Date Published: January 22, 2025, Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by I Like Wine
Classic Amaretto Sour: 10 Unique Twist Recipes
Date Published: January 22, 2025, Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by I Like Wine
Date Published: January 22, 2025, Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by I Like Wine
What is an amaretto sour?
An Amaretto Sour is a sweet, nutty and citrusy cocktail made with amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness. It is easy to make at home and works well with classic Italian amaretto liqueurs.
The amaretto gives the cocktail its almond-like flavour, while the citrus adds freshness and balance. If you are planning to make Amaretto Sours at home, start with a good-quality amaretto and fresh lemon juice.
Making cocktails at home? Browse our range of Amaretto liqueurs online and get delivery across Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.
Why stick to the usual when you can create something extraordinary? The Amaretto Sour is a timeless favourite, but its versatility makes it the perfect canvas for experimenting with flavours.
By adding fresh ingredients, bold pairings, or unexpected twists, you can turn this classic into a whole new experience. Perfect for dinner parties, enjoying a quiet evening, or planning your next Valentine’s Day cocktails, these creative twists bring a fresh spin to a classic.
Get started by ensuring your bar is fully stocked. Choose a quality amaretto, along with your favourite spirits and mixers, so your bar is ready for the fun.
Shop amaretto for these recipes
A good Amaretto Sour starts with the right liqueur. Amaretto brings the signature sweet, nutty and almond-like flavour that makes this cocktail so popular.
Explore Amaretto liqueurs online at I Like Wine, including Italian favourites suited to classic cocktails, after-dinner drinks, desserts and gifting.
Here are 10 creative Amaretto Sour recipes:
1. The Whiskey Amaretto Sour
A bold pairing of amaretto with bourbon for whiskey lovers.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml amaretto
- 30 ml bourbon
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
How to Make:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
2. Blood Orange Amaretto Sour
A citrusy twist featuring the vibrant sweetness of blood orange.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml fresh blood orange juice
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Blood orange wheel for garnish
How to Make:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a blood orange wheel.
3. Spicy Amaretto Sour
Bring the heat with chilli-infused syrup for a bold twist.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml chilli-infused simple syrup
- Splash of soda water
- Ice
- Fresh chilli slice for garnish
How to Make:
- Combine amaretto, lime juice, and chilli syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a chilli slice.
4. Espresso Amaretto Sour
A rich, aromatic version for coffee enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Coffee beans for garnish
How to Make:
- Shake amaretto, espresso, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a glass and garnish with coffee beans.
5. Sparkling Amaretto Sour
A refreshing twist with bubbles for a lively finish.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml amaretto
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Soda water or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to Make:
- Shake amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water or sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.
6. Tropical Amaretto Sour
Add tropical vibes with pineapple juice for a fruity refresh.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml pineapple juice
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
How to Make:
- Shake amaretto, pineapple juice, and lime juice with ice.
- Strain into a glass over ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
7. Cranberry Amaretto Sour
A festive version perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml cranberry juice
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
How to Make:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries.
8. Apple Amaretto Sour
A crisp variation with natural apple sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 30 ml apple juice or cider
- Dash of cinnamon
- Ice
- Apple slice for garnish
How to Make:
- Shake amaretto, lemon juice, apple juice, and cinnamon with ice.
- Strain into a glass over ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice.
9. Vegan Amaretto Sour
A plant-based version with aquafaba for a frothy finish.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 15 ml aquafaba
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to Make:
- Dry shake all ingredients to create froth.
- Add ice and shake again.
- Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
10. Dark Chocolate Amaretto Sour
A decadent and indulgent take with a hint of cocoa.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml amaretto
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- 10 ml chocolate liqueur
- Ice
- Grated dark chocolate for garnish
How to Make:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a glass.
- Garnish with grated dark chocolate.
What amaretto should you use for an amaretto sour?
Most good-quality amaretto liqueurs can be used in an Amaretto Sour, but the best choice depends on the flavour you prefer.
A classic Italian amaretto is a safe option if you want the traditional sweet, nutty and almond-like flavour. If you prefer a richer cocktail, choose an amaretto with more depth and sweetness. For a fresher drink, balance the liqueur with plenty of fresh lemon juice.
For cocktails, it is worth choosing an amaretto you would also enjoy on its own. This helps the drink taste smoother and more balanced.
For more background on the liqueur itself, read our Amaretto Liqueur guide.
Shop wines and spirits online
To bring these Amaretto Sour variations to life, make sure your bar is ready with the right ingredients. Buy wines online along with amaretto liqueurs, mixers, and spirits to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Looking for thoughtful gift ideas? A carefully chosen bottle of wine or a premium liqueur makes a meaningful and elegant present.
Order online from I Like Wine and have your favourites delivered across Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.
