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WhatDrink

Cocktails

Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour is a smooth, almond-accented cocktail with a rounded sweet-sour profile. Served chilled, it works best when the drink should feel approachable, slightly indulgent and easy to recommend.

Reviewed by How we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction
Cocktailalcoholic6% ABV4 ingredients

At a Glance

399 kcalCalories
6%ABV
66.5gSugar
74.7gCarbs
0.8Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

  • 2.0 ozAmarettoLiqueur Modifier
  • 4.0 ozFresh lemon juiceJuice
  • 2.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
  • 1Orange half-wheelGarnish

How to Make It

  1. Shake with ice and strain into chilled Sour glass.Shaken
  2. Garnish with orange.Garnish

How to Serve

Glass
Cordial Or Pony Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Ice
Method
Shaken
Served Chilled

Serving tips

Serving tips

Serve Amaretto Sour cold and taste the citrus balance before adding extra sugar. Fresh citrus usually makes the biggest difference. It is commonly matched with seafood, ceviche, salads style pairings.

Taste

What does Amaretto Sour taste like?

Amaretto Sour is bright and tart, with citrus carrying much of the first impression. Sweetness and dilution need to balance the sharpness.

Primary flavours

SweetCitrus

Supporting notes

AlmondNuttyVanillaTart

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong
BodyLight – Full
SweetnessDry – Sweet
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
  • Noticeably sweet
  • Bright and citrusy

What do these dimensions mean?

Practical notes

When to choose it

How to decide if Amaretto Sour is right for you

Amaretto Sour is best when you want brightness and a clean tart edge. Choose it if citrus balance matters more than richness, creaminess or heavy sweetness. The listed serve is about 5.8% ABV, so strength is part of the decision.

Skip if

Skip Amaretto Sour if...

Skip Amaretto Sour if tart citrus is not what you want. Sour-style drinks rely on acidity, so they can feel sharp when you are looking for richness or sweetness.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-FreeVegetarian

May be limited

Vegan

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar
Find vegan-compatible cocktails

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Amaretto2.0 oz

Amaretto Di SaronnoGood swap
How much to use
Use the same amount.
What changes
Amaretto di Saronno can replace generic amaretto in most drink recipes.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Fresh Lemon Juice4.0 oz

Lime JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if the drink tastes too sharp.
What changes
Lime juice can usually replace lemon juice, but the drink becomes sharper and more tropical.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Simple Syrup2.0 oz

SugarWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Dissolve well before serving or muddle/shake hard; start with about 1 teaspoon sugar per 1/4 oz syrup.
What changes
Sugar can replace simple syrup if it fully dissolves, but it adds less water.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Agave SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first, then adjust to taste.
What changes
Agave syrup can replace simple syrup, especially in tequila or mezcal drinks, but it adds an earthy agave note.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Demerara SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use the same amount, but avoid in very delicate drinks unless you want the darker flavor.
What changes
Demerara syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, darker sugar note is welcome.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Honey SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first; honey syrup can dominate delicate drinks.
What changes
Honey syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, floral sweetness is acceptable.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Maple SyrupNot a neutral swap
How much to use
Use less at first and avoid in delicate citrus or clear drinks unless you want maple flavor.
What changes
Maple syrup can replace simple syrup in darker or whiskey-style drinks, but it is not a neutral swap.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make an Amaretto Sour at home?
Yes. The Amaretto Sour uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cordial Or Pony Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.