Experimenting with various concoctions has been my delight, and as a passionate explorer of cocktails, I’ve joyfully dived into various Amaretto-based drinks.
Amaretto’s versatile nutty-sweet flavor remarkably complements a wide array of mixers. From the classic Amaretto Sour to the luscious Almond Espresso Martini, each sip unfolds a unique tale of taste.
Join me as I’ll teach you how to craft the best Amaretto drinks. These delightful Amaretto cocktails never fail to create an extraordinary drinking experience.
Top 15 Best Amaretto Drinks To Sip
1. Classic Amaretto Sour
The Classic Amaretto Sour offers a delightful contrast of flavors. Amaretto [1] provides a harmonious complexity that elevates the overall taste, making the Amaretto Sour a timeless and irresistible classic cocktail. But what should you mix with Amaretto?
Here’s our very own Amaretto Sour recipe:
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water)
- ¾ ounce fresh juice (lemon)
- 1 orange slice
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain the Amaretto Sour into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
Garnish the Amaretto Sour cocktail with an orange slice and cocktail cherry.
“Amaretto: Sweet almond symphony, crafting cocktails’ perfect harmony with every sip.”- Liquor Laboratory
You can also try it with Stone Sour or Amaretto Whiskey Sour Cocktail.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Amaretto Sidecar
The Amaretto Sidecar boasts a harmonious blend of tanginess and sweetness. This twist on the classic Sidecar [2] showcases how Amaretto’s nutty richness can elevate a well-loved cocktail into a new realm of flavor.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Amaretto liqueur
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions: Combine the Amaretto, orange liqueur, and other ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain the mixture into a coupe glass. Garnish the cocktail with slices of fresh orange.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Blood Orange Amaretto Cocktails
Blood Orange Amaretto Cocktails offer a citrusy and vibrant experience. Blood orange’s deep, complex flavors harmonize with Amaretto’s nuttiness, resulting in a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail.
You can also check out Amaretto vs Disaronno here.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh juice (lemon), strained
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup amaretto
- 1 1/4 cups blood orange juice
- 4 tablespoons lemon syrup
- Sparkling water
Instructions: In this cocktail recipe, combine the vodka, Amaretto, blood orange juice, and four tablespoons of the prepared lemon syrup in a pitcher or large mason jar with a lid. Stir thoroughly before serving with ice.
Serving: 4
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Amaretto Coffee
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amaretto Coffee is a cozy delight. The warmth of freshly brewed coffee meets the sweet embrace of Amaretto with a roasted flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces coffee
- 1-ounce Amaretto
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon, for dusting
Instructions: Prepare your coffee using your preferred method, whether a pour-over, Aeropress, or any other preferred technique.
In a mug, combine the freshly brewed coffee and Amaretto. Stir well and lightly dust the whipped cream with cinnamon for a final touch.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read: Amaretto Sour vs Whiskey Sour
5. Amaretto Aloha Cocktail
Transport yourself to the tropics with the Amaretto Aloha Cocktail. The marriage of pineapple and Amaretto presents a tropical symphony.
Amaretto Cranberry Kiss is a sophisticated drink to try. It’s a sip of paradise that showcases Amaretto’s versatility.
Prep Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 2 mins
Ingredients:
- 1-ounce Amaretto
- 2 ounces of pineapple juice
- 2 ounces of cranberry juice
- Ice
Instructions: Combine the Amaretto, pineapple, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice to the shaker and vigorously shake to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass and serve.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Coconut Amaretto Cocktail
The Coconut Amaretto Cocktail is a creamy drink, and the two flavors interplay to create a tropical escape in a glass, proving that Amaretto can transform even the simplest ingredients into a decadent treat.
You can also check the best substitutes for Orgeat syrup here.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1/2 ounce Orgeat syrup
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- 1-ounce Disaronno
- 1-ounce Coconut rum
- Splash of coconut water (as desired)
- Ice (as required)
- Minneola tangelo slice for garnish
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1/4 cup of fresh ice, Orgeat syrup, cream of coconut or heavy cream, Disaronno, and coconut rum.
