This bright and refreshing amaretto sour cocktail makes the perfect party drink. It is unique, refreshing, and only requires 3 ingredients.
The Amaretto Sour is a great classic drink to add to your cocktail repertoire. Its origins are unknown, but it seems to have appeared on the bar scene in the early 1970s.
It is a staple in our house alongside favorites like the Bahama Mama and Sex On the Beach. It is a great drink that is perfect for a nightcap or sipping with friends on the front porch.
The best part is that its crazy simple to make too. It tastes just like you’d get at the bar, only cheaper!
Why This Cocktail Is a Winner
- Only 3 Ingredients: All are readily available at your local grocery or liquor store.
- Super Easy: No fancy equipment or blender is required. Anyone can make this drink.
- Super Refreshing: Great for hot summer days!
Perfect For
- Dinner parties
- Girls night in
- Poker night
- Sipping on the deck after dinner
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Amaretto: Amaretto is a sweet liquor that comes from Italy. It’s made with apricot kernels and has a name that literally means “little bitter”.
- Flavor: It has a nutty almond flavor with notes of brown sugar.
- Strength: 42 Proof or 21% ABV
- Price: $10-$20
- Brand Suggestions: My favorite brand is Amaretto di Amore. Dekuyper is also good.
- Also great In: Alabama Slammer, Boozy Coffee, and Toasted Almond
- You can also use homemade amaretto in this recipe.
- Sweet and Sour Mix: This gives the drink that familiar citrus taste it is known for: part sweet, and part sour. Look for it in the mixers section of your grocery store near the tonic water.
- You can also make it from scratch if desired.
- Sprite: Any lemon-lime soda will work here, Sprite is just my favorite.
Fun Variations
- Amaretto Stone Sour: Add orange juice.
- Whiskey Sour: Use whiskey or bourbon instead.
- Make it boozier: Add a splash of vodka rum or even bourbon.
- Add an egg white: Shake with a pasteurized egg white for a frothier drink. Avoid unpasteurized eggs. You can also use aquafaba (Chickpea liquid) if egg whites weird you out.
- Non-Alcoholic: Use sour mix, sprite, and amaretto syrup.
- Blended: Blend with ice for a boozy slushie.
How To Make An Amaretto Sour
- Fill a glass with ice. Combine amaretto and sour mix.
- Pour into glass. Top off with Sprite.
How Strong Is This Drink?
This drink is 14 proof or 7% ABV. One serving equals around 1.1 standard drinks.
I will say though that it’s also one of those drinks to keep your eye on because it tastes so good you really do forget that there is any alcohol in it at all! Always enjoy responsibly.
Tips and Tricks
- Ice Cubes: Use sour mix or juice to make ice cubes to avoid a watered-down drink. You can also make crystal clear ice by using bottled instead of tab water.
- No cocktail shaker? No problem! Use a mason jar instead.
- Serve a Crowd: Multiply the ingredients by your number of guests to serve in a pitcher or as a punch. As long as you keep the ratio of 3 parts alcohol to 2 parts sour mix, it will taste perfect.
- Don’t Make In Advance: Make right before serving so the soda pop doesn’t lose its fizz.
- Storage: Store your amaretto in a cool dry place and it will last for several years.
More Great Cocktails
Amaretto Sour
Ingredients
- 3 Ounces Amaretto
- 2 Ounces Sweet and Sour Mix
- Sprite
- Cherries and Orange Slices For Garnish, If Desired
Instructions
- Fill a large glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine amaretto and sour mix.
- Pour into glass. Top off with Sprite. Garnish with orange slices and cherries if desired.
Notes
- Amaretto: My favorite brand is Amaretto di Amore. Dekuyper is also good.
- Sweet and Sour Mix: Look for it in the mixers section of your grocery store near the tonic water.
- Ice Cubes: Use sour mix or juice to make ice cubes to avoid a watered down drink.
- Strength: Containing one serving of alcohol, this cocktail is considered one. Always enjoy responsibly.
Nutrition
Love this drink!
I made this for the second time and decided to try mixing the sour mix and amaretto the night before and freezing it. It was a wonderful slushy consistency the next day and I simply added the Sprite. HUGE HIT (& no need for additional ice)
This is a great recipe and was a big hit! I was wondering if I could freeze the sour mix and amaretto to make slushy – adding Sprite right before serving
Hi Mary Ellen,
Other readers have tried this and said it works! (alcohol won’t freeze 100% but you should get a slushie like consistency).
Love amaretto sours! Pro tip, use lava premium sweet and sour mix for this. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Great tip, thank you Haley!
Great tip thank you Haley!
Simple and great tasting 😊
Can I use diet sprite?
Hi Robin,
I haven’t tried this, but I think it would be fine!
We just tried it last weekend and it was amazing! My husband liked it!
My hubby and I love adding sprite in with our drinks. Hubby loves this drink and loves amaretto! Can’t wait to make this one again!
Looks very very refreshing! I have never tried this before but its really interesting. Can’t wait to try it soon!
This is exactly what I need for a relaxing evening! Must make it!
This Amaretto Sour sounds so perfect for party!
I love how seriously easy this was to make! Perfect for when I have lots of guests over and want to whip up a quick cocktail.
I’m not usually an amaretto fan, but I really like it in this drink. The sweet & sour mix and the Sprite really rein in the amaretto flavor and add a lovely tanginess that I truly enjoy. Definitely love the garnish of oranges and limes; a nice fresh squeeze is perfection.
This is perfect for tonight! My hubby and I are going to enjoy this recipe. Looks so tasty and sounds so great!
I have never had this drink but heard of it often. As an Amaretto lover, I have wanted to try it and now I know how to make it!