Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour is a classic that has been magnificently revitalized by the modern craft cocktail movement. Evolving from a simple 1970s mix of liqueur and sour mix, it is now celebrated for its sophisticated balance. The contemporary recipe, often including bourbon for depth and an egg white for a rich, velvety texture, creates a complex and visually stunning drink. It's a testament to how fresh ingredients and proper technique can transform a simple concept into an elegant experience.
Amaretto Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Amaretto Sour is a quintessential member of the 'sour' family of cocktails. Sours are defined by a core structure of a base spirit, a citrus element for sourness, and a sweetening agent for balance.

Serving

The Amaretto Sour is served cold in an Old Fashioned (or rocks) glass, typically over a single large ice cube to minimize dilution. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it approachable yet satisfying.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
18-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Originating in the 1970s in the USA, the Amaretto Sour initially capitalized on the popularity of Italian liqueurs but was often made with commercial sour mix. Its reputation suffered until bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler reinvented it around 2011. By adding cask-strength bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and egg white, he created a balanced, complex version that restored the drink's prestige and made it a staple in modern cocktail bars.
Origin
United States, 1970s. The modern, craft version was popularized in the early 2010s.

Amaretto Sour

The drink is universally known as the Amaretto Sour. Modern versions that include bourbon are sometimes referred to as a Bourbon Amaretto Sour or Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour, named after the bartender who popularized the recipe.
Original name
Amaretto Sour
Alternative name
Bourbon Amaretto Sour

Characteristics overview

The drink boasts a complex flavor profile where nutty sweetness meets sharp citrus, all enveloped in a luxurious, velvety texture from the egg white foam. Its enticing aroma of almond and lemon makes it a refreshing and satisfying cocktail suitable for any season.
Flavor
nutty, almond, citrusy, tart, marzipan, rich, balanced sweet and sour, vanilla, oak
Aroma
almond, lemon zest, cherry, stone fruit, vanilla
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
smooth, lingering almond, clean, warming
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
cloudy pale gold, opaque, thick white foam head
Texture
velvety, silky, rich, smooth, creamy
Seasonality
all-season, refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is a pronounced interplay between sour and sweet, with a rich creaminess and moderate alcohol strength. It is a well-balanced, still cocktail with a flavor profile that is robust but not overwhelming.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires amaretto liqueur, bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white. Using high-quality spirits and fresh juice is key to achieving the perfect balance.
  • Amaretto45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A quality amaretto like Luxardo or Disaronno is recommended.
  • Bourbon22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A high-proof or cask-strength bourbon adds depth and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Simple Syrup5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your amaretto.
  • Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Creates the signature foam. Can be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version or omitted entirely.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking, one large cube or sphere for serving.

Mixing equipments

A cocktail shaker, jigger, and a set of strainers are essential tools for this drink. Double straining is recommended to ensure a silky-smooth texture free of ice chips.
  • Cocktail shaker for combining and chilling ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement of liquids.
  • Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer for double straining.

Instructions

The preparation involves a two-step shaking process: a dry shake without ice to build foam, followed by a wet shake with ice to chill and dilute. Double straining into a glass with fresh ice ensures a perfect serve.
1. Add all ingredients (amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white) to a cocktail shaker WITHOUT ice.
2. Seal the shaker and perform a 'dry shake' vigorously for about 15 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white and creates a rich foam.
3. Open the shaker, fill it with cubed ice, and seal it again.
4. Perform a 'wet shake' by shaking hard for another 10-12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Double-strain the cocktail (using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer) into a chilled Old Fashioned glass containing a large ice cube.
6. Express a lemon peel over the drink's surface, then add the peel and a cherry as a garnish.

Garnishing

Garnish with an expressed lemon twist for a bright, citrus aroma and a high-quality cherry for visual appeal. Some also add a few drops of Angostura bitters onto the foam for an aromatic garnish.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils.
  • Brandied or Luxardo Maraschino cherry.

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains egg and alcohol. Amaretto is almond-flavored and may contain nuts, posing a risk for those with nut allergies. A vegan version can be made by substituting aquafaba for egg white.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric cocktail, with most of its calories and carbohydrates derived from the amaretto and simple syrup. The sugar content is noticeable but balanced by the sour lemon juice.
Calories
Approximately 280 kcal / 1172 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile cocktail is an excellent choice for a variety of settings, from sophisticated cocktail parties to relaxed happy hours. Its balance of sweet and sour makes it a suitable aperitif, while its rich texture and nutty flavor allow it to double as a delightful dessert cocktail.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Aperitif
  • Dessert Cocktail
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The Amaretto Sour's nutty and sweet-tart profile pairs beautifully with desserts that echo its almond flavor, such as biscotti. It also provides a wonderful contrast to savory and salty items like charcuterie boards, cheese, and roasted nuts, making it a versatile companion to appetizers.
  • Almond-based desserts like biscotti or macarons.
  • Charcuterie and cheese boards.
  • Salty roasted nuts, especially Marcona almonds.
  • Light appetizers.

Amaretto Sour: A Tale of Sweet and Sour Sophistication

The Amaretto Sour is a sophisticated cocktail that perfectly balances the sweet, nutty notes of amaretto with the sharpness of fresh lemon and the complex depth of bourbon. Its defining characteristic is the rich, velvety texture and thick foam head created by a well-shaken egg white, which elevates the drinking experience. Evolving from a simple mix to a craft cocktail staple, this drink is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and thoughtful technique. It is a versatile and elegant choice suitable for any occasion that calls for a truly memorable drink.

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