Sparkling Amaretto Sour Cocktail

Summer is the perfect time for a bubbly twist on a classic cocktail. This Sparkling Amaretto Sour is a refreshing drink that mixes sweet amaretto with smoky bourbon and lightens it with sparkling water. It's perfect for happy hour, evenings on the porch or your next party.

Cocktails with Effervescence

Summer is the perfect season for refreshing cocktails and ones with a touch of effervescence are always my favorite. Anything with bubbles creates a light drink that is fun to sip. And the effervescence actually helps bring out the flavor making the drink even more delicious. This combo makes bubbly drinks perfect for beating the heat.

Classic mimosas and bellinis are my go-to for brunches, while a bubbly Sparkling Pink Greyhound with vodka, grapefruit, and a splash of prosecco is perfect enjoyed poolside. Not to mention, you can add a little sparkle to a Blackberry Bourbon Smash or enjoy a Bourbon Mule with a spicer edge.

What is an Amaretto Sour?

If you're craving something that's both tangy and sweet, with an irresistible nutty flavor, then an Amaretto Sour is it! Traditionally, this cocktail is a simple blend of amaretto liqueur and freshly squeezed lemon juice, garnished with an orange slice and a cherry. It's a classic that offers up the perfect balance of almond sweetness and zesty citrus.

Over the years, bartenders and cocktail lovers have put their own twists on this iconic drink, adding ingredients like bourbon for a kick, simple syrup for smoothness, or even a dash of egg white to create a silky frothy topping for a more upscale offering.

This sparkling version of the Amaretto Sour takes the base of amaretto and lemon and adds a mix of bourbon and sweet and sour mix, creating a richer, more complex flavor. Topped off with sparkling water, this drink becomes a bubbly refreshing cocktail for summer. Add a splash of cherry juice or grenadine to transform the drink into one eye-catching drink.

Whiskey Sour vs Amaretto Sour

Both the Whiskey Sour and the Amaretto Sour cocktail belong to the sour family but these cocktails each have their own unique charm. The choice comes down to personal taste - bold and traditional or sweet and sparkling.

Whiskey Sour: The Whiskey Sour is a bold classic that combines the flavors of whiskey with the tang of fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup that softens the whiskey's bite. It's a sweet and tart cocktail that is traditionally garnished with a half-slice of orange or a maraschino cherry. It's a favorite among those who appreciate a strong, spirited drink.

Amaretto Sour: On the other hand, the Amaretto Sour provides a sweeter, softer drink. Amaretto, an Italian liqueur made from almonds, gives this drink a rich, nutty almond flavor that's complemented by the freshness of lemon juice. The Amaretto Sour is a delicious cocktail that's perfect pre-dinner or as an after dinner treat.

Why You'll Love This Amaretto Sour Recipe

Bubbly Delight: Choose sparkling water, Prosecco, or Sprite, for a refreshingly light cocktail with a playful fizz.

A Twist on the Classic: Adding a splash of bourbon offers a unique flavor twist to the classic Amaretto Sour. The bourbon brings a warmth and depth of flavor that complements the almond notes of the amaretto.

Bright Garnishes: The addition of an orange slice and a cherry garnish makes this drink Instagram-worthy! It also adds a hint of fruity sweetness that balances perfectly with the tartness of the sweet and sour mix.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Hosting a dinner party or lounging by the pool on a sunny afternoon, this Sparkling Amaretto Sour is the perfect cocktail.

Ingredients

With just 4 ingredients this amaretto cocktail is easy to make and even easier to drink. Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

• Amaretto: A sweet, almond-flavored liqueur is the base of the cocktail, providing a rich, nutty flavor that's irresistible. Disaronno is the brand of amaretto I like to use.
• Bourbon: Adding a splash of bourbon deepens the flavor and adds a hint of vanilla and oak that complements the amaretto.
• Sweet and Sour Mix: Either store-bought or homemade sour mix can be used. This key ingredient balances the sweetness of the amaretto with a refreshing tang.
• Sparkling Water, Prosecco, or Sprite: Choose one for a fizzy finish - sparkling water for less calories, Prosecco for a celebratory touch, or lemon-lime soda for sweetness.
• Optional - Cherry Juice or Grenadine: Add for a splash of color and a sweet edge,
• Orange Slice and Cherry: These fresh fruits not only look pretty but also add a hint of their flavors to each sip.

How to Make an Amaretto Sour

1. Fill a shaker with ice and add the amaretto and bourbon.
2. Pour in the sweet and sour cocktail mix.
3. Shake well and pour into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Top with sparkling water, prosecco, or Sprite.

Finish your cocktail with a garnish of an orange slice and a cherry. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy this sparkling, refreshing cocktail but don't let that stop you from enjoying it year round. Cheers!

Recipe Tips

Who doesn't love insider tips to take a cocktail from good to great?

• Ice: Avoid a diluted drink by using ice cubes made from sour mix instead of water. They'll keep your cocktail chilled and flavorful down to the last sip!
• Shake It Up: No cocktail shaker? No worries! A mason jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid can be used. Just make sure it's sealed well before shaking.
• Sweet or Sour?: Making your own cocktail lets you adjust it to your taste. Add more or less sour mix depending on how sweet or tangy you like your drink.

Recipe Variations

Every classic cocktail has room for a little twist, and this Sparkling Amaretto Sour has its share! Try one of these creative takes to keep things fresh:

• Amaretto Stone Sour: For a fruity twist, substitute half of the sour mix with orange juice. This variation adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that complements the nutty flavor of amaretto.
• Foamy Delight: Fancy a frothier drink? Add a pasteurized egg white to your cocktail and give it a vigorous shake. This will create a smooth, foamy layer on top for a more upscale finish.
• Mocktail: Want to enjoy the flavor without the alcohol? Omit the amaretto and bourbon and mix sour mix, Sprite, and a dash of non-alcoholic amaretto syrup. It's perfect for a party where everyone can make a toast.
• Frozen Fun: Turn your cocktail into a boozy slushie by blending it with ice. This frozen variation is great for hot days.
• Change Your Base: Not a fan of bourbon? Substitute rum for a tropical flair or vodka for a cleaner, crisper taste.

More Cocktail Recipes

If you love bourbon or whiskey, here's a list of other must-try cocktails that feature the rich flavors of bourbon or whiskey.

• Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
• Coffee Old Fashioned
• Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
• Cranberry Whiskey Sour

Find lots of easy recipes for cocktails right here on 2CM!

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