Simple Amaretto Sour Recipe

A classic cocktail with just two simple ingredients, the Amaretto Sour is a delightful blend of sweet almond and tart citrus flavors.

Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail alongside others such as the Long Island Iced Tea and the Tequila Sunrise. Order one at any bar and you should be in luck!

Whether you’re looking for a nightcap to round out the evening or a quick and easy party drink to share with friends, this simple drink fits the bill! With a hint of sour while staying bright and refreshing, this cocktail is perfect for any time of year.

The name Amaretto Sour refers to the ingredients of the drink, of which there are only two: amaretto liqueur and sweet & sour. The sweet, slightly syrupy almond liquor is perfectly complimented by the tart citrus of the sour mix.

What is Amaretto?

Amaretto is a sweet almond-flavored liqueur that originated in Saronno, Italy. The almond flavor comes from a compound known as benzaldehyde, which is present in almonds, apricot kernels, and peach stones, all of which can be used to produce amaretto.

If you’ve ever tasted baked goods made with almond extract or sampled sweet marzipan candy, then you’ll have a very good idea of what amaretto liqueur tastes like.

Amaretto Sour Ingredients

• 2 ounces Amaretto Liqueur
• 4 ounces Sour Mix
• 1 Maraschino Cherry

Helpful Bartending Tools

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• Cocktail Jigger (for measuring liquor amounts)
• Boston Cocktail Shaker Set (contains shakers, jigger, strainer)
• Bar Spoon (traditional tool for stirring cocktails)

Instructions

1. Fill a tall cocktail glass with ice.
2. Pour in the amaretto.
3. Top with sour mix.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Prep Tips

• The classic garnish for an amaretto sour is a maraschino cherry. You can also add or swap with a lemon wedge or orange slice.
• Try adding ginger ale to the mix to give the classic amaretto sour an effervescent effect. Instead of sour mix alone, I use a blend of half sour mix and half ginger ale as my mixer. It’s delicious and gives the drink a lighter mouthfeel.
• Amaretto is also commonly enjoyed by itself, on the rocks, as a dessert drink or after dinner cordial. It also mixes well with cola or cherry cola if you are curious to try other simple amaretto cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Alcohol Is In Amaretto?

In the world of spirits, amaretto is on the weaker end of the spectrum as far as alcohol content. Amaretto is usually about 21% alcohol, or 40 proof, compared to 80 proof of most hard spirits such as vodka.

Can You Drink Amaretto With A Nut Allergy?

Yes, and no. It depends on the brand of amaretto and what it is made from. Disaronno is one of the most well-known producers of amaretto and states that it’s Disaronno Originale is nut-free and not made from almonds at all. If allergies are a concern, you’ll want to check labels or the websites of any specific brand you want to try.

Amaretto Sour Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

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