I. Introduction
If you’re looking for a sweet and sour cocktail that is both easy to make and delicious to drink, it’s hard to beat the Amaretto Sour. This traditional cocktail made with amaretto liqueur, lemon juice and a sweetener has been around for decades, yet still manages to remain a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts of all ages.
Here, we’ll take you through the classic Amaretto Sour recipe, as well as give you some ideas about how to spice it up with alternative sweeteners, frozen ingredients, spice infusions, and more – all while maintaining the drink’s signature sweet-and-sour flavor profile.
II. The Classic Recipe
The Amaretto Sour recipe is relatively simple and straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients:
- 2 oz. Amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup or sweet and sour mix
To make the drink, simply combine these ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well, and then pour into an old fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange.
III. Alternative Sweeteners
If you’re looking for ways to reduce the amount of refined sugar in your diet, or just want to try a new sweet and sour combination, there are plenty of natural sweeteners that can be used in your Amaretto Sour recipe:
- Honey
- Agave syrup
- Maple syrup
When using these sweeteners to make your Amaretto Sour, simply substitute them in place of the simple syrup or sweet and sour mix. Depending on the sweetness of your natural sweetener, you may need to adjust the amount used in the recipe accordingly.
IV. Fancy Variations
If you’re looking to take your Amaretto Sour recipe up a notch, try adding some of these ingredients for a fancy variation:
- Fresh berries (muddled or used as a garnish)
- Bitters (Angostura, orange, etc.)
- Rose water
To make these variations, simply add the additional ingredients to your shaker along with the usual Amaretto Sour ingredients, shake well, strain, and serve in a fancy glass. Garnish with additional fruit or other decorative elements as desired.
V. Frozen Amaretto Sour
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing frozen cocktail. To make a frozen version of the Amaretto Sour, you’ll need:
- 3 oz. Amaretto liqueur
- 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup or sweet and sour mix
- 1/2 cup ice
Blend all ingredients together in a blender until the ice is crushed and the mixture is slushy. Pour the mixture into a margarita or wine glass, garnish with a cherry and a slice of lemon, and serve.
VI. Non-Alcoholic Version
If you’re looking for a sweet and sour cocktail that doesn’t include alcohol, a virgin Amaretto Sour is a great option. For this recipe you’ll need:
- 1 oz. almond syrup
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup or sweet and sour mix
- 1 1/2 oz. water
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, and then pour into an old fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange as usual.
VII. Spice-infused Version
If you’re looking for a way to add some spice to your Amaretto Sour, try infusing it with one of these spices:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Cardamom pods
Simply add the spice of your choice to your Amaretto Sour mixture and let it steep for several hours. When you’re ready to serve, strain the mixture and serve as usual.
VIII. A Twist to Ingredient Selection
If you want to change up the flavors in your Amaretto Sour, try using a different citrus fruit than lemon, such as:
- Lime
- Orange
- Grapefruit
Simply substitute the citrus juice of your choice in the classic recipe and adjust the amount used to your liking. This simple change can give your drink a whole new flavor profile.
IX. Conclusion
The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail for a reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer to stick to the classic recipe or add some creative twists, there’s a version out there that’s perfect for you.
