A True Amaretto Sour
A refined, authentic interpretation of the classic Amaretto Sour that eschews commercial mixes for fresh citrus. This recipe balances the rich, nutty sweetness of almond liqueur with the sharp brightness of fresh lemon juice, finished with a textural sugar rim.
What it tastes like
The aroma leads with toasted almond and bright lemon oil. The palate features a heavy marzipan sweetness that is cut sharply by the acidity of fresh citrus. Its mouthfeel is syrupy yet tempered by the texture of the sugar rim, finishing with a persistent nutty tartness.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar2 tbsp
- Lemon Wedge1 wedge
- Amaretto1.5 oz
- Fresh Lemon Juice0.75 oz
- Ice1 ml
- Maraschino Cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Pour the granulated sugar onto a small, flat plate.
- 2
Rub the rim of an Old Fashioned glass with the lemon wedge to moisten it.
- 3
Dip the rim of the glass into the sugar, rotating it to ensure a frosted coating.
- 4
In a cocktail shaker, combine the Amaretto and fresh lemon juice.
- 5
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- 6
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- 7
Add fresh ice to the glass.
- 8
Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Substitutions
- AmarettoFrangelico — This swap replaces the almond profile with a rich, toasted hazelnut flavor.
- Lemon JuiceLime Juice — Lime provides a sharper, more tropical acidity compared to the mellow tartness of lemon.
- Granulated SugarSalt — A salted rim cuts through the heavy sweetness of the liqueur and highlights the almond notes.
- Maraschino CherryFresh Raspberry — A fresh berry adds a tart, tannic contrast to the sugary base of the drink.
Variations
The High-Proof Sour
Add 0.75 oz of high-proof bourbon to increase the alcoholic strength and add notes of oak and vanilla.
Cloudy Amaretto Sour
Shake the liquid with an egg white or aquafaba before adding ice to create a dense, frothy foam head.