Perfect Classic Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe

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This amaretto sour recipe has only two ingredients but creates one incredible taste. Make it in a snap – it’s sure to become your “go-to” cocktail! Grab your favorite old-fashioned glass, and don’t forget to add the maraschino cherries! This is the best amaretto sour recipe – ever! 

featured collage for amaretto sour recipe


 

An amaretto sour drink is the perfect cocktail to add to your repertoire. 

It’s so simple and classic – this no frills drink can be sipped in the sun with friends or enjoyed as a nightcap. There’s always a good reason to make this classic drink.

The next time that you’re craving those classic sour cocktails, keep this simple recipe handy. Add some orange slices and a lemon twist – and you’re set!

It’s so much fun to make your own classic Amaretto sour drink right at home! I urge you to make this recipe today – why wait?! 

amaretto sour ingredients on counter

Amaretto Sour Recipe

I doubt you’ll find an easier cocktail to whip up than this one!

The best part about this DiSaronno sour recipe is how straightforward it is. If you have a decently stocked bar, you’re sure to already have everything you need on hand.

Looking for more simple cocktail recipes? Enjoy a classic rum and coke or a refreshing Jack Daniel’s sweet tea

While I am a huge fan of over-the-top dessert cocktails and holiday themed cocktails, sometimes simplicity is truly the way to go.

squeezing lemons into cocktail shaker for amaretto sour recipe

How to Make an Amaretto Sour

Add ice, DiSaronno® amaretto (my personal favorite), and your freshly squeezed lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.

Shake well so it gets nice and chilled. Pour it into a glass, ice and all, and garnish with a slice of lemon!

adding ice to cocktail shaker

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cocktails

  • Keep that bold flavor. Make large ice cubes out of lemon juice or sour mix to avoid a watered down drink. (This is the tip to making a fantastic drink!) 
  • Use fresh juice! Bottled lemon juice tends to have an unpleasant aftertaste. Trust me, it’s worth it to squeeze your own! Fresh lemon juice is the best! (or lime juice – whatever you prefer!) 
  • Sweeten it up. Including some simple syrup with the amaretto sour recipe will take the edge off of the bitter taste.
  • No cocktail shaker? No worries! You can easily use a mason jar with a lid or two glasses stacked together just like the pros do.
  • Add soda. If the flavor is too strong for you, top it off with a lemon-lime soda so it’s a bit softer on your palette.
  • Make it look good. You can garnish your DiSaronno amaretto sour with a slice of lemon, lime, or orange. Even a maraschino cherry will do!
pouring amaretto into a cocktail shaker

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Variations to Try

  • Add bourbon. Cuts down the sweetness and fills out the drink.
  • Amaretto Stone Sour: Follow the same recipe, but add orange juice.
  • Include egg white. A common cocktail addition, this adds body and creates a creamy froth. 

    Shake the drink with one egg white, but be sure to use a pasteurized egg! 
  • Whiskey Sour: Swap the almond liqueur with your favorite whiskey or bourbon.
  • Non-alcoholic: Combine lemon juice (or sour mix), lemon-lime soda, and amaretto syrup.

Amaretto Sour Drink FAQ

What is amaretto? 

Amaretto is an Italian almond-flavored liqueur. Despite it’s nutty flavor, it does not contain any nuts! It is made with the kernels from inside apricot pits, which produces an extremely distinct flavor that is both sweet and bitter.

What does a DiSaronno sour taste like? 

This amaretto cocktail has the perfect balance of sweet and tart, like a boozy version of the perfect lemonade. 

Even better, you can easily adjust the amounts used in this amaretto sour recipe to suit your preference for either flavor.

Can I make an amaretto sour ahead of time? 

Yes! If this is your contribution to a gathering, you can pre-batch them individually or fix a large pitcher so guests can pour their own.

Also, put together a tray of garnish options so they can really make each drink their own!

Is amaretto and DiSaronno the same? 

DiSaronno is a brand of amaretto, so you can use it to make an amaretto sour drink.
Asking for a DiSaronno amaretto sour at a bar simply indicates which brand you prefer them to use. If you ask for an amaretto sour, they will use a bottom shelf (less expensive) liqueur.

pouring cocktails from shaker into glasses

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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maraschino cherry and lemon slice in disaranno sour

amaretto sour in glass with lemon and maraschino cherry

Perfect Classic Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe

Donna Elick
This amaretto sour recipe has only two ingredients but creates one incredibly flavorful drink. It’s sure to become your “go-to” cocktail!
5 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 1

Ingredients
 

  • 2 ounces DiSaronno Amaretto Liqueur
  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 lemon, or lime slice for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Add ice, amaretto and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake and serve (pouring ice into glass with drink). Garnish with lemon slice.
  • Enjoy and repeat as desired!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 187cal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 17mg | Sugar: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
amaretto sour with cherry in glass close up

Originally published May 2012, updated and republished December 2024

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12 Comments

  1. Oooh, this drink brings back some memories for me. I didn't realize it was such a simple drink. The picture is gorgeous!

  2. Even though it's only Thursday night here, I am definitely making this tonight. Friday is just too far.

  3. Oh yes pls. I have a tree bursting with plump juicy lemons and a bottle of ameretto in the cupboard.

    That's tonight's drink on the terrace, sat next to the pool, sorted, thanks. Can't wait.

  4. I like how you do a lot of classics. This looks great. We're doing tequila sunrises tonight, which made us think of you, might have to make one of these too.

  5. 5 stars
    My dad likes to drink disaronno straight, but this is such a good way to change it up. After making it, I think he’d like it. Saving the rest of the disaronno to make it for him!

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