Blend and strain the mixture into a standard rocks glass filled with ice. Add a splash of coconut water to achieve the Amaretto flavor intensity level. Garnish with a slice of Minneola tangelo.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Sweet and Sour Amaretto Orange Cocktail
This cocktail recipe has a nutty flavor that enhances the citrusy notes, offering a balanced and refreshing drink. Unlike other Amaretto recipes, it is easy to make and has a mix of flavors.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Amaretto liqueur
- 40 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 20 ml sweet & sour mix
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions: Combine the Amaretto liqueur, freshly squeezed orange juice, and sweet & sour mix in a shaker. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake the mixture to blend flavors thoroughly.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with additional ice cubes. Garnish the cocktail with a slice of orange.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Amaretto Julep
The Amaretto Julep adds a nutty flavor to a classic Mint Julep cocktail [3]. This fusion creates a refreshing sip with a hint of complexity that can breathe new life into the best Amaretto cocktails.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz bourbon or blended scotch whisky (90-100 proofs)
- 1 oz amaretto
- 3 dashes of Scrappy’s Cardamom bitters
- Garnish: mint sprig, almond biscotti
Instructions: Combine the bourbon whiskey [4] (or blended scotch), Amaretto, and Scrappy’s Cardamom bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir the mixture briefly to ensure proper mixing of flavors. Pour the blended mixture into a julep cup filled with crushed ice.
Garnish the cocktail with a sprig of mint gently spanked to release its aroma. Place an almond biscotti alongside the mint sprig as an elegant garnish.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. Eggnog Amaretto Cocktail
Celebrate the holidays with an Eggnog Amaretto Cocktail. The almond undertones elevate the traditional flavors, creating a harmonious blend that captures the essence of holiday cheer.
Prep Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 2 mins
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Eggnog
- 1 oz Amaretto
- Ice
Instructions: In a glass, combine the Eggnog and Amaretto. Gently stir the mixture to ensure even blending.
Pour the mixture over ice to keep it refreshingly chilled.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. Strawberry Amaretto Smash
The Strawberry Amaretto Smash is a burst of fruity delight. Fresh strawberries and Amaretto unite in a symphony of flavors. It’s a cocktail that showcases Amaretto’s ability to enhance natural fruitiness.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 strawberries, hulled and halved, plus more for garnish
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 ½ oz amaretto
- ½ oz aged rum
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions: Muddle the hulled and halved strawberries in a cocktail shaker to release their juices and flavors. Add the ingredients to a shaker with ice.
Vigorously shake the mixture to ensure thorough blending of the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into a glass. Garnish the cocktail with additional halved strawberries and fresh mint sprigs to enhance its aromatic appeal.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
11. Very Cherry Amaretto Sour
The Very Cherry Amaretto Sour takes a classic to new heights. The Amaretto complements the cherry flavor and adds a luxurious dimension, proving its prowess as a mixer.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz amaretto
- 1 1/2 oz sweet & sour mix
- 1/2 Tbsp grenadine
- 1/2 oz tart cherry juice
- Ice
Instructions: Combine the Amaretto, sweet & sour mix, grenadine, and tart cherry juice in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the mixture vigorously to ensure complete blending of the ingredients.
Strain the blended mixture into a rocks glass. Halfway fill the rocks glass with ice to keep the cocktail chilled.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
12. Dirty Dr. Pepper Cocktail
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Dirty Dr. Pepper Cocktail is a playfully complex concoction. This combination transforms a beloved soda into a spirited treat, demonstrating Amaretto’s ability to enhance unexpected pairings.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Amaretto
- 1 oz cinnamon alcohol (Goldschlager or Fireball)
- 1/2 can Dr. Pepper
- 1/2 can beer (optional)
Instructions: Fill a glass with ice and pour 1 oz of Amaretto and 1 oz of cinnamon alcohol (Goldschlager or Fireball).
Top the mixture with 1/2 can of Dr. Pepper. Optionally, you can add 1/2 can of beer, adjusting the amount to match the quantity of Dr. Pepper used.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
13. Italian Margarita
The Italian Margarita is a fusion of cultures. The nutty Amaretto elevates the Classic Margarita, offering a unique twist on a classic favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1-ounce amaretto liqueur (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 small lemon)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 small lime)
- Ice
Instructions: On a small plate, combine the sugar and salt. Run a lemon wedge around the top edge of your glass to moisten it, then dip the glass into the sugar-salt mixture, ensuring it adheres by tapping all around.
Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, Amaretto, lemon juice, and lime juice. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into the rimmed glass. Enjoy immediately.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
14. Nilla Wafer Martini
Indulge your senses with the Nilla Wafer Martini. This dessert-inspired Amaretto drink showcases how Amaretto can infuse drinks with the flavors of beloved treats.
Prep Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 2 mins
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1.5 ounces amaretto
Instructions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vanilla vodka and Amaretto to the shaker. Shake the ingredients vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. Strain the blended mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Optional: Enhance the presentation by garnishing the cocktail with a vanilla bean.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
15. Godfather Cocktail
The Godfather Cocktail is a timeless blend of sophistication. This Amaretto drink highlights Amaretto’s ability to bring out the nuances in other spirits- just the right balance of a refreshing summer drink.
Prep Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 2 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces blended scotch or bourbon
- 1/4 ounce amaretto
Instructions: Fill a mixing glass about 2/3 full of ice. Add the blended scotch or bourbon and the Amaretto to the mixing glass. Stir the mixture until it becomes well-chilled and adequately blended.
“Amaretto can be very versatile,” Cesar Camilo, Bar Manager
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Note: The star rating was determined during a blind taste based on every cocktail’s flavor balance, aroma, smoothness, ingredients quality, ABV, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs
What is the main flavor of Amaretto?
Amaretto’s main flavor is a rich bitter almond taste with additional notes of apricot or cherry, creating a distinct and delightful profile.
What kind of liquor is Amaretto?
Amaretto is a bitter-sweet Italian liqueur made from apricot kernels, contributing to its unique bitter almond flavor. The name “Amaretto” actually comes from the Italian word “amaro,” meaning “bitter.”
Is Amaretto sweet or bitter?
Amaretto is characterized by both sweet and bitter notes. The name “amaretto” means “little bitter” in Italian, reflecting its balanced flavor profile.
Is Amaretto high in alcohol?
Amaretto typically has an alcohol content of less than 30% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it a moderate-strength toasted almond-flavored liqueur.
What mixes best with Amaretto?
Amaretto mixes best with lemon juice and other mixers, including cola, orange juice, angostura bitters, sweet and sour mix, toasted almonds, Irish cream, cranberry juice, club soda, heavy cream, cherry syrup, and coffee liqueur.
What is the best way to drink Amaretto?
Enjoying Amaretto over ice is a simple and delightful way to appreciate its flavors. The coolness of the ice slightly mellows the sweetness and enhances the nutty character, making it a refreshing and luscious drink.
What is considered the best Amaretto?
Disaronno is widely considered one of the best Amaretto brands. With its smooth almond flavor and versatility, Disaronno has become an iconic choice for sipping and mixing in various Amaretto cocktails.
Is Amaretto good to drink straight?
Yes, Amaretto is often enjoyed straight due to its pleasant sweetness and smoothness. Its almond flavor with hints of apricot or cherry provides a unique and enjoyable sipping experience.
How do you make an Amaretto Sour?
To make an Amaretto Sour, mix amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
What is a Godfather cocktail, and how is it made?
A Godfather cocktail is a simple and classic drink made with equal parts amaretto and Scotch whisky served over ice in a rocks glass. Stir gently and enjoy the smooth and slightly sweet flavor.
Can you provide a recipe for an Italian Margarita?
To make an Italian Margarita, combine amaretto liqueur, tequila, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a shaker with ice.
How do you make a Disaronno Fizz?
To make a Disaronno Fizz, combine amaretto liqueur and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. After giving it a good shake, strain the mixture into an iced glass. Top with club soda and gently stir. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Are there any non-alcoholic amaretto drink options?
Yes, you can create non-alcoholic versions of amaretto drinks by using amaretto-flavored syrups or extracts mixed with other non-alcoholic ingredients like soda, juice, or coffee.
In Summary
The best amaretto cocktails are a fantastic addition to the world of drinks, offering versatility and a distinct taste.
This bitter-sweet toasted almond liqueur combines beautifully with other ingredients like lemon-lime soda, orange juice, coffee liqueur, apple juice, brown sugar, heavy cream, and egg white, making it a great cocktail choice.
The Classic Amaretto Sour is a prime example, where Amaretto’s sweet and tangy notes create a well-balanced and delicious drink that captures the essence of the toasted almond liqueur.
Aside from the cocktails above, you can try sweet cocktails like Amaretto Cranberry Kiss, Toasted Almond Drink, Amaretto Stone Sour, Alabama Slammer, and French Connection Cocktail.
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