The Amaretto Sour is a classic sour-family cocktail built on amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur, balanced with fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness. It's smooth, tart, and easy to mix at home. Many bartenders add a small pour of bourbon to give the drink more backbone.
Ingredients
- 2 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz bourbon (optional, for a drier, fuller-bodied version)
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 oz egg white or aquafaba (optional, for foam)
Instructions
- Add amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the optional bourbon and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
- If using egg white or aquafaba, dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to build foam.
- Add ice and shake hard until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish and serve.
Glass: Rocks (old fashioned) glass · Garnish: Lemon twist and a brandied or maraschino cherry
Bartender tip: Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice and adjust the simple syrup to your taste, since amaretto brands vary in sweetness. Adding bourbon and a foam of egg white or aquafaba gives a more balanced, bar-quality result.
Shop this recipe at Sip City DC
Available for same-day delivery across Washington, DC on premium bottles, or in store at 1368 H Street NE. Must be 21+. Please drink responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need bourbon in an Amaretto Sour?
No. A traditional Amaretto Sour is just amaretto, lemon juice, and a little sweetener. Adding about 0.75 oz of bourbon is a popular variation that cuts the sweetness and adds depth, but it's entirely optional.
What's a good amaretto to use for this cocktail?
Any quality amaretto works. Brands vary in sweetness and almond intensity, so taste and adjust your simple syrup accordingly. Our team at Sip City DC can point you to options we carry in store.
Is the egg white necessary?
No, it's optional. Egg white (or aquafaba for a plant-based option) adds a silky foam and rounder texture but doesn't change the flavor much. Skip it if you prefer a simpler build.