Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (2024)

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This Cherry Whiskey Amaretto Sour co*cktail is made with bourbon whiskey, amaretto, and fresh cherries for a spin on both the classic whiskey sour and amaretto sour. This is such a good recipe that it remains one of my most viral recipe videos on TikTok.

Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (1)

Personally, I love classic sour co*cktails – they’re one of my favorite styles of drinks. If you also love sour drinks, you should also check out myNegroni Sour,Midori Sour, orChambord Sour.If you’re after more amaretto drinks, myAmaretto Fizzwill be right up your alley.

Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Tips
  • FAQ
  • Related Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Cherry Whiskey Amaretto Sour

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor – Thebourbon whiskeyadds a touch of oak flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh cherries and amaretto for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and nutty. It’s a delicious refreshing drink that is great for just about any season!

Quick and easy recipe – It only takes a few simple ingredients and minutes to make a Cherry WhiskeyAmaretto Sour.

Easily scalable – This co*cktail can be just as easily made to serve 8 as it is to serve 1 of these drinks. (Measurements for a crowd are in the recipe notes.)

Ingredient Notes

Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (2)

Fresh cherries – You can use frozen pitted cherries if it isn’t cherry season when you’re making this drink. Also, Luxardo jarred cherries work well here too, but they are expensive. I would at least avoid the bright red, cheap maraschino cherries that taste like cough syrup.

Bourbon whiskey– You don’t have to use top-shelf whiskey, but you should use a whiskey that YOU enjoy. My favorite is always a bourbon-style whiskey.

Amaretto liqueur– I use Disaronno whenever I use amaretto as it doesn’t completely break the bank and tastes good.

Lemon juice –Fresh lemon juicewill always taste the best.Lime juicewould work well also. If you don’t have any fresh juices and you must use bottled juice, opt for 100% lemon juice that is not from concentrate.

Garnish – I used Luxardo cherries for my garnish. Again, avoid the bright red, cheap maraschino cherries if possible. Lemon slices are a good substitution, if you prefer that option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (3)

Step 1: Add the cherries to a co*cktail shaker.

Step 2: Then add the whiskey and amaretto.

Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (4)

Step 3: Add the lemon juice.

Step 4: Muddle everything with a muddler or a wooden spoon.

Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (5)

Step 5: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into an old fashioned glass filled with ice.

Step 6: Garnish with extra cherries (optional).

Tips

Want a sweeter co*cktail? Feel free to add a bar spoon (or more!) of the cherry syrup from your co*cktail cherries. If you don’t have any on hand, you can also use simple syrup or even maple syrup, which would play well with the bourbon and amaretto flavors.

If you like your sour co*cktails to have a frothy top, just add an egg white after you’ve muddled those cherries, then shake without ice (called a “dry shake”). Then you’ll add ice and then shake it again until well chilled. I recommend using pasteurized egg whites from a carton when making egg white co*cktails.

  • If you want an egg-free or vegan option, replace the egg white with 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas), or a co*cktail foaming solution.

If you want a bitter element to create a wonderful balance of flavors, try throwing in a dash of bitters. Need a suggestion for bitters? Cherry bitters would be a good obvious choice, but almond bitters would also work nicely.

If you love this recipe and want another variation of another fruity, whiskey co*cktail, try my Peach Bourbon Whiskey Smash. It’s like the sunny, peachy cousin of this Cherry Amaretto Whiskey Sour, with a hint of basil for freshness.

FAQ

What is amaretto?

Amaretto is a sweetItalian liqueurthat has a rich almond flavor (even though it’s often made from apricot pits!). Almond and cherry flavors are quite similar and complement each other very well, making it perfect for this co*cktail.

Does whiskey normally go in anAmaretto Sour?

Not traditionally, no. Thisamaretto co*cktailusually stars amaretto as the solo spirit. Amaretto sours often include not just a sweet liqueur but also simple syrup (or not-so-great tasting mass-producedsour mix), which can make it a bit of anoverly sweet drinkfor some. Theaddition ofbourbonwhiskeygives the traditional co*cktail a rich depth and a little warmth that balances with the amaretto’s sweetness beautifully.

What’s the difference between a Whiskey Sour andAmaretto Sour?

