Amaretto Sour: A Timeless Cocktail
The 1970s were iconic for cocktails, the amaretto sour being one that stood out. This sweet and nutty drink saw a resurgence in the past decade. If you’re fond of sweet and almond flavors, this cocktail will delight your palate.
Basic Composition
The classical blend includes amaretto for sweetness and lemon juice for tartness. You might choose to make it sweeter with simple syrup, more potent with whiskey, or add a smooth texture with an egg white.
Traditionally, it’s garnished with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry. For an upscale touch, consider brandied cherries along with the lemon.
Understanding Amaretto
Amaretto, an Italian liqueur, rose to fame in the U.S. during the 70s, a decade known for its sugary drinks. This liqueur, translating to "a little bitter," balances sweet and bitter notes akin to almonds.
Only a few amaretto brands are readily available stateside. Disaronno claims to be the original, dating back to 1525. Other notable brands include Luxardo and Gozio.
Distinctive Flavor
Amaretto possesses a unique flavor, reminiscent of burnt sugar and bitter almonds, a taste not derived from sweet almonds. Ingredients like apricot kernels often mimic this almond bitterness.
Crafting a Silky Cocktail
The 1990s saw bartenders experimenting with cocktails, introducing egg whites for body and a better mouthfeel. They balance the drink’s sweetness without adding an egg taste. If salmonella worries you, consider pasteurized egg whites from the store. Alternatively, aquafaba, from chickpea cans, offers a similar consistency without imparting a strong flavor.
Modern Twists
The cocktail renaissance of the early 2010s popularized a new variation by Jeffrey Morgenthaler, where cask-strength bourbon, egg whites, and simple syrup were added to the mix. Cask-strength bourbon is notably potent at around 60% ABV. If you prefer a robust drink, introduce 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of it.
More Variations
- Nonalcoholic versions can now be crafted using Lyre’s Amaretti or Beckett’s ‘27 Amaretto.
- Substitute lime juice for a floral twist instead of lemon.
- Add a teaspoon of simple syrup for extra sweetness.
Recipe: Amaretto Sour for a Crowd
For a larger group, combine 12 ounces of amaretto, 6 ounces of fresh lemon juice, and 3 ounces of high-proof bourbon in a pitcher half-filled with ice. Stir and serve over fresh ice, garnished with a lemon wheel and brandied cherry.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces amaretto
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1 egg white
- Ice for shaking and serving
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and brandied cherry
Instructions
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Shake It Up:
- With egg white: Mix amaretto, lemon juice, and egg white in a shaker without ice, shake until frothy. Add ice and shake again until chilled.
- Without egg white: Shake amaretto and lemon juice with ice.
- Serve:
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and brandied cherry.
Enjoy making and savoring your amaretto sours, adjusting the recipe to suit your taste!
