Amaretto Whiskey Sour
A nutty, crowd-pleasing twist on the classic Whiskey Sour that balances bourbon's backbone with sweet almond warmth from amaretto and bright lemon. Velvety egg white foam and a few dashes of bitters make this cocktail nostalgic, elegant, and ideal for parties or a relaxed evening in.
Ingredient Spotlight
Amaretto liqueur (e.g., Disaronno)
Amaretto is an Italian almond-flavored liqueur (Disaronno is a well-known brand) with sweet, nutty, marzipan-like notes and a lightly bitter finish. It’s commonly used in cocktails and desserts and is widely available at liquor stores and many supermarkets. If you don’t have amaretto, a quick substitute is orgeat (almond syrup) plus a splash of brandy or bourbon to add warmth, or a small amount of almond extract diluted with simple syrup and a neutral spirit.
Ingredient Spotlight
Angostura bitters
Angostura bitters are a concentrated aromatic bitters originally produced in the Caribbean; they’re used by the dash in cocktails and some savory dishes to add a complex bitter-spicy-herbal backbone. They smell strongly of bitter herbs, clove, and warm spices but are used in very small amounts. You can find them at liquor stores and many grocery stores; a generic aromatic bitters (or Peychaud’s for a different profile) or a few drops of homemade bitters can substitute in a pinch.
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Ingredient Spotlight
Luxardo or maraschino cherries
Luxardo cherries are Italian preserved marasca cherries packed in syrup and are dark, richly flavored, and less cloying than the bright red, artificially colored American maraschino cherries. They add a deep cherry-almond flavor to cocktails and are sold in specialty/gourmet shops, many liquor stores, and some supermarkets; standard maraschino or glacé cherries or homemade brandied cherries can be used as substitutes, though they will be sweeter and less complex.
Jake's note
"This hybrid blends the approachability of an Amaretto Sour with the structure of a Whiskey Sour—perfect for guests who like nutty sweetness without losing cocktail balance. It shines at cocktail parties and makes a memorable after-dinner serve."
Amaretto Whiskey Sour
The Amaretto Whiskey Sour takes the citrus-forward architecture of a classic Whiskey Sour and softens its edges with the toasty, marzipan warmth of amaretto. Bourbon provides the sturdy backbone — caramel, oak and a touch of spice — while amaretto adds almond sweetness that keeps the drink approachable without flattening the lemon’s zing. A silky egg-white foam lifts the aromatics and gives you that nostalgic, cocktail-club gloss; Angostura bitters sliced on top introduce a counterpoint of bitter spice that keeps every sip clean and balanced.
This version succeeds because of attention to balance and technique: a 2:1 bourbon-to-amaretto ratio keeps the whiskey present, fresh lemon and a modest 1:1 syrup temper the liqueur’s sugar, and the dry-shake plus vigorous ice shake yields a dense, lasting head. It’s a small-batch party drink — impressive enough for guests yet unfussy for a weeknight nightcap — and it plays beautifully with luxardo cherries and a bright lemon twist that echo the amaretto’s almond notes while adding fresh complexity.
Plan your timing
Ingredients
Instructions
Combine base ingredients
For this step
- 6 ozBourbon (or rye whiskey)
- 3 ozAmaretto liqueur (e.g., Disaronno)
- 4 ozFresh lemon juice
- 3 ozSimple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 2 large egg whitesLarge egg whites (optional, for foam)
Dry shake to emulsify
Shake with ice to chill
For this step
- 2 cupsIce (for shaking and serving)
Strain into glass
Garnish and finish
For this step
- 8 dashesAngostura bitters (for garnish)
- 4 wholeLuxardo or maraschino cherries
- 4 twistsLemon twists (for garnish)
Tips from the kitchen
Measure by volume
Use jiggers for consistent flavor — small changes in amaretto or lemon make this cocktail quickly too sweet or too tart.
