amaretto whiskey sour
How to make the amaretto hater like amaretto: just add whiskey.
Amaretto or almond extract are flavors that I will taste above anything else when they’re present in a drink or baked good. I usually inspect cocktail menus for any trace of amaretto or orgeat, since places usually go a wee bit overboard on that spirit in drinks.
It’s not that I don’t like almond. I quite like the nut as a whole, and in trace amounts find it dope in shortbread cookies. Drinks, I hadn’t quite gotten a grip with the sweet, nutty liqueur. But sometime in my Pinterest adventures I came across a really pretty photo of an amaretto sour and decided that I needed to give it a try, even if I had to deviate from the accepted proportions and shake that shit in a way that made it really lovely for me.
And yes, this drink is lovely. It’s hefty enough to make you feel cozy thanks to the whiskey, but light enough for hot days or nights, and certainly drinkable enough to enjoy a couple while lazing on a summer afternoon. Just a few ingredients yields a delightful sip, and you probably have them around already.
Amaretto, Mister Roboto?
Aside from the whiskey and amaretto, you need lemon, honey, and an egg white for this drink. The egg white lends that lovely foamy cap, which I guess isn’t required, but quite a beloved serving addition. So long as you don’t have an aversion to eggs, I’d definitely recommend trying.
Throw into your cocktail shaker the whiskey, amaretto, (3/4 ounce does seem like a weird amount, but I found it to be the best as far as tasteability while not overpowering the whiskey), fresh lemon juice (fresh is best here), honey, and the egg white.
Dry shake the cocktail for 30 seconds, then add a few ice cubes and vigorously shake for a bit longer. The dry shake fluffs up the egg whites – kind of like a rudimentary way of whipping meringue, except not – and the ice chills the drink.
Strain into a cocktail glass, either over ice or neat. Be mesmerized by the froth floating to the top of the drink. I garnish my glass simply, with a lemon peel stuck onto a pick. If you like filthy cherries, this is a good drink for those, but I kind of hate those little spheres so I didn’t show it here.
If you’re one of those folks thinking about autumn already (IT’S JULY!) this drink will carry you into those cooler days. Otherwise, enjoy a pitcher with your friends to cool off. Just keep your hands away from cars in the meantime.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to comes ay hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Sour drinks for sour humans:
amaretto whiskey sour
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz honey
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 oz amaretto
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, amaretto, lemon juice, honey, and egg white. Dry shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then add ice and shake 15-20 seconds longer.
- If desired, add a couple ice cubes to a lowball glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass, shaking as much of the egg white foam out as possible. Serve with a lemon twist.
