Amaretto Stone Sour Cocktail (Bourbon Almond Citrus Sour)
A smooth and citrus-forward Amaretto Stone Sour made with bourbon, fresh lemon, and orange juice, balanced by the rich almond sweetness of amaretto. This refined take delivers a clean, modern sour with depth and approachability.
An Amaretto Stone Sour is a balanced, citrus-forward cocktail that builds on the whiskey sour by adding orange juice and amaretto. The bourbon provides structure, while the almond notes from the liqueur soften the acidity and add a round, slightly nutty finish.
Background
The Stone Sour is a variation of the Whiskey Sour that rose to popularity in the mid-20th century when orange juice was added to classic sour builds. The amaretto variation became popular later as sweeter, approachable cocktails gained traction, offering a nutty twist on the traditional format.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Bourbon – the backbone that gives the drink structure and warmth
- Amaretto – adds almond sweetness and rounds out the citrus
- Orange Juice – contributes natural sweetness and soft citrus notes
- Lemon Juice – provides acidity to balance the sugars
- Simple Syrup – fine-tunes the sweetness and smooths the drink
No amaretto? Try hazelnut liqueur or a small amount of almond syrup.
Equipment
- Shaker
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Rocks glass
What Makes This Version Work
Balanced Sweetness Without Overload
Using amaretto as a modifier instead of the base prevents the drink from becoming overly sweet while still delivering its signature nutty flavor.
Dual Citrus Structure
Lemon juice provides sharp acidity, while orange juice adds body and natural sweetness, creating a layered citrus profile.
Bourbon as the Anchor
Bourbon keeps the drink grounded, ensuring the sweetness from the amaretto doesn’t overpower the cocktail.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for a drier finish
- Reduce simple syrup if you prefer a sharper drink
- Add an egg white for a richer, frothy texture
- Use blood orange juice for a deeper citrus profile
Helpful Tips
- Shake hard to properly integrate the citrus and liqueur
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness if needed
- Use fresh juice for a cleaner, brighter flavor
- Garnish with a toasted almond or dehydrated orange for added aroma
Amaretto Stone Sour Recipe
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Type of Glass
Rocks Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
Directions
- Add bourbon, amaretto, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice or cherry and serve.
A smooth bourbon sour with a nutty amaretto twist that keeps the citrus bright and the finish clean.
