Amaro Sour

How to Make Amaro Sour

1. 1

   Step 1: Measure and combine the base

   In a shaker, combine the amaro, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Use fresh lemon for the brightest flavor and adjust syrup if your amaro is sweeter or drier.

   For this step

   • 4 ozAmaro (e.g., Averna, Montenegro, or similar)
   • 1 1/2 ozFresh lemon juice
   • 1 ozSimple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Add egg white and dry shake

   Add the egg white (optional) to the shaker and seal. 'Dry shake'—shake vigorously without ice—for about 15–20 seconds to emulsify and build a silky foam that gives the cocktail body.

   For this step

   • 1 large egg whiteLarge egg white (optional, or use pasteurized)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Add ice and shake until cold

   Open the shaker, add the ice, and shake again vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold. This chills and properly dilutes the drink while aerating the foam further.

   For this step

   • 2 cupsIce (for shaking and serving)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Double strain into chilled glass

   Double-strain the cocktail into two chilled coupe or rocks glasses to remove ice shards and obtain a smooth texture. Aim for a serving volume of about 5–6 fl oz (150–175 ml) per glass.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Garnish and finish with bitters

   Express a lemon twist over each drink and rub the rim, then add the twist as garnish. Dot 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam of each cocktail and, if desired, use a toothpick to create a simple pattern for presentation.

   For this step

   • 4 dashesAngostura bitters
   • 2 twistsLemon twist (for garnish)
   

1. In a shaker, combine the amaro, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Use fresh lemon for the brightest flavor and adjust syrup if your amaro is sweeter or drier.
2. Add the egg white (optional) to the shaker and seal. 'Dry shake'—shake vigorously without ice—for about 15–20 seconds to emulsify and build a silky foam that gives the cocktail body.
3. Open the shaker, add the ice, and shake again vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold. This chills and properly dilutes the drink while aerating the foam further.
4. Double-strain the cocktail into two chilled coupe or rocks glasses to remove ice shards and obtain a smooth texture. Aim for a serving volume of about 5–6 fl oz (150–175 ml) per glass.
5. Express a lemon twist over each drink and rub the rim, then add the twist as garnish. Dot 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam of each cocktail and, if desired, use a toothpick to create a simple pattern for presentation.