The Amaretto Sour feels like one of those drinks that quietly waits for you to grow into it.

I remember the first time I ordered one years ago, expecting something overly sweet and syrupy. Instead, what showed up was balanced, smooth, and a little surprising. Nutty from the amaretto, bright from the lemon, and just enough bite from the bourbon to keep it from feeling like dessert in a glass.

This version became my go-to after a few trial runs at home. I wanted something that felt classic but grown-up — not cloying, not harsh. The maple syrup adds warmth instead of sharp sweetness, and the egg white gives that silky, bar-quality foam that makes the whole drink feel special, even on a regular night.

This is the cocktail I shake when friends say, “Make me something good,” but don’t know what they want.

Why This Amaretto Sour Just Works?

• Balanced, Not Sweet: The lemon and bourbon keep the amaretto in check.
• Silky Texture: The egg white creates that smooth, creamy foam.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find.
• Bar-Quality at Home: Tastes like something you’d order out.
• Perfect for Sipping: Strong enough to linger, smooth enough to enjoy slowly.
• Great Intro Cocktail: Ideal for people who don’t love harsh drinks.

A Few Tips Before You Shake!

1. Fresh Lemon Is Non-Negotiable: Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
2. Dry Shake First: Shaking without ice helps emulsify the egg white.
3. Use Good Ice: Fresh, solid ice chills better and melts slower.
4. Don’t Skip the Bourbon: It adds depth and keeps the drink from being flat.
5. Maple Syrup Over Simple: It brings warmth without overpowering sweetness.
6. Strain Cleanly: A fine strain gives the smoothest finish.

You Can Also Try These!

1. Mulled Wine 
2. French 75 Cocktail
3. Dirty Martini 
4. Chocolate Martini
5. Classic Mimosa

Amaretto Sour Recipe

A smooth, slightly nutty sour with warm bourbon notes, bright lemon, and a silky foam on top. The maple syrup adds just enough depth without overpowering the amaretto.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: beverage

Cuisine: American

Calories: 215

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1½ ounces amaretto liqueur
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• ¾ ounce bourbon
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• ½ ounce egg white*
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Lemon twist for garnish

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Citrus juicer
• Bar spoon or knife
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Ice scoop (optional)

Method

 

1. Add the amaretto, lemon juice, bourbon, maple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry shake (no ice) for about 30 seconds to fully emulsify the egg white.
3. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon twist. Serve immediately.

Variations You Might Want to Try!

• No Egg White: Skip it for a lighter, less creamy drink.
• Vegan Option: Use aquafaba instead of egg white.
• Sweeter Version: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of maple syrup.
• Extra Boozy: Increase the bourbon slightly for more bite.
• Smoky Twist: Swap bourbon for a lightly smoky whiskey.
• Orange Touch: Add a dash of orange bitters for depth.

How I Like to Serve It?

• In a rocks glass with fresh ice
• Garnished simply with a maraschino cherry and lemon twist
• Best enjoyed slowly, not rushed
• Perfect for evenings in, casual dinners, or small gatherings
• A great follow-up to a light meal or salty snacks.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes!

• Best Made Fresh: This cocktail doesn’t hold well once shaken.
• Pre-Juice Lemons: You can juice lemons ahead, but keep them refrigerated.
• Shake Per Drink: The foam is worth the extra step every time.

FAQs

1. Is the egg white safe to use?
   Yes, when fresh and properly shaken. You can also use pasteurized egg whites.
2. Can I taste the egg?
   No. It adds texture, not flavor.
3. Is this drink very sweet?
   Not at all. It’s balanced with citrus and whiskey.
4. Can I skip the bourbon?
   You can, but the drink will be much sweeter and less complex.
5. What amaretto works best?
   Any quality amaretto will do — Disaronno is a popular choice.
6. Can I serve it without ice?
   Yes, strain it into a chilled glass for a smoother sip.

The Last Sip

This Amaretto Sour is proof that a drink doesn’t have to be complicated to feel thoughtful. It’s smooth, balanced, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Whether you’re shaking one for yourself or making a round for friends, it’s the kind of cocktail that quietly impresses — and keeps people asking for another.