Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour
Jeffrey Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour revolutionised a cocktail once relegated to the disco era. By adding high-proof bourbon to cut the sweetness of the amaretto and fresh lemon juice for bright acidity, it creates a perfectly balanced drink. The inclusion of egg white provides a silky mouthfeel and a beautiful foam cap. This recipe has become the gold standard for how an Amaretto Sour should be made.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This drink is a modern classic cocktail. It's a reinterpretation of the traditional sour category, updating a well-known but often poorly-made drink. Its balance and use of quality ingredients have made it a staple in contemporary mixology.
Serving
Served cold in an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube, this is a substantial but not overly large drink. Its alcohol content is moderate, making it a pleasant sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
Created in the early 2010s by bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler in Portland, Oregon, this recipe was a direct response to the cloyingly sweet Amaretto Sours of the 70s and 80s made with sour mix. Morgenthaler's goal was to apply classic cocktail principles to the drink, balancing the sweet almond liqueur with strong whiskey and fresh citrus. His version quickly became iconic, single-handedly reviving the drink's reputation.
Origin
USA, Portland, Oregon, circa 2012.
Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour
The drink is primarily known by its creator's name, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, to distinguish it from older, often overly sweet versions. It is frequently cited as the 'best' or definitive modern recipe for an Amaretto Sour. This name highlights its specific and improved formulation.
Original name
Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour
Alternative names
- Jeffrey Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour
- Best Amaretto Sour
Characteristics overview
This sour presents a balanced sweet and sour profile with rich flavors of almond and oak, complemented by a silky, velvety texture from the egg white. Its aroma is a delightful mix of sweet nuts and fresh citrus.
Flavor
Almond, Marzipan, Vanilla, Oak, Citrus, Cherry
Aroma
Sweet almond, Lemon zest, Whiskey spice
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Lingering, Sweet, Nutty, Clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Golden amber, Cloudy, Thick white foam top
Texture
Silky, Velvety, Creamy, Rich
Seasonality
Year-round, Comforting, Refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is a beautiful balance of sweetness from amaretto, sharp sourness from lemon, and a subtle alcoholic strength from bourbon. The high creaminess from the foam makes it exceptionally smooth.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need Amaretto, a strong cask-proof bourbon, fresh lemon juice, a touch of rich simple syrup, and an egg white. The combination of amaretto and bourbon is the signature of this modern classic.
- Amaretto45 ml / 1.5 ozA quality brand like Disaronno or Luxardo works well.
- Cask-Proof Bourbon22.5 ml / 0.75 ozA high-proof bourbon (like Booker's or Wild Turkey 101) is key to cutting the sweetness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Rich Simple Syrup (2:1)5 ml / 1 tspAdjust to taste, depending on the sweetness of your amaretto.
- Egg White15 ml / 0.5 ozCan be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for shaking, One large cube or sphere for serving
Mixing equipments
This cocktail requires a shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, and a strainer to ensure a smooth, foamy result. Accurate measurement is key to achieving the perfect balance.
- Cocktail shaker for shaking ingredients
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Strainer (Hawthorne and fine mesh) for a smooth pour
Instructions
The key technique is the "dry shake" followed by a "wet shake" to build a rich, stable foam. Double straining ensures a silky-smooth texture in the final drink.
1. Combine amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.
2. "Dry shake" (shake without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
3. Add a generous amount of cubed ice to the shaker.
4. "Wet shake" (shake with ice) hard for another 10-15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Place a large ice cube or sphere in a chilled Old Fashioned glass.
6. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the glass.
7. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink.
8. Garnish with the lemon twist and a brandied cherry.
Garnishing
Garnish with an expressed lemon twist to add bright citrus aromatics, and a brandied cherry for a classic visual touch and complementary flavor.
- Lemon twist, express oils over the drink and place on top
- Brandied cherry, drop one into the drink or place on a pick
Dietary Information
This cocktail contains alcohol, egg, and almond liqueur. It can be made vegan and egg-free by substituting aquafaba for the egg white.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the amaretto and simple syrup. The total values can vary based on the specific brands and proportions used.
Calories
Averagely 250-300 kcal / 1046-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-23 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is versatile enough for a sophisticated happy hour or as an elegant after-dinner digestif. Its comforting, nutty-sweet flavor also makes it perfect for a cozy evening at home.
- Happy Hour
- Dinner Party
- After-Dinner Drink
- Cozy Night In
Pairing suggestions
The nutty and sweet-sour profile of the drink pairs wonderfully with almond-based desserts like biscotti. It also contrasts nicely with the saltiness of cured meats and aged cheeses. For a truly decadent pairing, try it with dark chocolate.
- Biscotti or almond cookies
- Charcuterie board with salty meats
- Aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino
- Dark chocolate desserts
The Gold Standard: Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour
Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour is the definitive modern version of a once-maligned classic, showcasing perfect balance and sophisticated flavor. The genius addition of high-proof bourbon cuts through the sweetness, while the egg white gives it an irresistibly silky texture and beautiful foamy head. It's a testament to how thoughtful technique and quality ingredients can elevate a simple concept into a world-class cocktail. This recipe is a must-try for any cocktail lover, offering a rich, complex, and satisfying experience.
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