Amaretto Sour

Pro tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice only—bottled juice dulls the cocktail's brightness.
• Chill your glass with ice water before pouring to keep the drink cold longer.
• Stir ingredients with ice for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled; over-stirring dilutes the drink.
• Taste before serving; adjust lemon juice slightly if you prefer more tartness or sweetness.

Substitutions

• Amaretto → Disaronno (cleaner almond flavor, slightly less sweet)
• Lemon juice → Lime juice (shifts to citrus-forward; use same amount)

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon or long spoon · jigger for measuring

Can I make an amaretto sour without fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is essential for the bright, tart flavor that balances the sweetness of amaretto. Bottled or concentrate will produce a noticeably duller result.

Do I need egg white in an amaretto sour?

No. This 2-ingredient version skips egg white. If you prefer a silky foam top, add 0.5 oz pasteurized egg white and dry shake before serving.

What glassware should I use?

Serve in a coupe glass or cocktail glass over ice, or as a traditional sour in a rocks glass.

Can I batch this recipe for a party?

Yes. Multiply both ingredients by the number of servings and store in a bottle. Mix with ice and serve individually; do not pre-chill with ice.

Is this drink sweet or sour?

It leans sweet due to the 2:1 ratio of amaretto to lemon juice. Add an extra 0.25 oz lemon juice if you prefer more tartness.