A Modern Twist on a Timeless Cocktail

There’s something inherently captivating about cherries – their luscious color, their delicate sweetness perfectly countered by a delightful tartness. It’s a flavor I adore in everything from desserts to various beverages, and it truly shines in this Cherry Amaretto Sour. The magic happens when the robust sweetness of Amaretto meets the lively tang of fresh cherries and lemon juice. This combination creates a bold, yet incredibly refreshing cocktail that feels both luxurious and remarkably easy to prepare. Forget complicated syrups; this recipe embraces simplicity: you just muddle, shake, and sip your way to cocktail bliss.

The Amaretto Sour itself has an interesting history. Originally, it was a creation by Disaronno, famously featuring their almond liqueur simply mixed with a pre-made sour mix. This was a common approach in the mid-20th century. However, the world of craft cocktails has evolved dramatically since then. Modern mixology places a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the addition of egg whites has become a signature element of a truly exceptional Amaretto Sour. While not part of the original recipe, the egg white lends an unmistakable silky texture and a beautiful, foamy cap that elevates the drink from a simple mixed drink to a sophisticated experience. In today’s discerning craft cocktail scene, using a pre-made sour mix is practically unheard of; fresh citrus is king, and this recipe proudly upholds that tradition by using fresh lemon to complement the cherries.

Ingredient Notes for the Perfect Cherry Amaretto Sour

Crafting an outstanding Cherry Amaretto Sour begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the harmonious balance of flavors and the desired texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each choice matters for your homemade cocktail:

• Amaretto: The star of the show, Amaretto is an Italian almond-flavored liqueur that forms the sweet, nutty base of this cocktail. Disaronno is widely considered the classic choice, not least because the company itself is credited with inventing the original Amaretto Sour. Its distinctive sweet, almost marzipan-like flavor provides a delicious depth, making it enjoyable not just in cocktails but also as an elegant after-dinner digestif.
• Bourbon: While optional, adding bourbon is highly recommended. It introduces a welcome layer of complexity and helps to balance the sweetness of the Amaretto and cherries, preventing the drink from being overly saccharine. The rich, caramel, and vanilla notes of bourbon complement the almond and fruit beautifully, adding a sophisticated kick. If you prefer a lighter, less alcoholic version, you can certainly omit it without compromising the core flavor profile too much.
• Cherries: Using fresh cherries is key to achieving that vibrant red color and authentic fruit flavor. Muddling fresh cherries effectively releases their juices and natural color, infusing the cocktail with a bright, genuine cherry taste that can’t be replicated by artificial syrups. While cherry syrup could be a substitute, it often adds unnecessary sweetness and effort, and lacks the fresh, dynamic taste of real fruit. For best results, opt for ripe, sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier, or a slightly tart variety like Montmorency for an extra zing.
• Egg White: The egg white is the secret to the Amaretto Sour’s signature silky texture and luxurious, foamy head. It doesn’t add any discernible flavor, but it dramatically enhances the mouthfeel and presentation. While some may be hesitant, the “dry shake” method (shaking without ice first) emulsifies the egg white perfectly, creating that desirable froth. For safety, always use fresh, pasteurized eggs if possible. If you prefer to skip it, the drink will still be delicious, just without the iconic foamy cap.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is absolutely essential for the “sour” component of this cocktail. It provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the sweetness of the Amaretto and cherries, creating that perfect balance. Resist the temptation to use pre-made sour mix, as fresh lemon juice delivers a far superior, more vibrant, and natural flavor. The difference in taste is truly remarkable and worth the extra moment of effort.

*Detailed measurements and further information about these ingredients can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below.

How To Make a Delightful Cherry Amaretto Sour: Step-by-Step

Creating this exquisite cocktail is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to mix up a perfectly balanced and beautifully presented Cherry Amaretto Sour:

Step 1: Begin by preparing your cherries. In a sturdy cocktail shaker, combine the pitted fresh cherries with the freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon. Use a muddler to gently yet firmly crush the cherries until they form a pulpy consistency. This crucial step extracts their vibrant color and essential oils, infusing the drink with authentic cherry flavor. Once muddled, fill the shaker with plenty of ice to chill your ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2: Next, add the remaining liquid ingredients to the shaker: the rich bourbon, the sweet Amaretto, and the egg white. For the best foamy texture, consider performing a “dry shake” first – shake all ingredients vigorously for about 15 seconds without ice. This helps emulsify the egg white. Then, add ice and shake again vigorously for another 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold. This ensures proper chilling and aeration.

