Amaretto Sour – The Italian Original
The Amaretto Sour is Italy’s sweet-tart gift to cocktail culture. Made with amaretto and fresh lemon juice, this velvety drink balances almond sweetness with bright citrus. Smooth, aromatic, and universally appealing.
Few cocktails achieve the instant comfort of the Amaretto Sour. Born from Italian liqueur traditions and perfected in American bars, it delivers a rich almond sweetness cut by fresh lemon acidity. Each sip is a silky balance of sweet and bright.
Background
The Amaretto Sour rose to popularity in the 1970s with the arrival of amaretto brands like Disaronno. Its roots stretch to the Renaissance, when Italian liqueurs were crafted from almond and apricot kernels for aroma and sweetness. Early recipes paired amaretto with lemon for a simple, elegant drink that remains a crowd favorite.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Amaretto (1½ oz) – Sweet and nutty Italian liqueur, the foundation of the cocktail.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 oz) – Adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Simple syrup (¼ oz, optional) – Smooths sharp citrus edges if desired.
- Egg white (optional) – Adds foam and creaminess.
- Garnish: orange slice and cherry.
Equipment
Shaker, strainer, whiskey sour glass.
Why You’ll Love It
This cocktail is both nostalgic and timeless. It’s a gateway for those who prefer gentle, dessert-adjacent drinks but still want real fresh citrus snap. Elegant on its own and perfect for casual evenings or holiday service.
Substitutions & Variations
- Add ¾ oz bourbon for the modern bar variant (Morgenthaler style) with deeper spice and complexity.
- Swap lemon for lime for a sharper profile.
- Add a dash of aromatic bitters to reduce sweetness and enhance depth.
Helpful Tips
Shake hard for proper aeration and foam if using egg white. Serve immediately. Use freshly squeezed lemon only.
Conclusion:
A true Amaretto Sour is equal parts comfort and craft – Italy’s almond sweetness meeting lemon’s bright edge in perfect harmony.
Amaretto Sour Recipe
Type of Glass
Whiskey Sour Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 1/4 oz.
- 1 oz. (optional)
Directions
- Combine amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake firmly for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a whiskey sour glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and, optionally, a cherry.
- (Optional) Add egg white before shaking for a silky texture and foam top.
A true Amaretto Sour is equal parts comfort and craft – Italy’s almond sweetness meeting lemon’s bright edge in perfect harmony.
