Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail… and for good reason! A refreshing combination of amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, this recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and sour with a delicious, unique flavor. A great cocktail for easy sipping… anytime!

I’m pretty sure an Amaretto Sour was one of the first cocktails I ever had… way back in the day… when I was just getting into the world of mixed drinks.

Back then, it was one of my favorites, and if you’ve ever tried it I’m sure you’ll understand why. It’s light and sweet and goes down easily, and it’s the perfect cocktail for any occasion.

My ONLY problem with it? It can easily run the risk of being too sweet. Because amaretto is sweet on its own, so it really needs to be balanced out with other flavors. Luckily, this recipe is well-balanced and not overly sweet. The combination of fresh lemon juice and club soda really helps to tone down the amaretto, making it deliciously refreshing and enjoyable.

To this day, it’s still one of my go to’s for holidays, parties, or girls’ nights. It’s one of those drinks that everyone seems to love… and once you try this version I have no doubt you’ll love it too!

what you’ll need for this recipe

This drink is easy to make, with just a few ingredients. When possible, I would highly recommend using fresh squeezed lemon juice in place of bottled. Bottled juice will work, too, but I find it’s worth the extra effort to go fresh.

To make the simple syrup, all you need to do is combine equal amounts of sugar and water in a small saucepan, bring it to a boil, and remove it from the heat to cool.

• 2 ounces amaretto liqueur
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
• splash of club soda (optional)

*I love the addition of club soda or flavored sparkling water to finish this drink off. Not only does it help balance out the sweetness, but it adds a bit of carbonation that I always enjoy!

What is amaretto?

Amaretto is an Italian liqueur that originated in Saronno, Italy. It has a sweet almond flavor. Amaretto was originally made from almonds, but today can be made from either apricot pits, peach pits, or almonds, which are then combined with other flavorings to create the liqueur we know and love. It is most often used in alcoholic beverages, and can also be used in desserts, breads, and sauces.

how to make an amaretto sour

Making this drink is as easy as measuring, mixing, and pouring. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker… no worries! Any jar with a lid will work.

1. Combine amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well to chill; strain into a cocktail glass with ice.
3. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

How strong is an amaretto sour?

In the world of cocktails, an Amaretto Sour is not very strong. Most amaretto brands are 42 proof, which means they contain 21% alcohol. By comparison, most liquors are 80 proof.