
Ordinary Drink
Amaretto Sour
Der Amaretto Sour ist ein erfrischender Cocktail, der süßen Amaretto-Likör mit frischem Zitronensaft kombiniert. Diese harmonische Mischung aus süßen und sauren Aromen sorgt für ein ausgewogenes Geschmackserlebnis, das sowohl leicht als auch köstlich ist. Oft wird er mit einem Spritzer Soda und einer Kirsche garniert, was ihm eine ansprechende Präsentation verleiht.
- süß
- sauer
- nussig
- fruchtig
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Collins Glass
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- ABV
- 15%
- Yields
- 1 serving
Der Amaretto Sour ist ein klassischer ordinary drink, fertig in 5 Minuten. Das Ergebnis: ein süß and sauer Genuss, der jede Minute wert ist. Regelmäßig unter den Top-Suchanfragen für "Cocktailparty".
Key Takeaways
What you’ll learn
- Jeffrey Morgenthaler revolutionized the Amaretto Sour in 2012 by adding cask-proof bourbon and egg white, transforming a dismissed 1970s relic into a craft classic.
- The original recipe relied on artificial sour mix; the modern version uses fresh lemon juice, rich simple syrup, and high-proof bourbon for depth and balance.
- Disaronno is the standard amaretto choice, but Lazzaroni offers a less sweet, more sophisticated alternative that shines in the Morgenthaler ratio.
- The 2:1 ratio of amaretto to lemon juice creates perfect sweet-tart balance when cask-proof bourbon is added as a counterweight.
- Egg white transforms the texture into a silky, foam-topped cocktail; aquafaba works as a vegan substitute with nearly identical results.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Collins Glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 1 1/2 ozAmaretto
- 3 ozSour mix
Method
Preparation
- 01
Schütteln und abseihen. Mit einer Kirsche und einer Orangenscheibe garnieren.
Origin
History & Origins
Few cocktails have experienced such a dramatic reputation reversal as the Amaretto Sour. Once relegated to the realm of cloyingly sweet 1970s relics, this Italian-American hybrid staged one of the most impressive comebacks in modern mixology. The transformation didn't happen by accident — it took Portland bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler to rescue the amaretto sour from obscurity and prove that with the right technique and proportions it deserves a place among the classics.
The Amaretto Sour emerged during the 1970s cocktail renaissance, when sweet, approachable drinks dominated bar menus across America. The original recipe was deceptively simple: amaretto liqueur, sour mix, and a cherry garnish. Its widespread use of artificial sour mix — a neon-yellow concoction of corn syrup, citric acid, and preservatives — turned what could have been a balanced cocktail into a tooth-achingly sweet disappointment. By the early 2000s, ordering an Amaretto Sour at a quality cocktail bar would likely earn a judgmental look.
Its widespread use of artificial sour mix — a neon-yellow concoction of corn syrup, citric acid, and preservatives — turned what could have been a balanced cocktail into a tooth-achingly sweet disappointment.
In 2012, Morgenthaler published his reimagined recipe while head bartender at Portland's acclaimed Clyde Common. His version added cask-proof bourbon for depth, replaced sour mix with fresh lemon juice and rich simple syrup, and incorporated egg white for silky texture. The result was a revelation — proof that the core concept was sound but the execution had been fundamentally flawed. Morgenthaler's version sparked a renaissance for the drink; bartenders who had previously dismissed it began experimenting with their own riffs, and today the upgraded Amaretto Sour appears on cocktail menus worldwide.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Süße und Säure sorgfältig ausbalancieren
From Leo
ausschließlich frischen Zitronensaft verwenden
Eiweiß für richtige Textur und Mundgefühl hinzufügen
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
New York Sour Amaretto
Eine gehobene Variation mit Granatapfelsaft-Float für visuelles Drama
Amaretto Stone Sour
Eine Variation mit zusätzlichem Whisky für Tiefe
Würziger Amaretto Sour
Eine würzige Interpretation mit Zimt- und Nelkennoten
Watch
See it in action
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Amaretto Sour has a flavor profile that is süß, sauer, nussig, fruchtig. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Amaretto Sour is ideal for Sommerpartys, Hochzeiten, Geburtstagsfeiern. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Amaretto Sour. If you cannot source Amaretto, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Amaretto Sour variations include New York Sour Amaretto, Amaretto Stone Sour, Würziger Amaretto Sour. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Amaretto Sour is traditionally served in a Collins Glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Collins Glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Amaretto Sour is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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