Amaretto Sour

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Amaretto Liqueur
• ¾ oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• Optional (but recommended): 1 Large Egg White
• Garnish: Lemon Peel
• Garnish: Maraschino Cherry

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Shaker: Add amaretto, bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry Shake: If using egg white, shake all ingredients vigorously without ice for 10-15 seconds. This crucial step properly incorporates and aerates the egg white for that signature silky texture.
3. Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker (preferably one large and one small cube) and shake for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Serve: Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish: Add a lemon peel and maraschino cherry for the perfect finishing touch.

Bartender's Notes

The addition of bourbon to this Amaretto Sour creates what many bartenders call a "Godfather Sour," adding complexity and depth to the traditional recipe. The bourbon cuts through the sweetness of the amaretto, creating a more balanced and sophisticated cocktail.

For the best texture, use a fresh egg white and perform the "dry shake" technique. If you're concerned about raw egg, pasteurized egg whites are a safe alternative. For a vegan version, 2 teaspoons of aquafaba (chickpea liquid) makes an excellent substitute.