Amaretto Sour Recipe
Introduction
The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors with a smooth, silky texture. This recipe adds a splash of bourbon and egg white for a richer, more complex drink that’s sure to impress. Ready in just minutes, it’s ideal for a quick treat or entertaining guests.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces amaretto liqueur
- 3/4 ounce cask-proof bourbon
- 1 ounce lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon rich simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce egg white
- Garnish: lemon twist
- Garnish: 2 brandied cherries
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, combine amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, rich simple syrup, and egg white. Dry-shake (shake without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to create a frothy texture.
- Step 2: Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Step 3: Garnish with a lemon twist and two brandied cherries. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly balanced Amaretto Sour.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, omit the egg white or use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a substitute for frothiness.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, clean flavor—bottled lemon juice can affect the taste.
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh and does not store well due to the egg white and fresh citrus. If you need to prepare in advance, mix the amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup portions ahead but add the egg white and shake just before serving for optimum texture and taste.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the Amaretto Sour without egg white?
Yes, you can skip the egg white if you prefer or have dietary restrictions. The drink will still taste great but will have a less creamy texture and froth.
What type of bourbon works best in this cocktail?
A cask-proof or full-flavored bourbon works best as it adds depth and balances the sweetness of the amaretto. However, any good-quality bourbon will produce a tasty drink.
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Amaretto Sour Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A classic Amaretto Sour cocktail featuring a smooth blend of amaretto liqueur, cask-proof bourbon, fresh lemon juice, rich simple syrup, and frothy egg white, garnished elegantly with a lemon twist and brandied cherries for a perfectly balanced sour drink.
Ingredients
Liquids and Spirits
- 1 1/2 ounces amaretto liqueur
- 3/4 ounce cask-proof bourbon
- 1 ounce lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon rich simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce egg white
Garnish
- Lemon twist
- 2 brandied cherries
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine amaretto, bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, rich simple syrup, and egg white. Dry-shake the mixture vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
- Chill and Strain: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again thoroughly to chill the cocktail. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice to ensure a smooth and cold drink.
- Garnish: Finish the cocktail by garnishing with a fresh lemon twist and two brandied cherries to enhance the aroma and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your Amaretto Sour.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice is essential for the bright and authentic sour flavor.
- Dry shaking the egg white before adding ice helps create a creamy froth.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, omit the spirits and replace with almond syrup and lemon soda.
- Brandied cherries add a nuanced sweetness, but maraschino cherries can be used as an alternative.
- Ensure the bourbon is cask-proof or high-quality for a richer, more robust flavor.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Amaretto Sour, cocktail, bourbon, amaretto, lemon juice, egg white, classic drink, shaken cocktail

