1 Shares

There’s something truly enchanting about mixing up a cocktail that feels just as perfect for a casual evening at home as it does for a lively gathering with friends. Enter the Classic Bourbon Amaretto Sour — a drink that embodies this balance effortlessly. As I poured my first glass, the rich, nutty aroma of amaretto danced with the bright zesty scent of fresh lemon juice, instantly whisking me away to relaxing evenings spent on sun-drenched patios, laughter mingling with the warm breeze.

In just five minutes, this delightfully quick recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying sip that invites creativity. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or opt for a vegan twist using aquafaba, the Amaretto Sour promises a refreshing indulgence that won’t just quench your thirst but also brighten your mood. So grab your shaker and let’s explore how to craft this perfectly balanced cocktail that’s sure to impress!

Why is Amaretto Sour the Perfect Cocktail?

Quick and Easy: Just five minutes is all you need to whip up this delightful drink, perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
Versatile Base: Whether you prefer classic bourbon or wish to go vegan with aquafaba, you’ll find endless ways to customize this cocktail.
Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a harmonious blend of sweet amaretto and zesty lemon, ensuring every sip is an indulgent experience.
Impressive Presentation: With its frothy top and vibrant garnishes, this cocktail looks as stunning as it tastes, perfect for impressing your guests.
Crowd Favorite: The well-balanced flavors make this drink a hit, whether you’re kicking off a party or winding down after a long day!

Amaretto Sour Ingredients

For the Cocktail
• Large Egg White – Adds body and creates a foamy top; for a vegan option, substitute with aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas).
• Bourbon – Provides the spirit backbone and deep flavor; feel free to use your favorite brand for a personal touch.
• Amaretto Liqueur – The key flavoring ingredient that adds a sweet and nutty essence; choose your preferred brand for unique variations.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Offers acidity to balance the sweetness of amaretto; fresh juice is recommended for the best zing.
• Angostura Bitters – Adds depth and complexity; this important ingredient enhances the overall flavor, so don’t skip it.
• Ice – Chills the drink while serving; use large cubes to minimize dilution.
• Maraschino Cherries – For garnish; these sweet treats add a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Lemon Peel Strip – Enhances aroma and provides a beautiful visual appeal when served.

This Amaretto Sour cocktail is not only delightful but also perfect for impressing your friends!

How to Make Amaretto Sour Cocktail

Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, mix the whisked egg white, bourbon, amaretto, fresh lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. Ensure everything is well blended for a smooth flavor.
Dry Shake: Vigorously shake the mixture without ice for 15 seconds. This step emulsifies the egg white, creating that frothy topping we love in an Amaretto Sour.
Add Ice: Include ice into the shaker. Shake again for about 30 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and you feel invigorated just by shaking it!
Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. Be sure to garnish with a maraschino cherry and a cheerful strip of lemon peel for that finishing touch.

Optional: For an added flair, consider a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Amaretto Sour cocktails are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the base mixture (bourbon, amaretto, fresh lemon juice, and bitters) up to 3 days in advance. Simply combine these ingredients in a sealed container and refrigerate to maintain their vibrant flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, just shake the mixture with a whipped egg white or aquafaba for that signature frothy top—dry shake first for 15 seconds, then add ice and shake again until chilled. This way, you’ll have a delightful Amaretto Sour ready with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings!

Storage Tips for Amaretto Sour

Fridge: Store any leftover Amaretto Sour in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The frothy texture is best enjoyed fresh, so consume as soon as possible.

Ingredients Storage: Keep individual ingredients like amaretto and bourbon in a cool, dark place. Fresh lemon juice should be refrigerated and is best used within 3 days for optimal flavor.

Prepped Components: You can pre-mix the bourbon, amaretto, lemon juice, and bitters in advance. Store in the fridge for up to a day to streamline cocktail-making when guests arrive.

Reheating: Since this is a cocktail served chilled, reheating is unnecessary. Enjoy your Amaretto Sour cold for the best refreshing experience!

