Amaretto Cranberry Kiss
The Amaretto Cranberry Kiss is a beautifully balanced and visually appealing drink. It combines the characteristic sweet, nutty flavor of almond liqueur with the clean profile of vodka, which acts as a neutral base to let the other ingredients shine. The cranberry juice provides a tart backbone and a lovely crimson hue, while a splash of orange juice adds a touch of citrusy sweetness and complexity. It's an easy-drinking cocktail that is both refreshing and comforting.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Amaretto Cranberry Kiss is classified as a contemporary cocktail. It's a modern creation, likely developed as a fruity and accessible variation of other amaretto or vodka-based drinks. Its simple preparation and sweet-tart profile make it a popular choice in casual and festive settings.
Serving
This drink is served chilled and straight up in a standard cocktail or coupe glass. Its alcohol content is moderate, making it a pleasant and approachable sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This cocktail doesn't have a specific, documented origin story but is considered a modern variation of the "Amaretto Kiss" or a cousin to drinks like the Cape Codder. It likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century as bartenders and home enthusiasts experimented with amaretto's versatility. Its popularity often peaks during the autumn and winter holidays due to its festive color and flavor profile, which pairs well with seasonal celebrations.
Origin
The precise origin is unknown, but it is a modern American creation, likely emerging in the 1990s or 2000s. It follows the trend of simple, fruity vodka-based cocktails that are easy to mix and enjoy. There is no single bar or bartender credited with its invention.
Amaretto Cranberry Kiss
This cocktail is most commonly known as the Amaretto Cranberry Kiss. Alternative names like Cranberry Amaretto Kiss simply rearrange the primary flavors for emphasis. The name "Almond Cranberry Kiss" is a more descriptive alternative, highlighting the core flavor of the amaretto liqueur.
Original name
Amaretto Cranberry Kiss
Alternative names
- Cranberry Amaretto Kiss
- Almond Cranberry Kiss
Characteristics overview
This cocktail presents a vibrant reddish-pink hue with a smooth texture and a sweet almond aroma. The flavor is a delightful balance of nutty sweetness from the amaretto and fruity tartness from the cranberry and orange.
Flavor
Sweet, Tart, Nutty, Almond, Cranberry, Citrusy
Aroma
Almond, Orange, Fruity
Taste balance
Sweet-Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Fruity, Lingering almond
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pink, Reddish, Translucent
Texture
Smooth, Crisp, Clean
Seasonality
Festive, Autumnal, Wintery, Refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is led by prominent sweetness and fruitiness, balanced by a pleasant sourness from the cranberry. It is a smooth, non-carbonated drink with a noticeable but not overwhelming alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires two spirits, amaretto and vodka, along with two fruit juices, cranberry and orange. All ingredients are readily available and standard for a well-stocked bar.
- Amaretto45 ml / 1.5 ozAn Italian almond-flavored liqueur that provides the drink's signature nutty sweetness.
- Vodka30 ml / 1 ozA neutral vodka works best to not interfere with the other flavors.
- Cranberry Juice60 ml / 2 ozUse a good quality cranberry juice cocktail or 100% cranberry juice for a tarter flavor.
- Orange Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is preferred for a brighter citrus note.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, along with a strainer to pour the finished drink without ice. A jigger is essential for accurate measurement.
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh)
Instructions
This cocktail is made by shaking all liquid ingredients with ice to chill and combine them. The mixture is then strained into a pre-chilled glass and garnished before serving.
1. Chill a cocktail or coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
3. Add the amaretto, vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice to the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass.
7. Garnish with an orange twist or fresh cranberries and serve immediately.
Garnishing
An orange twist is the classic garnish, as its aromatic oils complement the drink's flavors beautifully. For a more festive look, a skewer of fresh cranberries adds a pop of color.
- Orange twist: Express the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
- Fresh cranberries: Skewer a few fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick and place it across the rim.
Dietary Information
This drink contains amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur, making it unsuitable for those with nut allergies. While vegetarian, it may not be vegan depending on the specific liqueur and sugar processing methods used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This drink has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and the high sugar content of the amaretto and fruit juices. It is a relatively high-carb and high-sugar cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 17-21 g
Sugar level
Occasions
With its festive red color and balanced sweet-tart flavors, this cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and winter celebrations. It's also an excellent choice for a casual cocktail hour or any social gathering where an easy-drinking, flavorful option is desired.
- Holiday Party
- Festive Gathering
- Cocktail Hour
- Winter Celebration
Pairing suggestions
The Amaretto Cranberry Kiss pairs well with a variety of light foods. Its sweet and nutty profile complements cheese platters, especially those with mild, creamy cheeses. It also serves as a wonderful companion to festive desserts like fruit tarts or holiday cookies, cutting through richness with its tart finish.
- Light appetizers
- Cheese and nut platters
- Holiday cookies and desserts
- Fruit tarts
The Sweet and Tart Charm of the Amaretto Cranberry Kiss
The Amaretto Cranberry Kiss is a vibrant and accessible contemporary cocktail, perfect for festive occasions. Its strength lies in its simplicity, combining the rich, nutty sweetness of amaretto with the clean kick of vodka and the tartness of cranberry. A hint of orange juice brightens the overall profile, creating a drink that is both easy to make and delightful to sip. Served chilled in a cocktail glass, it’s a visually striking drink that offers a satisfying balance of sweet, sour, and fruity notes.
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