Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 120 ml (4 oz)Amaretto
• 60 ml (2 oz)freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 30 ml (2 tbsp)maple syrup
• to tasteice
• to tastesparkling water
• for garnishlemon peel
• a dash (optional)bitters

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake the cocktail

   Add the Amaretto, lemon juice, maple syrup and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well to combine.

2. 2

   Strain and serve

   Strain into two lowball glasses. Top with sparkling water, a dash of bitters and a lemon wedge and lemon peel.

What is an Amaretto Sour?

An Amaretto Sour is a cocktail in the sour family, bringing together a spirit, citrus and a sweetener. Amaretto gives this version its almond-like flavour, while lemon juice keeps the drink lively.

Maple syrup softens the lemon's sharpness, and a splash of sparkling water makes the finished drink a little lighter.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 235 calories, 1g protein, 34g carbs, 1g fat.

The Amaretto and maple syrup provide most of the carbohydrates, while the liqueur contributes most of the drink's energy; lemon juice adds brightness with comparatively little volume. Pair a glass with a savoury snack or a meal that includes a source of protein for a more balanced occasion.

Choosing the ingredients

Fresh lemon: freshly squeezed juice gives the cocktail a clean citrus flavour. Strain out any seeds before measuring.

Amaretto: this almond liqueur provides the drink's main sweetness and flavour. The balance will vary with the brand, so taste before adding extra syrup.

Maple syrup: it blends into the shaken drink and adds a rounded sweetness. Measure it before shaking so the lemon and liqueur stay in balance.

Getting the balance right

Shake the ingredients with ice until thoroughly combined and chilled. The recipe does not give a shaking time, so use the cold feel of the shaker as a cue.

Taste before pouring if you like: more lemon will make the drink tarter, while a little more maple syrup will make it sweeter.

Serving with bubbles

Strain into lowball glasses to keep the drink smooth and free of the shaking ice. Top each glass with sparkling water to taste rather than adding it to the shaker.

Add bitters and lemon garnish at the end so their aroma is noticeable as you sip.

When to serve it

The recipe takes about 10 minutes and makes two drinks, so it is easy to prepare just before serving. For the freshest citrus character and bubbles, make each round close to drinking time.

Serve it before dinner or after a meal, as the sweet-and-sour flavour works in either setting.

What to serve alongside

For a pre-dinner drink, pair it with salty nibbles such as olives or roasted nuts. Their savoury edge contrasts with the liqueur's sweetness.

After dinner, serve it on its own or alongside a small dessert with citrus, almond or chocolate flavours.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavour.
• Chill the lowball glasses beforehand if you want the drink to stay cold longer.
• Shake the Amaretto, lemon, syrup and ice before adding any sparkling water.
• Add sparkling water gradually and taste as you go.
• Express the lemon peel over the glass to release its fragrant oils.

Variations

• Tarter finish: reduce the maple syrup slightly and taste before serving.
• Sweeter finish: add a little more maple syrup to the shaker.
• More sparkle: increase the sparkling water to taste.
• Citrus garnish: use a lemon wedge alongside the peel as directed.
• Bitters accent: add the optional dash on top just before serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding bubbles to the shaker: sparkling water loses its fizz when shaken; pour it into the glasses after straining.
• Using bottled lemon juice: it can taste less fresh; squeeze a lemon shortly before mixing.
• Over-sweetening: Amaretto is already sweet; taste the mixture before adding extra syrup.
• Skipping the strain: ice fragments can dilute the drink quickly; use a cocktail strainer when pouring.
• Making it too far ahead: the bubbles fade; top with sparkling water just before serving.

How to store

This cocktail is best served straight after mixing, while it is cold and fizzy. If needed, refrigerate the shaken Amaretto, lemon juice and syrup briefly without the ice or sparkling water, then strain and top with fresh sparkling water just before serving.

Frequently asked questions