The main difference lies in the base spirit. Whiskey sours typically use bourbon as its primary spirit, paired with lemon juice and a sweetener. AnAmaretto Sour, on the other hand, is based on amaretto, a sweet Italian almond-flavored liqueur, which makes it sweeter and less strong. Mixing whiskey and amaretto together in this recipe blends these two flavor profiles for a co*cktail that is comforting, yet still sophisticated.

What whiskey is best for this co*cktail?

A smooth bourbon is my go-to for this co*cktail, which really makes a cherry bourbon sour. Its sweet and full-bodied nature compliments the nutty, sweet notes of amaretto perfectly. But, feel free to mix it up with a spicy rye whiskey or an Irish whiskey, if those are your jam.

Are whiskey-based sours strong?

They certainly can be! In this recipe, the cherries and lemon juice are the only non-spirit. Amaretto does have a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) than whiskey, which is usually 21-28%. Whiskey’s ABV is around 35-40%, sometimes higher.

Can I make a batch ofco*cktails for a crowd?

Yes, you can find the complete instructions and measurements to make 8 co*cktails in the recipe notes below.

Can I make a batch in advance?

Yes, you can make a batch of Cherry Whiskey Sour co*cktails up to 1 day in advance. You will muddle everything in a large pitcher and chill. Don’t add ice to the pitcher, instead pour over ice in the co*cktail glass to prevent dilution. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving too.

Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (6)
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📖 Recipe

Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (11)

Cherry Whiskey Amaretto Sour

Melissa

This Cherry Whiskey Sour co*cktail is made with bourbon, amaretto, and fresh cherries for a combination spin on theclassic whiskey sourandamaretto sour.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks and co*cktails

Cuisine American

Servings 1 co*cktail

Ingredients

  • 2-5 fresh cherries (or frozen or Luxardo)
  • 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
  • 1 ounce amaretto
  • ½ ounce lemon juice
  • Extra cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Add cherries, whiskey, amaretto, and lemon juice to a co*cktail shaker.

  • Muddle the cherries at the bottom of the co*cktail shaker.

  • Add ice and shake until well chilled.

  • Strain into a co*cktail glass filled with ice.

  • Top with extra cherries for garnish, if using.

Video

Notes

Tips:

  • For a sweeter co*cktail, add a touch of cherry syrup from your co*cktail cherries, simple syrup, or evenmaple syrup.
  • For a frothy co*cktail, add an egg white after you’ve muddled those cherries, then shake without ice, then again after adding ice to the shaker.
    • I recommend using pasteurized egg whites from a carton.
    • If you want an egg-free or vegan option, replace the egg white with 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas), or a co*cktail foaming solution.
  • For more bitter flavor, add a few dashes of your favorite bitters.

To make a batch of 8 co*cktails:

  • 15-25 fresh cherries (or frozen or Luxardo)
  • 2 cups bourbon whiskey
  • 1 cup amaretto
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • Extra cherries for garnish, optional

Muddle everything together in a large pitcher and stir very well. Chill for up to 1 day in the fridge or serve immediately in co*cktail glasses filled with ice. Avoid adding ice to the pitcher to prevent dilution.

CLICK TO DISPLAY NUTRITION INFO

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg

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Cherry Whiskey Sour with Amaretto Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is whiskey and amaretto called? ›

A cousin of the Rusty Nail, this co*cktail is made with Scotch and amaretto.

What is the difference between Amaretto Sour and whiskey sour? ›

The Amaretto Sour is a popular twist on the classic whisky sour. The nutty and marzipan flavours of the amaretto add an extra dimension to this great tasting and balanced co*cktail. Bartender Tip: The Sour is a very versatile co*cktail for twisting.

What whiskey is best for Amaretto Sour? ›

I blend Amaretto, Rye Whiskey (I used Southern Rye Whiskey which is damn good alone or in co*cktails), freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup (for more about simple syrups in co*cktails read here) poured over a king-sized ice cube.

Why does Amaretto Sour taste like cherry? ›

Many do this purposely to differentiate themselves in the market. Many do not include almonds in their formula at all and are flavored entirely with stone fruit pits. Cherries are a stone fruit. You may be picking up on the stone fruit quality some amarettos strongly carry.

