Vivian Marlowe
The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail that emerged from American bars in the 1970s. It is a type of sour, a mixed drink made with a base spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The drink is the most popular cocktail made with Amaretto, an Italian liqueur that is typically flavoured with almonds or apricot stones. The cocktail's sweetness comes from the Amaretto and simple syrup, while the sour element comes from lemon or lime juice. Some recipes also include egg whites, which add a frothy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Alcohol | Amaretto liqueur |
| ABV | 17% on average, ranging from 20% to 28% |
| Base Spirit | Bourbon |
| Sour Element | Lemon juice |
| Sweetener | Simple syrup |
| Optional Ingredients | Egg white, bitters, maple syrup |
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What You'll Learn
Amaretto liqueur
Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with an almond flavour. The name "amaretto" means "a little bitter" in Italian, and the drink is typically made using either almonds or apricot stones. It has a relatively low alcohol content of around 20-28% ABV.
The distinctive flavour of amaretto lends itself well to cocktails, especially those that benefit from both depth and sweetness. One of the most popular cocktails made with amaretto is the Amaretto Sour, which was introduced to the public in 1974. This drink typically includes amaretto, lemon juice, egg white, and simple syrup, all shaken together and served over ice. Sometimes, bitters and bourbon are also added to give the cocktail a bit more depth and a punch.
The original Amaretto Sour recipe only included two ingredients: amaretto and lemon juice. This is because the amaretto itself provided enough sugar to balance the citrus, serving as both the base spirit and the sweetener. However, as the cocktail gained popularity, many recipes began to include additional sweeteners such as simple syrup or maple syrup. Modern recipes often include egg whites to give the drink a silky texture and a frothy, foamy head.
To make an Amaretto Sour, you will need a cocktail shaker. Add the egg white, amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon (if using) to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds without ice, then fill the shaker with ice and shake for an additional 15 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry and an orange or lemon wedge.
Amaretto can also be used in a variety of other cocktails, such as the French Connection (amaretto and Cognac), the IBA Tiki (a blend of rums, amaretto, Frangelico, maraschino, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, and lime juice), and the Nutcracker Martini (amaretto, dark creme de cacao, vodka, and Irish cream). It is also sometimes used as a substitute for Orgeat syrup or added to coffee.
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Lemon juice
The original Amaretto Sour recipe was a simple mix of two parts amaretto liqueur to one part lemon juice. This combination provided the perfect balance of sweet and sour, with the lemon juice adding a bright, tart flavour.
Over time, the recipe evolved, and modern interpretations often include egg whites to create a silky texture and a frothy, foamy head. Some recipes also call for the addition of simple syrup to enhance the cocktail's sweetness, and bitters to add complexity.
When making an Amaretto Sour, fresh lemon juice is always preferred over bottled juice, as it provides a brighter, more vibrant flavour. The cocktail is typically prepared in a cocktail shaker, with ice, and strained into a chilled glass filled with ice. It is then garnished with a cherry and an orange or lemon wedge, or a lemon twist with brandied cherries.
The Amaretto Sour is a unique and refreshing cocktail, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavours, and the lemon juice plays a critical role in creating this signature taste profile.
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Egg white
The Amaretto Sour is a type of sour, a mixed drink made with a base spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The egg white is added to the cocktail shaker along with the other ingredients and shaken vigorously to create a foam on top of the cocktail. The protein in the egg whites unfolds and traps the air, creating a light and frothy texture. This gives the drink a smooth, well-balanced mouthfeel, rather than an overly sweet one.
Bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler's recipe for an Amaretto Sour includes egg white for a dash of body and a silky texture. He recommends shaking the cocktail without ice first to froth the egg white and incorporate it with the other ingredients, before adding ice and shaking again.
Some recipes suggest using pasteurized egg white, which is available in easy-pour cartons and removes the risk of Salmonella. It is also possible to make the cocktail vegan by substituting the egg white with aquafaba, the liquid left over from cooked chickpeas.
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Simple syrup
An Amaretto Sour is a cocktail that typically includes the liqueur Amaretto, which gives the drink a sweet, nutty almond flavour, and a "sour" element that comes from citrus—typically freshly squeezed lemon juice. The cocktail is usually garnished with a cherry and an orange or lemon wedge.
To make simple syrup, start by measuring out equal parts sugar and water. You can use any type of sugar, but granulated sugar is typical. Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. This should only take a minute or two, depending on how much syrup you are making. Allow the syrup to cool, then chill it in the refrigerator before using it.
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Bourbon
The Amaretto Sour is a cocktail that typically includes Amaretto liqueur, citrus juice, and a sweetener. It is a variation of the classic sour template of drinks—those that include a spirit combined with sweet and sour elements.
While bourbon is not a standard ingredient in an Amaretto Sour, some recipes do call for it to punch up the drink and balance out the sweetness and low alcohol content of the Amaretto. Regular bourbon is typically diluted to around 40% ABV, while cask-strength bourbon is bottled at the same ABV it reaches after aging, ranging from 50-75% ABV. For an Amaretto Sour, a bourbon with an ABV of at least 90 proof (100 proof is perfect) is recommended.
Jeffrey Morgenthaler, a bartender from Portland, Oregon, is known for his take on the Amaretto Sour, which includes high-proof bourbon, fresh lemon juice, egg white, and simple syrup. The relatively small amount of high-proof bourbon bolsters the liqueur, allowing it to present strongly alongside the tart citrus. The egg white adds a dash of body and a silky texture to the cocktail.
To make Jeffrey Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour, add 1 1/2 ounces of Amaretto liqueur, 3/4 ounce of 100-proof bourbon, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of rich simple syrup, and 1 egg white to a cocktail shaker. Dry shake the ingredients without ice for 15-20 seconds, then add ice and shake again for another 15-20 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a coupe or rocks glass and garnish with a lemon twist and Amarena toschi cherries.
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Frequently asked questions
Amaretto, a liqueur with Italian roots, is the star ingredient in an Amaretto Sour. It is typically made from steeping almonds, apricot pits, and/or peach pits, plus sugar.
The drink is typically made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup or maple syrup, bitters, and sometimes egg whites.
Amaretto typically averages 17% ABV (34 proof), but this can vary slightly. An Amaretto Sour cocktail will be slightly lower in alcohol content, at around 9% ABV (18 proof). Adding bourbon will give the drink more of a kick.