Step 3: Prepare your serving glass by filling it with fresh ice. This prevents unnecessary dilution from the ice used for shaking and keeps your cocktail perfectly chilled. Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture from the shaker into your prepared glass, ensuring a smooth, foamy top. For a final touch, garnish your beautiful cocktail with a few fresh cherry halves skewered on a toothpick, adding both visual appeal and a burst of fresh fruit aroma.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Cherry Amaretto Sour

To ensure your Cherry Amaretto Sour is nothing short of perfect, keep these invaluable tips in mind:

1. Amaretto sours containing egg white are best consumed immediately after preparation. The egg white is crucial for that perfect foamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. However, if the drink is left to sit for too long, the acidity from the fresh lemon juice will begin to “cook” the egg white, leading to an undesirable stringiness or separation in the drink. Enjoy it promptly to savor its optimal texture and taste.
2. For quick and efficient cherry pitting, a clever trick is to drive a straw (a sturdy metal or reusable plastic straw works best) through the stem end of the cherry. As the straw pushes through, it will pin the pit against your cutting board, allowing you to easily remove the cherry flesh while leaving the pit behind. This method is much faster and less messy than using a knife.
3. For an even silkier foam, consider a “reverse dry shake.” This involves first shaking all ingredients with ice, straining the ice out, and then shaking the liquid again without ice before straining into a fresh glass. This extra shake further emulsifies the egg white, creating a denser, more stable foam.
4. The quality of your ice matters! Use large, dense ice cubes for serving to minimize dilution and keep your drink colder for longer, preserving its delicate balance of flavors.

Key Tools for Crafting This Delicious Drink

Having the right bar tools makes all the difference when mixing cocktails. For your Cherry Amaretto Sour, these are indispensable:

1. A cocktail shaker is absolutely essential to achieve the classic foamy texture associated with an Amaretto Sour. Shaking vigorously with ice not only chills the drink quickly but also aerates the egg white, creating that signature frothy cap. A Cobbler shaker (with built-in strainer) or a Boston shaker (two tins) will both work perfectly.
2. Unlike some cocktails, like margaritas, which can be served with the same ice they’re shaken in, the Cherry Amaretto Sour greatly benefits from being strained into fresh ice. To get the distinct separation of the foamy top from the liquid base and prevent excessive dilution, you will definitely need a cocktail strainer. A Hawthorne strainer is ideal for this purpose, fitting snugly onto most shakers and holding back the muddled cherry pulp effectively.
3. A muddler is key for extracting the full flavor and vibrant color from your fresh cherries. It allows you to gently crush the fruit without pulverizing it too much, ensuring a burst of natural sweetness and tartness.

A Delightful Mocktail Variation: Non-Alcoholic Cherry Sour

Want to enjoy the vibrant flavors of this drink without the alcohol? This non-alcoholic mocktail version is just as delicious and refreshing, perfect for all to enjoy:

1. To substitute for the Amaretto, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of almond extract to capture those nutty notes. Replace the Amaretto and bourbon with a blend of 2 oz of tart cherry juice (to enhance the cherry flavor and add depth) and ½ oz of simple syrup or agave nectar to provide the necessary sweetness and body.
2. Combine your muddled fresh cherries, tart cherry juice, simple syrup (or agave), fresh lemon juice, and egg white (optional for foam, or use aquafaba) in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, just as you would the alcoholic version. Then, pour the chilled mixture over fresh ice in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with fresh cherry halves for a beautiful and delicious alcohol-free treat.

Cherry Amaretto Sour Recipe FAQs

What to Serve with a Refreshing Cherry Amaretto Sour

A beautifully crafted cocktail like the Cherry Amaretto Sour deserves equally delightful culinary companions. Its balance of sweet almond, tart cherry, and a hint of bourbon makes it incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with both savory appetizers and decadent desserts. Here’s a suggested menu to complement your Cherry Amaretto Sour, creating a truly memorable dining experience:

To start, consider light yet flavorful appetizers that won’t overpower the cocktail’s delicate notes. Some fantastic choices include savory Italian Stuffed Baked Clams, with their herby, briny goodness, or the classic elegance of a Homemade Shrimp Cocktail. The brininess of the clams or shrimp provides a lovely contrast to the cocktail’s fruitiness.

For your main course, a delicate fish dish would be an excellent match. The nutty undertones of the Amaretto and the brightness of the cherry and lemon will beautifully complement dishes like Pistachio Crusted Fish, where the nuttiness is echoed, or a perfectly seared Pan-Seared Vermillion Snapper. Serve these with a vibrant green side, such as an Italian Lacinato Kale Recipe (Tuscan), which adds a fresh, earthy element to the meal.

And for the grand finale, this Cherry Amaretto Sour truly shines alongside dessert. Its almond and fruity profile makes it the perfect accompaniment to the rich, nutty flavors of our Rainbow Cookie Cake! The Amaretto in the cocktail beautifully resonates with the almond flavors often found in Italian-American pastries, creating a harmonious and indulgent end to your meal.

Explore More Delicious Cocktail Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the refreshing taste of our Cherry Amaretto Sour, you’ll love exploring more unique and delightful cocktail recipes. Expand your home bartending repertoire with these other fan favorites:

We absolutely love hearing from you! Please feel free to leave a comment and a star rating in the recipe card below to share your thoughts on our recipes. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @vindelgiudice when you try out your homemade creations!

Cherry Amaretto Sour