Is amaretto the same as disaronno? ›

Disaronno is a brand of Amaretto, a liqueur made from Italian amber and almond flavours. In conclusion, the primary distinction between Amaretto and Disaronno is their almond content. Disaronno does not contain almonds despite its almond flavour.

What is a 2 ingredient amaretto drink? ›

A favorite since the '70s, the godfather is a simple mixed drink of scotch and amaretto. It requires just those two ingredients and is built directly in the glass, making it a very easy co*cktail to mix up whenever you want a smooth-sipping drink.

Does cherry go with whiskey? ›

Cherry juice, soda water and Ballantine's Finest is all you need to make this cherry whisky drink. It's a juicy remix of our classic scotch and soda recipe. Serve with ice on a hot summer's afternoon for a fruity refresher. Easy to mix and delicious to drink, it doesn't get better or simpler than this.

What is the best amaretto liqueur for amaretto sour? ›

Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira Liqueur

Luxardo Amaretto uses the pits of cherries, peaches, and apricots to replicate the flavors of toasted almond and marzipan. This is a particularly excellent option for making an amaretto sour, as the depth and sweetness pair perfectly with the lemon juice and egg white.

What kind of cherries for Whiskey Sour? ›

You should definitely try making your own cherries, but if you can't wait 24 hours for this drink, just use good quality store-bought maraschino cherries like these, or these (which they sell at my corner market for $5.00). Combine the whiskey and sour mix in a co*cktail shaker.

What kind of whiskey should I use for whiskey sour? ›

Whiskey: Bourbon is the whiskey traditionally used in a classic whiskey sour, with its warm vanilla and brown sugar flavor notes. We strongly recommend using a mid-range, high-proof bourbon (between 43-50% ABV) so that its flavor does not get drowned out by the other ingredients.

What mixes with amaretto? ›

You'll find amaretto in simple lowballs where it's paired with brandy, rum, vodka, and whiskey. It's often featured in sweet dessert and inviting cozy drinks—both warm and cold—and excellent with coffee. Amaretto is also a great mixer for fruity co*cktails alongside apple, cranberry, orange, pear, and much more.

Why is amaretto sour so good? ›

The flavor profile of an Amaretto sour is the perfect blend of sweet and sour (hence the name). The Amaretto liqueur gives the drink a sweet, nutty almond flavor, while the citrus gives it that sour pucker. It's usually garnished with a cherry for a pretty presentation.

What does ordering an Amaretto Sour say about you? ›

An amaretto sour shows that you re a responsible individual and that you have plans to drive yourself home after happy hour. After all, this co*cktail combines a mild liqueur along with a non-alcoholic mix. It's a safe bet, especially if you have to get up early the next morning.

Is an Amaretto Sour a womans drink? ›

Why is the Amaretto Sour considered “girly”? The Amaretto Sour is often considered a drink for new or inexperienced drinkers. The reason for its reputation is because it's typically a sweet, low-alcohol drink – and it's frequently made way too sweet. (FYI, beverages don't have genders.)

Why does Amaretto Sour have egg? ›

To further improve the classic Amaretto Sour, Portland, Oregon, bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler uses fresh lemon juice and high-proof bourbon to round out the co*cktail, plus egg white for a dash of body and a silky texture.

What is the name of hillbilly alcohol? ›

In English, moonshine is also known as mountain dew, choop, hooch (abbreviation of hoochinoo, name of a specific liquor, from Tlingit), homebrew, mulekick, shine, sneaky pete, white dog, white lightning, white/corn liquor, white/corn whiskey, pass around, firewater, and bootleg.

What is the clear drink in The Godfather? ›

The Godfather is made with whiskey and amaretto. Blended scotch is the classic choice, although some people choose to use a single malt or even bourbon.

What's the difference between the Godfather and the old fashioned? ›

Equal parts simple and spiced, the Godfather is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned; one that uses the sweet liqueur in place of a sugar cube, and scotch whisky in place of bourbon (a bourbon-based Godfather is called 'The Boss'). The co*cktail — like Coppola's film — is a relic of the 1970s.

What is the difference between the French Connection and the Godfather drink? ›

The French Connection is similar to the Godfather, another '70s co*cktail named after a famous movie. The only difference between the two is the base spirit. Instead of cognac, the Godfather is made of whisk(e)y or scotch, and sometimes bourbon.

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