Amaretto Sour Drink Recipe: A Frothy Symphony Of Citrus And Almond

Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors with the Amaretto Sour Drink Recipe

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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A Brief History of the Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour has charmed drinkers for decades with its balance of nutty sweetness and zesty citrus. While its exact origin is debated, two things are certain:

Amaretto was born in Saronno, Italy, during the 16th century, when legend says a widowed innkeeper gifted artist Bernardino Luini with a homemade almond-flavoured liqueur.
The cocktail itself became a U.S. bar staple in the 1970s, initially a simple mix of amaretto and lemon juice.

Like many drinks of its era, it suffered during the “sour mix craze” when bartenders leaned on pre-made mixes. Thankfully, the modern cocktail renaissance revived it — with fresh citrus, quality amaretto, and even creative twists like Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s version (with bourbon and egg white) elevating the classic.

The Star of the Show: Amaretto

Amaretto is the soul of this cocktail. Despite its almond taste, many brands use apricot kernels, sometimes blended with almonds, infused with vanilla, spices, and herbs.

Disaronno Originale – The iconic, smooth, marzipan-like staple.
Lazzaroni & Luxardo – Authentic Italian options with more depth.
Gozio – Balanced with a slightly drier finish.

💡 Bartender Tip: Try different brands. Some lean sweeter, others nuttier. If you love exploring flavours, sample smaller Italian producers for a more traditional, layered profile.

The Sour Side: Fresh Citrus or Sour Mix?

The “sour” in an Amaretto Sour is just as important as the liqueur:

Fresh Lemon Juice – Bright, natural, and the gold standard.
Homemade Sour Mix – Fresh lemon (or lime), sugar, and water. A good middle ground.
Commercial Sour Mix – Convenient, but often too artificial.

If you want balance and authenticity, fresh lemon wins every time. But if you’re hosting and need a shortcut, homemade mix saves time without sacrificing too much quality.

Variations on the Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour is a perfect example of how one recipe can inspire countless riffs:

Amaretto Stone Sour – Add orange juice for a fruity lift.
Bourbon Amaretto Sour – A Morgenthaler favourite; richer and spicier.
Frangelico Sour – Swap in hazelnut liqueur for a nutty twist.
Amaretto Fizz – Add soda water or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing spritz.
Vegan Amaretto Sour – Replace egg white with aquafaba for the same creamy foam.

Classic Amaretto Sour Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients

60 ml Amaretto
30 ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
15 ml Simple syrup (optional, to taste)
15 ml Egg white (optional, for texture)
Ice
Garnish: Lemon twist or maraschino cherry

Method

If using egg white, combine all ingredients in a shaker and dry shake (no ice) for 15 seconds.
Add ice and shake again until chilled and frothy.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.

✨ Bartender Tip: Shake with passion! Vigorous shaking aerates the drink, creating a velvety texture and creamy foam that elevates the experience.

Food Pairings with the Amaretto Sour

The sweet almond notes and citrus zing make this cocktail super versatile:

Savory: Almond-crusted cheese bites, or a soft cheese platter with red fruits.
Sweet: Lemon tart, almond pastries, dark chocolate desserts.
Other Delights: Coffee and walnut cake, or hazelnut-based treats to mirror its nutty character.

Conclusion

The Amaretto Sour is proof that balance can be indulgent. Once a simple mix, it has grown into a cocktail canvas that reflects both tradition and innovation. Whether you keep it classic or riff with modern variations, it’s a drink that deserves a place in your repertoire.

So, grab your favourite amaretto, squeeze some fresh lemons, and shake one up. And don’t forget — cocktails are meant to be shared. Invite your mates, compare your variations, and enjoy the sweet-and-sour harmony together.

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/