Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour is the ultimate redemption story in cocktail history, transforming from a syrupy embarrassment into a modern classic through proper technique. For decades, the drink suffered from sweet-and-sour mix mediocrity, combining Amaretto with bottled mix to create cloying sweetness. The craft cocktail renaissance rescued it by using the classic sour template: Amaretto, bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white, creating a nutty, complex, sophisticated cocktail. The modern version was popularized by Jeffrey Morgenthaler in the 2000s, proving that maligned drinks could be redeemed through quality ingredients and proper technique. Served in a rocks glass over ice with a cherry and orange garnish, the Amaretto Sour represents cocktail redemption, the power of fresh ingredients, and the transformation of 1970s-1980s drinks. The drink embodies the craft cocktail movement's mission to rescue forgotten or bastardized cocktails. The addition of bourbon (or rye) provides backbone and prevents the almond sweetness from overwhelming, while egg white adds silky texture. The cocktail demands quality ingredients: good Amaretto (Luxardo or Lazzaroni, not DeKuyper), bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and proper egg white foam. The Amaretto Sour represents second chances, cocktail evolution, and the importance of execution over reputation. Whether served at a dive bar or a craft cocktail lounge, a proper Amaretto Sour delivers nutty sophistication.