Master the dry shake
Shake without ice first for 12–15 seconds to fully emulsify the egg white; it’s the difference between thin foam and a billowy, velvet head.
Double-strain for silk
Run the drink through both the shaker’s strainer and a fine mesh to remove ice shards and ensure a smooth mouthfeel.
Control dilution
Shake until the shaker is frosty and the ice is nicked; over-dilution flattens the almond notes while under-dilution makes the drink harsh.
Bitters as seasoning
Dot bitters on the foam, don’t stir aggressively — a gentle swirl preserves the aroma and creates an attractive pattern.
Variations & substitutions
Amaretto-forward
Increase amaretto to a 1:1 ratio with bourbon for a sweeter, dessert-like cocktail and reduce simple syrup to 1 oz to avoid cloying.
Vegan foam substitute
Replace egg white with 3/4 oz aquafaba and dry-shake the same way to get frothiness suitable for a vegan or egg-free version.
Smoky Rye Twist
Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier backbone; the amaretto’s sweetness will soften rye’s peppery notes and add depth.
Low-sugar option
Cut the simple syrup in half and use extra lemon or a few drops of rich honey syrup to retain body while lowering overall sweetness.
Storage & make-ahead
Cocktails with egg white are best consumed immediately for optimal foam and texture; store no more than a few hours in the fridge if pre-batched but expect the foam to collapse. For make-ahead batching, combine whiskey, amaretto, lemon juice and syrup in a sealed bottle and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add egg white and perform the dry/double shake just before serving. Do not reheat — serve chilled over fresh ice or in a chilled coupe.
What to serve with it
Serve with small savory bites that cut through the sweetness, such as prosciutto-wrapped figs, rosemary almonds, or a sharp cheddar and honey crostini. For a full pairing, bring on an herbaceous gin-based aperitif or a lightly oaked white wine; the cocktail’s almond-sweet profile also makes it a pleasant finale alongside coffee or dark chocolate petit fours. Present in old-fashioneds with a large ice cube for slower dilution at a casual gathering, or in chilled coupes for a more elegant setting.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use raw egg white?
Most healthy adults can safely consume raw egg whites; choose pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about salmonella or are serving immunocompromised guests, pregnant people, or young children.
Can I skip the egg white?
Yes — omitting it still yields a tasty cocktail, though the texture will be thinner and lack the frothy head; consider an aquafaba substitution for similar foam without eggs.
How do I adjust sweetness?
Start by reducing the simple syrup in 0.5 oz increments and taste; the amaretto contributes significant sugar, so small adjustments go a long way toward balancing the lemon.
What whiskey should I choose?
Use a mid-range bourbon for caramel and vanilla notes; swap to rye for a spicier, drier profile that contrasts nicely with the amaretto’s almond sweetness.
How do I batch this for a party?
Multiply the non-egg ingredients and mix them in a pitcher, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and shake individual portions with egg white and ice just before serving to preserve foam and texture.
About the author
JakeHello, I'm Jake. I started this recipe site with the idea that I hated recipe websites that overwhelm you with long stories and ads just to see plain content that's not helpful. My goal is to provide you with quality recipes, simple ideas and a fun cooking experience. There's lots of fun things to cook, and I think as you browse the site you'll find that TopShelf.Recipes is the place for quality recipes on the web.
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Ingredients
- Bourbon (or rye whiskey)6 oz
- Amaretto liqueur (e.g., Disaronno)3 oz
- Fresh lemon juice4 oz
- Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)3 oz
- Large egg whites (optional, for foam)2 large egg whites
- Ice (for shaking and serving)2 cups
- 🛒 BuyAngostura bitters (for garnish)8 dashes
- Luxardo or maraschino cherries4 whole
- Lemon twists (for garnish)4 twists
🛒 = paid link — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 cocktail (350g)
Nutrition values are estimated from USDA ingredient data and may vary based on preparation, brands, and portion sizes. Values are provided for informational purposes only.
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