Stiletto Whiskey & Amaretto Cocktail
A smooth balance of whiskey, amaretto, and fresh lemon juice, the Stiletto Whiskey & Amaretto Cocktail is a simple mixed drink with rich nutty sweetness and a bright citrus edge. Served over ice in a whisky tumbler and finished with a lemon wheel, it’s an easy yet refined choice for fans of whiskey sours and almond‑forward flavors.

What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Whiskey — bold base with oak and vanilla depth.
- Amaretto — sweet almond liqueur that softens the whiskey.
- Lemon juice — fresh acidity for balance.
- Lemon wheel — garnish for aroma and presentation.
Equipment
- Whisky tumbler (old‑fashioned glass)
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Ice — fresh cubes
Why This Drink Works
- Combines whiskey’s warmth with amaretto’s nutty sweetness.
- Balanced by lemon juice for a whiskey sour–style profile.
- Simple to build directly in the glass — no shaker required.
- Elegant but approachable for both whiskey lovers and casual drinkers.
Substitutions & Variations
- Whiskey → Bourbon: Sweeter, rounder finish.
- Whiskey → Rye: Adds spice and a drier bite.
- Amaretto → Hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico): Different nut profile with toasted notes.
- Lemon juice → Lime juice: Brighter, slightly sharper acidity.
- Build over crushed ice: Lighter dilution and a more refreshing style.
Helpful Tips
- If you can, use fresh citrus — bottled juice flattens the drink.
- Express the lemon wheel garnish lightly over the glass before dropping it in.
- For batching: multiply ingredients ×N, add 20–25% cold water, chill for 2–4 hours, and serve over fresh ice with garnish.
- Keep proportions tight — too much amaretto can overwhelm the balance.
- Works as a dinner‑party sipper; pair with roasted nuts or charcuterie.
Stiletto Recipe
Type of Glass
Whisky Tumbler
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz.
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
Directions
- Fill a whisky tumbler with fresh ice cubes.
- Pour in whiskey, amaretto, and fresh lemon juice.
- Stir gently to combine and chill.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and serve.
The Stiletto is a sharp yet smooth classic—simple to build, memorable to sip, and always balanced between warmth and brightness.