Expert Tips for Amaretto Sour

Perfect Foam: Ensure the egg white is whisked until frothy before adding other ingredients. This step is crucial for a velvety Amaretto Sour.
Vegan Alternative: If using raw eggs concerns you, opt for pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba. Both create that signature froth without worry.
Chill with Care: Use large ice cubes in your shaker to chill the cocktail without diluting the flavor too quickly.
Shake Smart: Don’t exceed shaking for more than two servings at once; it’s crucial to maintain the integrity of the blend for each Amaretto Sour.
Fresh is Best: Always use fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. Bottled juice can lack the brightness needed for a balanced cocktail.

Amaretto Sour Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful cocktail to suit your taste buds!

Vegan Option: Replace the egg white with aquafaba, creating the same frothy texture while keeping it entirely plant-based.
Whiskey Twist: Swap bourbon for your favorite whiskey like rye or scotch for a unique flavor and depth.
Flavored Amaretto: Experiment with flavored amaretto liqueurs such as cherry or orange to enhance the sweetness with a fruity note. Each sip will surprise and delight!
Herbal Infusion: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or basil when shaking for an aromatic herbal twist, elevating the cocktail experience to another level.
Fruity Citrus: Include a splash of orange juice along with lemon juice for a refreshing citrus blend that dances on your palate.
Spicy Kick: Introduce a dash of chili bitters to the mix for an unexpected heat that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves a lingering warmth.
Ginger Zing: Muddle fresh ginger slices in the shaker for a spicy yet refreshing kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the amaretto.
Nutty Butter: Add a drizzle of hazelnut syrup to enrich the nutty flavors already present, making each sip feel like a luxurious treat!

What to Serve with Amaretto Sour Cocktail?

Imagine an evening illuminated by laughter and lively conversation, as the refreshing notes of a well-crafted cocktail dance in your glass.

Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of rich cheeses balances the cocktail’s sweetness, creating a gourmet experience that’s hard to resist. Pair creamy Brie or tangy blue cheese for perfect harmony.
Spicy Nuts: Crunchy, seasoned nuts add a delightful kick that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the Amaretto Sour. Their crunch provides a satisfying texture that enhances the sipping experience.
Crispy Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a light, crunchy bite that complements the nutty flavors of your cocktail, enhancing the overall freshness.
Chocolate Truffles: Indulge your sweet tooth with rich, velvety chocolate truffles. The chocolate’s depth highlights the amaretto’s sweetness, making for a decadent pairing.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed berries, citrus, and mint offers a light and balanced complement to your Amaretto Sour. The acidity echoes the lemon juice, while the sweetness ties everything together.
Ginger Ale: A light, fizzy beverage is a refreshing alternative for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. Its subtle spice echoes the warmth of the bourbon while cleansing the palate.

These pairings elevate your Amaretto Sour experience, crafting the perfect ambiance for any gathering.

Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right egg white for the Amaretto Sour?
I recommend using a large egg white, as it adds body and creates a lovely foamy top. If you prefer to avoid raw eggs for safety reasons, you can opt for pasteurized egg whites or use aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas. Both alternatives will provide that delightful froth we love!

How should I store leftover Amaretto Sour?
Any leftover Amaretto Sour should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve the frothy texture and vibrant flavors. If the cocktail separates slightly, give it a gentle shake before serving again.

Can I freeze Amaretto Sour?
It’s not ideal to freeze the prepared Amaretto Sour due to its delicate frothy nature, but you can freeze the individual components separately. To do this, pour the bourbon, amaretto, and lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze them. Later, use these cubes in a cocktail shaker with fresh ingredients for a quick refreshment!

What should I do if my Amaretto Sour isn’t frothy?
Very! If your Amaretto Sour doesn’t achieve that frothy top, try dry shaking (shaking without ice) for a bit longer, around 20 seconds. Make sure the egg white is whipped enough before adding other ingredients. If using aquafaba, ensure that it’s whipped to a frothy consistency before mixing in the other components.

Are there any dietary considerations for Amaretto Sour?
Absolutely! The Amaretto Sour can be made vegan by using aquafaba instead of egg white. Additionally, if you’re serving this drink to guests with allergies, be mindful of the bitter ingredients, as Angostura bitters contains traces of allergens like chicory. Always check labels or look for alternative bitters to suit dietary restrictions.

How long does fresh lemon juice last in the fridge?
Fresh lemon juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure maximum freshness, keep it in a tightly sealed container. If you notice a dull color or change in smell, it’s time to toss it out and squeeze new lemons for your Amaretto Sour!