Courtesy Jeff Morgenthaler, bartender, Pépé le Moko, Portland, Oregon
When Morgenthaler bragged, “I make the best amaretto sour in the world,” I was skeptical, too. But after trying it, I’m a convert. The secret? Add bourbon, specifically a high-strength version, to add punch to the nutty liqueur. Look for bottles like Booker’s or Barrell Bourbon Batch 031 to name a few.
In place of prefab sour mix, Morgenthaler makes his own concoction (lemon plus simple syrup), then adds egg white for body and froth.
A word on technique: a “dry shake” (without ice) emulsifies the egg white for a nice foamy head. A second shake with ice chills and dilutes the drink.
How to Make an Amaretto Sour
Ingredients
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except garnishes. Shake well. Scoop in ice, and shake again. Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes. Garnish with lemon peel and brandied cherry (wrap the peel around the cherry and spear with a toothpick). —u003cemu003eKara Newmanu003c/emu003e
FAQ
Where Did the Amaretto Sour Come From?
According to The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, edited by David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, this cocktail was first introduced to the U.S. in 1974 by importer Amaretto di Saronno. By the ’80s, it was a staple on bar menus.
What’s in an Amaretto Sour?
The star of this cocktail, of course, is nutty amaretto liqueur. Bourbon adds a spicy kick, while lemon juice and simple syrup bring it all together. A beaten egg white gives the drink its iconic, velvety texture.
What are Amaretto Liqueurs?
Amaretto liqueurs hail from Saronno, Italy. Like many historic spirits, its origins are up for debate. But amaretto purportedly dates back to at least 1525, when an art student of Leonardo di Vinci was gifted a bottle by a woman who posed for him. Amaretto liqueurs tend to be sweet with hints of bitterness.
Amaretto makers tend to be secretive about their recipes. However, amaretto is normally made with almonds, apricot pits, peach stones or a combination of all three. The ingredients then steep from anywhere from a week to several months. The liqueur is then sweetened with caramelized sugar and typically has an alcohol by volume (abv) level that is between those of wine and spirits.
What Is the Best Amaretto for an Amaretto Sour Cocktail?
The best amaretto for an amaretto sour cocktail is whatever your favorite bottle happens to be. However, Wine Enthusiast’s spirits editor Kara Newman calls out bottles like Saliza Amaretto, Bols Amaretto or Disaronno, for a sweeter, slightly nuttier cocktail.
For a more savory version, try Knight Gabriello Amaretto di Toscana, which offers nutty notes without an overt sweetness. And if you want a bolder, more botanical drink, try Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira, which offers hints of coffee, brown sugar and almonds.
This story was updated on November 16, 2022.
Published: August 9, 2016
