Amaretto Stone Sour

The Amaretto Stone Sour is a delightful twist on the well-loved Amaretto Sour. By incorporating orange juice, it tempers the tartness of the lemon and enhances the nutty, sweet notes of the amaretto liqueur. This creates a smoother, more balanced drink with a vibrant citrus profile. It's an easy-drinking cocktail that's perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, fruit-forward beverage.
Amaretto Stone Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Amaretto Stone Sour is classified as a cocktail, specifically a sour. While not as old as some classics, it's considered a modern classic or a classic variation, having been popular since the latter half of the 20th century. It is a direct descendant of the traditional sour formula.

Serving

Serve this medium-sized cocktail cold over fresh ice in a Rocks or Old Fashioned glass. It is a relatively low-alcohol drink, making it a pleasant and easy-sipping option.
Serving size
Approximately 150-180 ml / 5-6 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The "Stone Sour" is a sub-category of sours that includes orange juice, with the name possibly referencing the stone fruits (like peaches and apricots) whose kernels are used to make amaretto. This specific version using amaretto became popular in the 1970s and 80s alongside the Amaretto Sour. It offered a less intense and fruitier alternative that capitalized on the popularity of both amaretto and simple, sweet-and-sour style drinks of the era.
Origin
The Amaretto Stone Sour is an American creation, likely originating in the 1970s. It evolved from the simpler Amaretto Sour as bartenders and home mixologists began experimenting with adding orange juice to soften the drink's sour edge. This period saw a rise in sweeter, more accessible cocktails, and the Stone Sour fit perfectly into that trend.

Amaretto Stone Sour

The name "Amaretto Stone Sour" is quite descriptive, indicating it belongs to the "sour" family of cocktails which balance a spirit with citrus. The "Stone" qualifier specifically refers to the addition of orange juice, a common feature in this sub-category. The name clearly communicates that amaretto is the base spirit in this particular version.
Original name
Amaretto Stone Sour
Alternative name
Stone Sour with Amaretto

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a prominent sweet almond and fresh citrus aroma, with a flavor profile perfectly balanced between the nutty sweetness of amaretto and the bright tartness of lemon and orange juices. Its smooth, juicy texture and clean finish make it incredibly refreshing.
Flavor
Sweet, nutty, almond, orange, lemon, fruity, marzipan
Aroma
Almond, citrus, sweet, orange
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Sweet, clean, short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, pale orange, golden amber
Texture
Smooth, light, juicy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

A balanced and approachable flavor profile where sweet almond and fruity citrus are the stars. It features a gentle sour kick and a low alcohol presence, making it very easy to drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires just three core ingredients: Amaretto liqueur for its nutty sweetness, and fresh lemon and orange juice to provide a balanced citrus sourness. Quality, fresh juices are key to making this simple cocktail shine.
  • Amaretto Liqueur45 ml / 1.5 oz
    The sweet, almond-flavored base of the drink.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best sour taste.
  • Orange Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use fresh, pulp-free orange juice for a smoother texture.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and a strainer, to prepare this drink properly. The equipment ensures the cocktail is well-chilled, diluted, and smooth upon serving.
  • Cocktail Shaker: To chill and mix the ingredients.
  • Jigger or Measuring Tool: For accurate liquid measurement.
  • Strainer: To separate the ice from the liquid when pouring.

Instructions

This is a straightforward "shake and strain" cocktail. Simply combine all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, and strain into an ice-filled glass before adding the garnish.
1. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice to chill it while you mix the drink.
2. Combine the amaretto, fresh lemon juice, and fresh orange juice in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Strain the contents of the shaker into the ice-filled rocks glass.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry before serving.

Garnishing

A classic garnish of a bright orange slice and a sweet maraschino cherry complements the drink's fruity flavors and adds a pop of color. This combination is a signature look for many sour cocktails from its era.
  • Orange Slice: A half-wheel or wedge of orange placed on the rim or in the glass.
  • Maraschino Cherry: A bright red cherry dropped into the finished drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains nuts or nut-like allergens from amaretto, which is made from apricot kernels and/or almonds. It is typically caffeine-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively sugary drink due to the sweet amaretto liqueur and fruit juices, containing around 200 calories and over 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The sugar content is high, contributing significantly to the overall calorie count.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail's approachable and refreshing nature makes it suitable for a wide range of casual occasions. It's an excellent choice for happy hour, backyard parties, or as a cooling drink on a warm summer day. Its fruity sweetness also makes it a potential hit for brunch gatherings.
  • Happy Hour
  • Party
  • Summer Gathering
  • Casual Sipping
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and sour profile of the Amaretto Stone Sour pairs well with salty snacks like nuts or pretzels, which contrast its sweetness. It also complements light appetizers and fresh fruit platters. For dessert, it's a natural match for anything with almonds, such as biscotti or an almond cake.
  • Salty Snacks
  • Light Appetizers
  • Fruit Platters
  • Almond Desserts

Amaretto Stone Sour: A Fruity Twist on a Nutty Classic

The Amaretto Stone Sour is a simple yet satisfying cocktail that builds upon the classic Amaretto Sour by adding the mellow sweetness of orange juice. This addition makes the drink fruitier, more balanced, and incredibly easy to drink. Its straightforward preparation and approachable flavor profile make it a reliable choice for casual entertaining or a relaxed evening drink. Perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and sour cocktail with a prominent nutty, almond character.

Similar Cocktails

Amaretto Sour

The original version, made without orange juice, resulting in a tarter flavor profile.

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