A classic sweet and sour cocktail that combines the nutty, almond-rich flavor of amaretto with fresh lemon juice and a velvety egg white foam. This cocktail is rich, tangy, and surprisingly balanced, making it a perfect after-dinner sipper or a refreshing evening drink.
📋 Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Sour / Classic
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Nutty, tart, slightly sweet
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass
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🧊 Method: Shaken
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Fine mesh strainer
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Citrus juicer or reamer
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Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass
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Bar spoon
1. Chill the Glass
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Fill a rocks glass with ice water and set aside to chill while preparing the cocktail.
2. Dry Shake (If Using Egg White)
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In a cocktail shaker, combine:
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1½ oz amaretto
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¾ oz bourbon (optional)
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1 oz lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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½ oz egg white
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Shake without ice for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a rich foam.
3. Shake with Ice
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Open the shaker, add ice, and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
4. Strain & Serve
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Discard the ice water from the glass and fill with fresh ice.
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Fine strain the cocktail over the ice to ensure a silky, smooth texture.
5. Garnish & Finish
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Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry skewered together.
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For a more aromatic finish, lightly express the oils from the lemon twist over the drink.
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Classic vs. Modern: The classic Amaretto Sour is typically made without bourbon, but adding it balances the sweetness and adds depth.
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Richer Flavor: Use toasted almond syrup or a splash of dark rum for a more intense, nutty profile.
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Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a zestier, sharper cocktail.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of Angostura bitters or cinnamon syrup for warmth and complexity.
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Vegan Option: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of egg white for a plant-based froth.
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Appetizers: Cheese platter with aged gouda, prosciutto-wrapped dates, or spiced almonds
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Desserts: Almond biscotti, chocolate tart, or tiramisu
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Occasions: After dinner, cozy evenings, or holiday gatherings
Ingredients
Directions
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Jigger or measuring tool
-
Fine mesh strainer
-
Citrus juicer or reamer
-
Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass
-
Bar spoon
1. Chill the Glass
-
Fill a rocks glass with ice water and set aside to chill while preparing the cocktail.
2. Dry Shake (If Using Egg White)
-
In a cocktail shaker, combine:
-
1½ oz amaretto
-
¾ oz bourbon (optional)
-
1 oz lemon juice
-
½ oz simple syrup
-
½ oz egg white
-
-
Shake without ice for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a rich foam.
3. Shake with Ice
-
Open the shaker, add ice, and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
4. Strain & Serve
-
Discard the ice water from the glass and fill with fresh ice.
-
Fine strain the cocktail over the ice to ensure a silky, smooth texture.
5. Garnish & Finish
-
Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry skewered together.
-
For a more aromatic finish, lightly express the oils from the lemon twist over the drink.
-
Classic vs. Modern: The classic Amaretto Sour is typically made without bourbon, but adding it balances the sweetness and adds depth.
-
Richer Flavor: Use toasted almond syrup or a splash of dark rum for a more intense, nutty profile.
-
Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a zestier, sharper cocktail.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of Angostura bitters or cinnamon syrup for warmth and complexity.
-
Vegan Option: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of egg white for a plant-based froth.
-
Appetizers: Cheese platter with aged gouda, prosciutto-wrapped dates, or spiced almonds
-
Desserts: Almond biscotti, chocolate tart, or tiramisu
-
Occasions: After dinner, cozy evenings, or holiday gatherings