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Amaretto Sour

Amaretto and a little bourbon with lemon and egg white. Marzipan, sour and silky.

Strength
11% ABV
Standard drinks (US)
1.1
Calories
201 kcal
In the glass
6⅛ oz
Method
Shaken
  • Amaretto
  • Bourbon
  • Lemon Juice
  • Simple Syrup
  • Egg White

How to Make an Amaretto Sour

  1. Add the amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker.
  2. Shake without ice for 10 seconds to whip the egg white.
  3. Fill with ice and shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice cubes.
  5. Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a lemon wheel.

About the Amaretto Sour

It was a 1970s favourite in its sweet mix form. Bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler's version with bourbon and fresh lemon made it respectable again.

Created 1970s in United States.

Bartender's tip: The bourbon adds backbone, so don't skip it.

Taste Profile

Sweet
Sour
Bitter
Strong
Fresh

Good to Know

What glass is an Amaretto Sour served in?
A rocks glass. The wide mouth puts the aroma of a citrus twist right under your nose, and the heavy base survives muddling and stirring in the glass.
Is an Amaretto Sour shaken or stirred?
Shaken. It contains citrus, juice, cream or egg, which need the force and aeration of shaking.
How strong is an Amaretto Sour?
About 11% ABV after dilution, or roughly 1.1 US standard drinks (15 g of alcohol) per serve.
How many calories are in an Amaretto Sour?
Roughly 201 kcal per drink, most of it from alcohol and sugar.
Can I make an Amaretto Sour without bourbon?
Yes. Rye Whiskey is the closest substitute, though the drink will taste different.

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