# 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. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/amaretto-whiskey-sour ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 25, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe 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. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 10 minutes - Servings: 4 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Combine base ingredients - 6 oz Bourbon (or rye whiskey) - 3 oz Amaretto liqueur (e.g., Disaronno) - 4 oz Fresh lemon juice - 3 oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) - 2 large egg whites Large egg whites (optional, for foam) ### Shake with ice to chill - 2 cups Ice (for shaking and serving) ### Garnish and finish - 8 dashes Angostura bitters (for garnish) - 4 whole Luxardo or maraschino cherries - 4 twists Lemon twists (for garnish) ## Ingredient Guide ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## Instructions ### 1. Combine base ingredients Measure and pour the bourbon, amaretto, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg whites into a cocktail shaker. Using fresh lemon and quality amaretto gives the best balance of bright acidity and nutty sweetness. ### 2. Dry shake to emulsify Seal the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 12–15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a silky foam. This 'dry shake' builds body and gives the finished cocktail a creamy texture. ### 3. Shake with ice to chill Open the shaker, add a generous scoop of ice, then reseal and shake hard for another 10–15 seconds until the shaker is frosty. This chills and dilutes the drink to the proper strength. ### 4. Strain into glass Double-strain the mixture into four old-fashioned glasses filled with fresh ice (or strain into chilled coupes for a neat serve). Aim for a creamy foam head on each cocktail as you pour. ### 5. Garnish and finish Add 1–2 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the foam of each drink, then gently swirl with a toothpick to create a decorative pattern. Garnish each glass with a lemon twist and a Luxardo cherry dropped on top or alongside the ice. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 cocktail): - Calories: 298 kcal - Protein: 3.6 g - Carbohydrates: 58.5 g - Fat: 2.2 g - Saturated Fat: 0.6 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 2.7 g - Sugar: 42.9 g - Added Sugars: 20.7 g - Cholesterol: 68 mg - Sodium: 485 mg - Potassium: 302 mg - Calcium: 26 mg - Iron: 0.8 mg - Vitamin D: 0.4 mcg ## Tips ### 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 and 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. ## Notes 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. ### Storage and 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. ### Serving Suggestions 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. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Classic Manhattan Cocktail](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/classic-manhattan-cocktail) - [Non Alcoholic Manhattan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/non-alcoholic-manhattan) - [Blueberry Lavender Vodka](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/blueberry-lavender-vodka) - [Cucumber Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/cucumber-spritz) - [Rum Mojito Classic](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/rum-mojito-classic) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)