There’s something magical about classic cocktails – the way a few simple ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. The amaretto sour simple recipe cocktail has been my go-to for years whenever I want something sweet, tart, and ridiculously easy to make. I first fell in love with this Italian-American beauty at a tiny bar in Brooklyn, and I’ve been perfecting my version ever since. What makes it special? That gorgeous balance of almond-sweet amaretto with bright lemon, all wrapped up in a velvety texture (thank you, egg white!). It’s the kind of drink that makes people say “wow” – and the best part? You can whip it up in under two minutes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time.
Why You’ll Love This Amaretto Sour Simple Recipe Cocktail
This drink checks all the boxes for me – and here’s why it’ll become your new favorite too:
- Effortless elegance: Just 3 main ingredients (plus ice!) transform into something that tastes way fancier than the effort required
- Perfectly balanced: The sweet almond kiss of amaretto dances with tart lemon – neither overpowers the other
- Texture magic: That optional egg white? It’s like adding a cloud to your glass – silky, luxurious foam that makes every sip special
- Endlessly adaptable: Dress it up or keep it simple – it works beautifully either way
Seriously, this cocktail is the definition of “more than the sum of its parts.” One sip and you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients for the Perfect Amaretto Sour Simple Recipe Cocktail
Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen in your shaker:
- 2 oz amaretto liqueur – The star of the show! I always use Disaronno for that classic almond flavor
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice – Seriously, squeeze it fresh – the brightness makes all the difference
- 1/2 oz simple syrup – Just equal parts sugar and water dissolved together
- 1 egg white (optional) – For that dreamy, frothy top layer
- Ice – Lots of it, for shaking and serving
- Maraschino cherry + orange slice – The classic garnish that makes it feel extra special
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t panic if you’re missing something! Here’s how to adapt:
- No fresh lemons? Bottled juice works in a pinch, but your drink will taste slightly flatter
- Out of simple syrup? Maple syrup or agave work beautifully – start with 1/4 oz and adjust to taste
- Skipping egg white? Your drink will lack foam but still taste great. Vegan? Try aquafaba (3 tbsp chickpea liquid)
- Garnish alternatives: A lemon twist or dash of bitters make lovely substitutes
Remember – every swap changes the final flavor slightly, but that’s part of the fun!
How to Make an Amaretto Sour Simple Recipe Cocktail
Ready to shake up perfection? Here’s how I make mine every time:
- Chill your glass first – Pop it in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill with ice water while you prep
- Fill your shaker with ice – I like mine about halfway for proper chilling without dilution
- Add all ingredients – Amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white if using
- Shake like you mean it! 15-20 seconds of vigorous shaking creates that perfect froth and chill
- Strain into your chilled glass over fresh ice – use a fine mesh strainer if you want super smooth texture
- Garnish and serve immediately – That cherry and orange slice aren’t just pretty, they add aroma!
Shaking Technique Tips
Using egg white? Try a dry shake first (no ice) for 10 seconds to emulsify, then add ice and shake again. Perfect foam every time! The ideal consistency looks like fluffy clouds clinging to your glass. For more on cocktail techniques, check out resources on classic cocktail preparation.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gear to make magic happen! Here’s what I always grab:
- Cocktail shaker – Boston or cobbler style, whatever you’ve got
- Jigger – For those perfect pours (eyeballing works in a pinch!)
- Fine strainer – Keeps ice chips and pulp out of your drink
- Rocks glass – The classic vessel that shows off that beautiful foam
Nice-to-have: A citrus juicer makes fresh lemon juice effortless! If you are interested in other simple drink recipes, check out this easy Hugo Spritz recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Your Amaretto Sour
This cocktail deserves the perfect stage! I love serving mine with toasted almonds or dark chocolate squares – they highlight the amaretto’s nutty sweetness beautifully. Keep it chilled but not icy-cold; about 10 minutes out of the freezer lets the flavors shine. Pro tip: Skip straws! That first sip through the velvety foam is half the experience. For parties, I prep garnishes in advance so each glass gets that Instagram-worthy finish in seconds.
Amaretto Sour Simple Recipe Cocktail Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists to keep things interesting:
- Bourbon boost: Add 1 oz bourbon to make it a “Boston sour” – the whiskey’s oakiness plays beautifully with the almond
- Flavored syrups: Swap simple syrup for vanilla or cinnamon syrup – just 1/4 oz at first (they’re potent!)
- Spice rim: Mix sugar with a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for the glass edge – total game changer
- Fruit infusions: Muddle 2 blackberries in the shaker before adding other ingredients for a summery twist
My personal favorite? The bourbon version – it’s like two classic cocktails had the most delicious baby! If you enjoy bourbon cocktails, you might also like this Kentucky Mule recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the egg white?
Absolutely! The egg white adds that dreamy foam, but the drink still tastes fantastic without it. You’ll miss the texture, not the flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Honestly? Drink it fresh! But if you must, refrigerate for up to 2 hours max – the ice melts fast and dilutes the magic.
What’s the best amaretto brand?
Disaronno is my go-to for its balanced sweetness, but Lazzaroni and Luxardo make excellent alternatives if you want something different.
Can I make this without a shaker?
Sure! A mason jar with a tight lid works in a pinch – just shake carefully (and maybe wrap it in a towel for safety!).
Why’s my foam not fluffy?
You probably didn’t shake hard enough! Really put some muscle into it – 15 seconds minimum. Egg whites need persuasion to froth up right.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on your sip – these numbers are estimates and will vary slightly based on your specific ingredients:
- 220 calories per cocktail
- 22g carbs (mostly from the amaretto and simple syrup)
- 0g fat – unless you count that luxurious egg white foam!
Remember – exact values depend on your amaretto brand and how heavy-handed you are with that simple syrup!
Share Your Amaretto Sour Experience
Now it’s your turn! Did you stick with the classic or try a fun variation? I’d love to hear how your cocktail turned out – leave a comment below with your favorite tweaks or garnishes. This drink’s been making memories in my home for years, and I can’t wait to hear about yours!
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3-Ingredient Amaretto Sour Recipe That’s Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 2 mins
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and classic amaretto sour cocktail recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
- Ice
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.
Notes
- For a frothier texture, use the egg white.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: amaretto sour, cocktail, easy drink, simple recipe