Amaretto Sour
A sweet almond liqueur sour balanced with bourbon and lemon.
Drink details
Glass
Old Fashioned Glass
Ice
Cubed
Method
Shaken
Strength
Medium
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Amaretto
45 ml
Bourbon
20 ml
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed
30 ml
Simple Syrup
OptionalAdd to taste if a sweeter drink is preferred.
5 ml
Egg White
Optional1 piece
Garnish
Lemon Peel
1 piece
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
If using egg white, dry shake (shake without ice) all ingredients first to create a smooth foam. If not using egg white, skip this step.
- 2
Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- 3
Strain over fresh ice and garnish with the lemon peel.
About the Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet and tangy cocktail built around the distinctive almond-like flavor of amaretto. Fresh lemon juice provides the acidity needed to balance the liqueur's sweetness, while bourbon adds strength, depth and a drier whiskey character. The result is a richer and more balanced take on the simple combination of amaretto and lemon.
What does an Amaretto Sour taste like?
An Amaretto Sour tastes sweet, nutty and citrusy. Amaretto provides its characteristic almond and stone-fruit notes, while fresh lemon juice adds bright acidity and bourbon contributes a warm, slightly oaky whiskey character. The result is smooth and refreshing, with enough acidity and spirit character to prevent the drink from tasting overly sweet.
Tips for making an Amaretto Sour
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Shake the cocktail thoroughly with ice to chill and dilute it properly, then taste the balance before serving. If the drink tastes too sweet, add a little more fresh lemon juice. If it tastes too sharp, a small amount of simple syrup can restore the balance.
Substitutions & Variations
No bourbon?
Another whiskey can be used instead. A mild rye whiskey will make the drink slightly drier and spicier, while a blended whiskey can provide a softer, more neutral result. You can also leave the whiskey out entirely for a simpler Amaretto Sour with a sweeter, more pronounced almond character. If you want to stay closest to this recipe's balance, bourbon is the best choice.
No fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lime juice can be used, but it will noticeably change the character of the drink, giving it a sharper and slightly more aromatic citrus profile. Bottled lemon juice is less suitable because it generally lacks the bright, fresh acidity of freshly squeezed juice. For the classic Amaretto Sour flavor, fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended.
No egg white?
The egg white is optional and can simply be omitted. The cocktail will have less foam and a slightly lighter texture, but the overall flavor will remain largely unchanged. For a similar foamy texture without egg white, aquafaba can be used as an alternative.
Want to adjust the sweetness?
Amaretto brands vary in sweetness, so adjust the drink to taste. If the cocktail is too sweet, add a little more fresh lemon juice. If it is too tart, add a small amount of simple syrup. Make small adjustments, as even a few milliliters can noticeably change the balance of the drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need egg white in an Amaretto Sour?
No. Egg white is optional and does not significantly change the cocktail's main flavors. Its purpose is primarily to give the drink a smoother, fuller texture and a layer of foam on top. Without egg white, the Amaretto Sour will still taste good but will have a lighter texture and little or no foam. If you use egg white, dry shake the ingredients without ice first, then add ice and shake again.
Why is bourbon added to an Amaretto Sour?
Bourbon balances the sweetness of the amaretto and gives the cocktail more structure and depth. Its whiskey character adds warmth and subtle oak and vanilla notes, while its higher alcohol content prevents the drink from tasting like a simple mixture of sweet almond liqueur and lemon. You can make an Amaretto Sour without bourbon, but the result will generally be sweeter, softer and more dominated by the amaretto.
Why is my Amaretto Sour too sweet?
Amaretto is a sweet liqueur, and different brands can vary in sweetness. If your Amaretto Sour tastes too sweet, add a little more freshly squeezed lemon juice to increase the acidity. You can also reduce or omit the optional simple syrup. Make small adjustments and taste as you go, as a few milliliters of lemon juice can noticeably change the balance.
Why is my Amaretto Sour too sour?
The balance can become too tart if your lemons are particularly acidic or if the proportions are slightly different when measuring. Add a small amount of simple syrup to soften the acidity without significantly changing the cocktail's character. Start with only a few milliliters, shake briefly again and taste before adding more.
What type of amaretto is best for an Amaretto Sour?
A good-quality amaretto with a clear almond-like character works best. Different brands vary in sweetness, intensity and flavor, so the choice will influence the finished cocktail. A sweeter amaretto may require slightly more lemon juice, while a less sweet or more intensely flavored one may need little or no additional simple syrup. Disaronno is a widely available classic choice, but other amaretti can work equally well.
What should an Amaretto Sour taste like?
A well-balanced Amaretto Sour should be sweet, tart, nutty and refreshing rather than overwhelmingly sugary. The amaretto should provide the dominant almond and stone-fruit character, fresh lemon should add noticeable acidity, and the bourbon should contribute warmth and depth without overpowering the liqueur. If egg white is used, the cocktail should also have a smooth, lightly foamy texture.
