When you want a simple, lightly boozy dessert cocktail, try an Amaretto Sour. This classic has two approaches: a straightforward three-ingredient version or a modern take with silky egg white. Either way, these Amaretto Sour recipes are sure to delight. For those new to the Amaretto Sour, imagine a sip of Italy itself.
Amaretto, an almond-kissed liqueur, lends its warm, nutty sweetness. The drink leans sweet, yet remains balanced, never overpowering with alcohol. Bright and refreshing, it carries a lightness perfect for summer afternoons. Still, its charm lingers through every season, inviting enjoyment all year long.
Amaretto Sour Ingredients
Simple syrup
Amaretto Liqueur
Lemon Juice
Cherries and Orange for Garnish
Variations
This beloved drink invites endless creativity, each sip a chance to play.
A fruit-infused syrup, like bright orange, can lift the flavors even higher.
A splash of bourbon or whiskey adds depth, a whisper of warmth.
Top it with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a lively fizz.
If using soda, pour it just before serving so the bubbles dance fresh and lively.
Amaretto Sour with Egg White/Modern Amaretto
The Amaretto Sour first appeared in the mid-1970s, a sweet and simple classic. In 2021, bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler reimagined it, adding bourbon and egg white for richness and depth.
Egg whites give cocktails a frothy, silky crown, a signature of vintage drinks. Though raw eggs carry a gentle risk, their foam has become a hallmark of modern cocktail artistry.
Modern Amaretto Sour Ingredients
Bourbon
Amaretto liqueur
Lemon juice
Egg white
Simple syrup
A single egg white holds about an ounce of liquid, but each cocktail needs only half an ounce.
Making two servings at once is ideal—just right for sharing at a gathering.
Notes whisper a few secrets for crafting the perfect Amaretto Sour.
A homemade sour mix can replace lemon juice and simple syrup, adding a personal touch.
For the modern version, dry-shake the ingredients first, no ice, for 10–15 seconds.
Then add ice and shake until the cocktail chills, coaxing the egg white into a frothy crown.
Each egg white measures about an ounce, yet only half is needed per drink.
Making two at once turns this ritual into a shared celebration, perfect for any gathering.
What You Need To Make an Amaretto Sour
2 ounces Amaretto liqueur
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce lemon juice (about half a lemon)
1-2 cherries and an orange wedge (for garnish)
Modern Version
1 ½ ounces Amaretto liqueur
1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup
½ egg white
Instructions on How to Make an Amaretto Sour
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and all ingredients, leaving the garnish aside.
Shake vigorously until the metal chills beneath your hand.
Strain into a coupe glass or pour over ice in a rocks glass.
Finish with a cherry—or two—and a bright orange wedge for flair.
