Amaretto, a classic Italian liqueur, is traditionally flavored with almonds or apricot stones, giving it a unique taste.
This distinct flavor, with hints of rich cherry and toasted nuts, makes it a versatile ingredient for various cocktails. Its depth and sweetness are especially suitable for cocktails like the Sour, where these characteristics enhance the drink’s overall profile.
The Amaretto Sour, with its sweet almond flavor and citrusy zing, is a timeless cocktail that has won the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts for decades. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the art of making the perfect Amaretto Sour Cocktail.
Amaretto Sour Origins
The Amaretto Sour likely first appeared in the 1970s, promoted by the liqueur brand Disaronno, known at the time as Amaretto di Saronno. It’s a variation of the classic sour cocktail formula, which typically combines a spirit with sweet and sour components. The uniqueness of the Amaretto Sour lies in its simplicity.
Unlike other sours that blend a base spirit with syrup or liqueur and fresh lemon or lime juice, the original Amaretto Sour needed just two ingredients: amaretto and lemon juice. Amaretto’s inherent sweetness perfectly balanced the tartness of the citrus, serving both as the base spirit and the sweetener.
However, by the 1980s and ’90s, the cocktail’s authenticity began to wane as pre-made artificial “sour mix” started replacing fresh ingredients in busy bars worldwide. This shift was particularly harmful to the Amaretto Sour, as the added sugars contributed to an overly sweet profile.
Today’s bartenders have revitalized the Amaretto Sour, retaining its original almond and marzipan essence while adapting it to contemporary palates.
Amaretto Sour Ingredients
Before we delve into the Amaretto Sour recipe, let’s acquaint ourselves with the key ingredients that define the Amaretto Sour Cocktail:
- Amaretto Liqueur (60 ml / 2 ounces): Amaretto is the heart and soul of the Amaretto Sour, providing a sweet and almond-forward flavor that forms the cocktail’s foundation.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (30 ml / 1 ounce): Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the amaretto, creating a refreshing and zesty profile.
- Simple Syrup (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): Simple syrup, a mixture of equal parts sugar and water, serves to sweeten the cocktail further. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for sweetness. Find out how to make simple syrup.
- Egg White (1): The addition of egg white contributes to the Amaretto Sour’s signature frothy texture, creating a velvety mouthfeel and a visually appealing foam on top.
Amaretto Sour Recipe
Now, let’s embark on the step-by-step process of the perfect Amaretto Sour Cocktail, paying attention to measurements and techniques:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients
Before you start mixing, ensure you have the necessary tools: a shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, a citrus juicer, a strainer, and a chilled rocks glass. Also, have your Amaretto liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, egg, and ice cubes ready.
Step 2: Dry Shake (Without Ice)
- In a shaker, combine 60 ml (2 ounces) of Amaretto liqueur, 30 ml (1 ounce) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of simple syrup, and one egg white.
- Shake the mixture vigorously without ice (dry shake) for about 15 seconds. This step emulsifies the egg white and creates the frothy texture characteristic of an Amaretto Sour.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake Again
- Add ice to the shaker, sealing it tightly, and shake the mixture again for an additional 15-20 seconds. The ice chills the ingredients and further incorporates the flavors.
Step 4: Strain into the Rocks Glass
- Remove the ice from the chilled rocks glass and strain the shaken mixture into the glass, allowing the frothy head to form on top.
Step 5: Optional Garnish with a Lemon Twist
- If desired, garnish the Amaretto Sour with a lemon twist. Express the oils from the twist over the cocktail by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist. Drop the peel into the glass or place it on the rim as a garnish.
Tips for the Amaretto Sour:
- Choose Quality Amaretto:
- Amaretto selection is crucial for the Amaretto Sour’s flavor. Opt for a high-quality amaretto with a well-balanced almond profile and a smooth finish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice is Essential:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice enhances the Amaretto Sour’s citrusy notes and contributes to the overall balance.
- Adjust Simple Syrup to Taste:
- The sweetness of the Amaretto Sour is customizable. Adjust the quantity of simple syrup based on your preference, creating a cocktail that suits your desired level of sweetness.
- Mindful Egg White Handling:
- Ensure your hands and utensils are clean when handling egg whites. Fresh and high-quality eggs are recommended to avoid any off-putting flavors.
- Experiment with Garnishes:
- While a lemon twist is a classic garnish, you can experiment with additional garnishes. Consider a dusting of grated nutmeg or a cherry for a touch of color and flavor.
- Batch Preparation for Parties:
- The Amaretto Sour is amenable to batch preparation, making it convenient for serving at parties. Mix larger quantities in advance and refrigerate until ready to shake and serve.
- Consider Flavored Syrups:
- For a twist on the classic, experiment with flavored syrups. Almond syrup or a hint of flavored bitters can complement the amaretto’s almond notes.
- Serve Over Ice or Neat:
- The Amaretto Sour is traditionally served over ice, but you can also enjoy it neat for a more concentrated flavor experience. Experiment to find your preferred serving style.
Amaretto Sour – Nostalgic Ambiance
To create a vegan version of your Amaretto Sour, replace the egg white with aquafaba, the viscous liquid found in a can of chickpeas. Simply swap out the egg white for two tablespoons of aquafaba. However, for those sticking to the traditional recipe, using the freshest eggs possible is recommended to achieve the best foamy texture.
Additionally, for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, non-alcoholic amaretto is available, allowing you to make a mocktail using the same recipe but with the alcohol-free substitute.
If you find yourself enjoying the Amaretto Sour, you might also want to explore other members of the sour cocktail family. Classics like the Whiskey Sour, Rum Sour, and Pisco Sour are among the most popular sour cocktails. Give them a try and discover your personal favorite.
Cheers to the art of making cocktails and the timeless allure of the Amaretto Sour!
