The Amaretto Sour is a delicious and balanced cocktail, a winning combination of Amaretto liqueur and fresh lemon juice. The drink’s distinctive almond flavor and the tart freshness of the lemon juice harmonize perfectly, while the sugar syrup and egg white give the drink a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste. The Amaretto Sour is a light, sweet, and sour cocktail that offers a refreshing experience at any time of the year.
The story
The history of the Amaretto Sour dates back to the 1970s, when Amaretto liqueur became popular in the United States. The drink was probably inspired by the Italian liqueur Amaretto di Saronno, which has been produced in the town of Saronno since the 16th century. The cocktail quickly became popular in bars and restaurants thanks to its simple preparation and rich, complex flavors.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) Amaretto liqueur
1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
⅓ oz (10 ml) sugar syrup
1 egg white (optional)
A few dashes of Angostura bitters (optional)
How to make the Amaretto Sour
Take a shaker and fill it with ice. Add the Amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white (if using). If using egg white, first shake without ice to help emulsify the egg white and create a smoother texture. Then add ice and shake again to chill the cocktail. Strain into a pre-chilled glass filled with ice cubes. Drizzle a few drops of Angostura bitters over the top to taste.
Serving and garnish
The Amaretto Sour cocktail is traditionally served in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass. To garnish, place a slice of lemon or orange on the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink, and optionally, add a cocktail cherry.
Calorie content
A serving of Amaretto Sour contains about 220 calories, depending on the exact amount of Amaretto liqueur and sugar syrup used.