Simple Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe - The Spruce Eats

• With just three main ingredients and garnishes, this Amaretto Sour is simple to mix at home anytime.
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the cocktail and balances the sweet almond liqueur.
• Luxardo maraschino cherries or spiced brandy cherries add a rich, festive finish.

The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail that emerged from American bars in the 1970s. While its inventor remains a mystery, there is widespread agreement that this is a fantastic drink. Made with just a few ingredients, it's not only easy to mix up, but there are also several tasty variations worth exploring.

How Strong Is an Amaretto Sour?

Although the alcohol content can vary slightly, amaretto typically averages 17 percent ABV (34 proof), making it a relatively light base for a cocktail, especially when compared to whiskey, vodka, and similar spirits. This results in the Amaretto Sour being pleasantly light, with an ABV of around 9 percent (18 proof)—a bit lighter than a glass of wine. An Amaretto Sour with bourbon, however, will have a bit more kick.

What Exactly Is Amaretto Liqueur?

The star of this cocktail is undeniably amaretto. This almond-flavored liqueur with Italian roots features in many drink recipes, but it's rare for it to be the sole spirit in a cocktail like it is in the Amaretto Sour. Because amaretto takes center stage here, it's best to use top-shelf brands. It's also the perfect opportunity to showcase homemade amaretto.

The Key Ingredients in a Great Amaretto Sour Cocktail

Besides amaretto liqueur, here's what you'll need to create the perfect Amaretto Sour:

Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The tart taste of lemon juice balances and accents amaretto's sweet nuttiness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential because the bottled varieties simply won't make a great sour cocktail.

Simple syrup: This recipe calls for optional rich simple syrup—rich means it's made with a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water rather than the traditional 1:1 ratio. You can play with the amounts of simple syrup to create a cocktail that has just the right amount of sweetness for you, but be careful not to overdo it. When using a sweeter amaretto, you might want to skip the simple syrup completely.

Maraschino cherries: Instead of the commonly found bright red, artificially colored maraschino cherries, use real maraschino cherries, such as the Luxardo brand, which boast superior flavor. Alternatively, you can make spiced brandy cherries to garnish your cocktail.

Orange slices: Orange slices enhance the cocktail's appearance and introduce an additional sweet-and-sour element.

Tips for Making Amaretto Sour Cocktail

• Measure accurately - To achieve the delicate balance of sweet and sour that makes this drink special, measure the ingredients carefully using a jigger or shot glass. You may need to adjust the lemon juice or simple syrup as you switch brands of amaretto. After measuring, shake the cocktail over ice for at least 10 seconds, then strain the drink into an old-fashioned glass.
• Make a big batch - The Amaretto Sour is best when shaken over ice, as this process mellows and marries the flavors while aerating the cocktail. For preparing a pitcher for a party, your best approach is to shake a few cocktails in batches (multiply the recipe for as many drinks as your shaker will hold), then strain them into the pitcher. Pour into ice-filled glasses. You can stir a full pitcher, but you must do so vigorously for at least 30 seconds with plenty of ice. To make a six-serving pitcher, use 1 1/2 cups of amaretto, 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and about 1/8 cup of simple syrup. Taste and adjust the lemon juice and syrup as needed.

What You'll Need to Make This Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe A Handy Dandy Citrus Juicer A Sleek Cocktail Shaker A Cocktail Strainer

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