Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe
The Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe combines rich almond flavour, fresh lemon juice and a smooth layer of foam to create a balanced classic cocktail.
This easy version uses Amaretto Liqueur, simple syrup, egg white and aromatic bitters. The sweetness of the amaretto liqueur pairs beautifully with the sharpness of fresh lemon, while the egg white gives the drink its soft, velvety texture.
Serve it over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon wheel, orange slice or cocktail cherry for a traditional cocktail-bar finish.
For home brewers our VHHB Amaretto Sour Essence Pack is available this essence pack brings together the main specialist products used in this recipe.Shop Amaretto Sour Cocktail Essence Pack.
Ingredients
Garnish
Preperation
If using VHHB recipe pack prepare the ingredients according to the instructions supplied with the product before measuring it into the cocktail.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger
- Fine strainer, optional
- Rocks glass
- Ice scoop
To make one Amaretto Sour, you will need:
- 60ml Amaretto Liqueur
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 10ml simple syrup, adjusted to taste
- 1 egg white
- 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters
- Ice
- Lemon wheel, orange slice or cocktail cherry, to garnish
The amaretto liqueur provides the rich almond character, while the lemon juice adds freshness and prevents the cocktail from becoming overly sweet.
Aromatic bitters introduce extra depth and spice, while the egg white creates the smooth texture and foamy top associated with a well-made sour cocktail.
Mix
- Add the Amaretto Liqueur, fresh lemon juice, Simple Syrup, egg white and aromatic bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake the ingredients without ice for approximately 10–15 seconds.
- This first shake is known as a dry shake and helps create a thick layer of foam.
- Add a generous handful of ice.
- Shake again until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- For an extra-smooth result, fine strain the drink to remove small ice fragments.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel, orange slice or cocktail cherry.
- Serve immediately.
Serve
An Amaretto Sour is traditionally served in a short, wide Old Fashioned glass (rocks glass) over ice, or strained “up” in a stemmed sour glass or coupe glass. The best glass depends on how you plan to serve your drink.
Old Fashioned Glass: The standard choice for a drink served on the rocks. The wide brim leaves plenty of room for large ice cubes and a cherry or lemon slice.
Sour Glass: A stemmed, angled glass with an outward-flared lip, explicitly designed to balance the textures and aromas of sours.
Coupe Glass: A stemmed, curved bowl that elegantly holds the drink “up” without ice, which is ideal if you are using egg white for a frothy foam layer.
Serving Tips
For the best Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe:
- Chill the prepared liqueur before use
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Measure the ingredients accurately
- Shake vigorously during both stages
- Use clean, fresh ice
- Fine strain for a smoother result
- Serve immediately
- Adjust sweetness carefully
The finished cocktail should taste balanced, with noticeable almond flavour and fresh lemon acidity.
Shakers and Glasswear
