Discover the Legend of the Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour

Everything You Need to Know About the Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour likely evolved from the Whiskey Sour during the 19th century. Amaretto, its key ingredient, is an almond-flavored liqueur with a rich history, linked to a legend from the European Renaissance. It's said that a beautiful Italian widow, who served as a model for the artist Bernardino Luini, created a special almond liqueur as a symbol of her affection. This treat is a staple in bars worldwide, enjoyed for its smooth, velvety texture and distinctive nutty taste thanks to its mix of the rich liqueur, sharp fresh lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup to perfectly balance the sour profile.

Amaretto Sour

Prep Time4 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritAmaretto

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Amaretto Liqueur
  • 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 Egg White
  • 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
  • Maraschino Cherry, for garnish
Discover the Legend of the Amaretto Sour

Instructions

  1. Combine amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Dry shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds (without ice) to emulsify the egg white.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Pro Tip
For an extra-smooth texture, double strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve after shaking with ice. This removes any small ice shards or egg white bits, resulting in a perfectly velvety drink.

Amaretto Sour Riff

For a richer and more complex flavor profile, try adding a few dashes of Angostura bitters to your Amaretto Sour. The bitters add a subtle layer of spice and depth, balancing the sweetness of the amaretto and enhancing the overall aroma. You can also experiment with different citrus juices, such as lime or a combination of lemon and orange, for a unique twist.