Amaretto Sour
The definitive amaretto cocktail, redeemed from its sugary reputation by the addition of bourbon and egg white. Jeffrey Morgenthaler's modern version is perfectly balanced between sweet almond, tart citrus, and whiskey backbone.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Amaretto
- 0.8 oz Bourbon (cask strength preferred)
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 0.5 oz Egg white
- brandied cherry (garnish) garnish
- lemon peel (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Serve alongside almond croissants or a light cheese board with marcona almonds and cured meats. The egg white foam and bourbon warmth enhance these delicate, slightly sweet flavors without overwhelming them.
Instructions
Combine amaretto, bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker
Dry shake without ice for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white
Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
Garnish with a brandied cherry and a lemon peel expressed over the surface
Tips
The bourbon is essential to balance the sweetness of the amaretto — a cask-strength bourbon like Booker's or Rare Breed works best The egg white creates a silky foam that elevates the drink from simple to sophisticated If you skip the egg white, reduce the simple syrup to 0.25 oz to keep the drink from becoming too sweet