about Amaretto Sour
- The name 'Amaretto' comes from the Italian word 'amaro', which means bitter, and the suffix '-etto', which means little
- Amaretto liqueur is often used in desserts and baking, as well as cocktails
- The Amaretto Sour can be made with a variety of garnishes, including cherries, orange slices, or lemon twists
Ingredients
- Amaretto: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Egg white: 1
- Angostura bitters: 1 dash
- Maraschino cherry: 1
- Orange slice: 1
Amaretto: 2 oz
The star of the show, Amaretto, gives our cocktail a sweet, almondy backbone. It's like the friend who's always there for you—reliable and sweet. Use just the right amount (2 oz), or you might find yourself in a sugary soup or a drink that's too shy to show off its nutty character.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice: 1 oz
Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds that zesty zing and balances the sweetness of Amaretto. It's like a splash of sunshine. Too much could turn our Amaretto Sour into a pucker-fest, while too little would leave it cloyingly sweet.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz
This sweet symphony's composer! It smooths out the tartness of the lemon juice, like a good diplomat. Without it, the drink might be too sharp on the tongue, and the sweetness helps to release the full spectrum of the Amaretto's flavor.
Emma Rose
Egg White: 1
It might sound odd to the uninitiated, but an egg white is like a magic wand, transforming the drink into a silky potion with a frothy crown. Skip it, and you're missing out on that luxurious texture that makes the sour stand out in the crowd.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters: 1 dash
A dash of intrigue. Bitters are like the spice cabinet of the cocktail world. They don't overpower but instead lend an extra layer of complexity that ties everything together. Omit these, and the drink loses a dimension.
Alex Green
Maraschino Cherry: 1
Every cocktail needs a jewel, and our cherry is just that. It's your sweet reward, nestled at the bottom of the glass.
Emma Rose
Orange Slice: 1
The citrus garnish adds a lovely aromatic touch, a hint of extra flavor, and some eye-candy to boot. Leave it out, and the drink just looks lonely.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Amaretto Sour Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white
- Perform a dry shake (without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice
- Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure the egg white is fully emulsified
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
- Chill your glass before serving for a refreshing drink
Perfect Pairings
Snack Pairings
- Salty Nuts & Mixed Olives: The nutty flavor of the amaretto finds a friend in salty snacks like almonds or cashews, while the saltiness of olives cuts through the sweetness of the cocktail.
- Cheese Platter: A platter of strong, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda balances out the sweet and sour notes of the cocktail, making it a delectable counterpart.
- Charcuterie Board: Cured meats accompany the rich and fruity notes, making each sip of your Amaretto Sour followed by a bite of prosciutto an enchanting savory experience.
Dessert Pairings
- Lemon Tart: The zesty lemon flavor complements the sourness of the cocktail and creates a harmonious dessert pairing.
- Almond Biscotti: Dunking the biscotti into the Amaretto Sour adds a lovely almond-soaked treat to enjoy alongside your drink.
- Chocolate Mousse: Rich and airy mousse provides a creamy texture that goes well with the smoothness of the cocktail's egg white froth.
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What you could change in Amaretto Sour
- Amaretto: You can substitute with another almond-flavored liqueur
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used for a different twist
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a natural sweetener
Explore all drinks starting with A here
And of course - twists🍹
The Nutty Professor
- Swap traditional Amaretto for a hazelnut liqueur.
- Recipe remains largely the same. A scholarly swap that'll leave you pondering over the delightful hazelnut notes. It's a brainy twist on a classic that's equally as smooth with a hint of academia.
The Bourbon Sour Turn
- Replace half the Amaretto with Bourbon.
- Shaken, not stirred, James Bond style. This twist is half sweet, half strong, and all class. The bourbon adds an American oak-aged bravado, making it a smoky, sultry twist on the standard sweet.
Sour Cherry Bomb
- Add 0.5 oz of cherry liqueur.
- Stain your egg white pink with a few drops of grenadine for a festive hue. This twist explodes with cherry flavor, taking the classic to a whole other level of tartness and joy. Each sip is like a firework of flavor, celebrating the sweet and sour in perfect harmony.
In case you forgot basics how to make Amaretto Sour
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Amaretto Sour
Can I make Amaretto Sour without alcohol?
Amaretto Sour traditionally contains amaretto, an Italian liqueur. However, for a non-alcoholic version, you can replace amaretto with a non-alcoholic almond syrup.
Where does the Amaretto Sour originate from?
The Amaretto Sour is said to originate from the United States, specifically in the 1940s.
Is there an ideal type of glass to serve an Amaretto Sour in?
An Amaretto Sour is typically served in a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass. However, the choice of glassware can often depend on your personal preference too.
Can I use a blender to make the Amaretto Sour?
A cocktail shaker is the recommended vessel for making the Amaretto Sour to properly blend and chill the ingredients. A blender might not achieve the same texture and temperature.
What is the taste of Amaretto?
Amaretto has a characteristic sweet, slightly bitter taste. It is known for its rich and complex flavor that is reminiscent of almonds and apricots.
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