Sicilian Kiss
The Sicilian Kiss is a simple yet satisfying two-ingredient cocktail, celebrated for its smooth and sweet character. It masterfully blends the stone fruit and spice notes of Southern Comfort with the distinct marzipan-like sweetness of amaretto liqueur. Typically served over ice, it's an approachable and comforting drink that appeals to those with a sweeter palate. Its simplicity in preparation makes it a go-to for a quick, flavorful nightcap or dessert alternative.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Sicilian Kiss is best categorized as a dessert cocktail due to its pronounced sweetness and rich flavor profile, often enjoyed after a meal. It's a simple mixed drink that can also be served as a shooter.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a short Old Fashioned glass, the Sicilian Kiss is a moderately strong but very sweet sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 3 oz / 90 ml (without ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The exact origin of the Sicilian Kiss is unclear, but it likely emerged in the United States during the 1970s or 1980s. This era saw a surge in the popularity of sweet liqueurs like amaretto and Southern Comfort in simple, accessible cocktails. The name is a nod to the Italian heritage of amaretto (Sicily being a prominent Italian region) and the romantic, slightly dangerous mystique popularized by mafia films of the time, such as "The Godfather."
Origin
United States, estimated to be from the 1970s-1980s era.
Sicilian Kiss
The cocktail is almost exclusively known as the Sicilian Kiss, with no widely recognized alternative names.
Original name
Sicilian Kiss
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a pronounced sweet and nutty flavor profile with a rich, smooth texture. The aroma is dominated by almond and vanilla, leading to a warm, lingering aftertaste.
Flavor
Sweet, nutty, almond, marzipan, stone fruit, cherry, vanilla, spice
Aroma
Almond, sweet cherry, vanilla, marzipan
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering, sweet, nutty, warm
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Clear, amber, golden-brown
Texture
Smooth, slightly syrupy, rich
Seasonality
Warming, suitable for all seasons, particularly cozy in cooler weather
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor intensity is moderate to high, heavily skewed towards sweetness and fruitiness, with a noticeable but smooth alcohol presence. It is a straightforwardly sweet and nutty drink without significant complexity.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
Only two key ingredients are needed for this simple cocktail: Southern Comfort and Amaretto liqueur. Using good quality versions of both will enhance the final flavor.
- Southern Comfort1.5 oz / 45 mlA whiskey-based liqueur with fruit and spice flavors.
- Amaretto1.5 oz / 45 mlAn Italian liqueur with a characteristic almond flavor, often made from apricot kernels.
Ice type
- Cubed ice
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is required; the drink is built directly in the serving glass and stirred gently with a bar spoon or similar utensil.
- Bar spoon for stirring
Instructions
Preparation is incredibly simple: just pour both liqueurs over ice in a glass, stir to combine, and garnish if desired. This build-in-glass method makes it one of the easiest cocktails to prepare.
1. Fill an Old Fashioned or rocks glass with cubed ice.
2. Pour 1.5 oz (45 ml) of Southern Comfort over the ice.
3. Pour 1.5 oz (45 ml) of Amaretto into the same glass.
4. Stir the ingredients gently for about 10 seconds to combine and chill.
5. Optionally, garnish with an orange twist or a maraschino cherry before serving.
Garnishing
A garnish is optional, but an orange twist can add a lovely citrus aroma that complements the sweet flavors, or a cherry can enhance its dessert-like quality.
- Orange twist or maraschino cherry (optional)
Dietary Information
This drink is vegan and free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, and gluten. However, it is not considered nut-free as amaretto is almond-flavored and may pose a risk for those with nut allergies.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
Due to the two liqueurs, this cocktail is high in sugar and carbohydrates, contributing a moderate calorie count per serving.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfectly suited as an after-dinner digestif or a liquid dessert. It's also an excellent choice for a relaxed, casual evening at home when you crave something sweet and warming.
- After-dinner drink
- Dessert course
- Casual evening sipping
Pairing suggestions
The Sicilian Kiss pairs wonderfully with desserts that are not overly sweet, such as biscotti, dark chocolate, or a classic New York cheesecake. It also complements the flavor of roasted almonds or pecans. These pairings balance the drink's sweetness and enhance its nutty character.
- Biscotti
- Dark chocolate
- Cheesecake
- Roasted nuts
The Sicilian Kiss: A Sweet and Simple Liqueur Embrace
The Sicilian Kiss is a wonderfully simple and sweet cocktail, ideal as an after-dinner indulgence or for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its charm lies in the harmonious blend of Southern Comfort's fruity spice and amaretto's rich almond essence, resulting in a smooth, warming sipper. Despite its humble, two-ingredient recipe, its evocative name and straightforward nature have cemented its place as a go-to comfort drink. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it delivers a consistently flavorful and satisfying experience.