Amaretto is an Italian liqueur made from apricot kernels, peach stones, almonds, or bitter almonds.
It has a sweet, predominantly nutty almond flavor, and popular brands include Lazzaroni, Disaronno, and Luxardo.
That said, some mixers work with Amaretto’s flavors better than others.
If you’re an aspiring bartender or consider crafting cocktails a hobby, here’s what to mix with Amaretto to help you get those flavors on point.
Top 10 Amaretto Mixers To Try
10. Pineapple Juice
You will often see Amaretto used in tiki drinks and other tropical cocktails. It just makes perfect sense that it would also pair well with the tropical pineapple.
If you’ve got both ingredients, why not try a simple combination of pineapple juice, vodka, and Amaretto in this Cuban Breeze cocktail? [1]
Prep Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Amaretto
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Pineapple juice
- Ice
- Mint
Instructions: Put the vodka and Amaretto in a highball glass, followed by lots of ice. Top everything off with pineapple juice and lime juice. Give everything a final stir and enjoy.
Serving: 1
9. Sweet & Sour Mix
Sweet and sour mix is a tangy ingredient that perfectly contrasts the nutty amaretto. Your tongue will have fun experiencing all the wonderful tastes from the nuance in flavors.
Put a twist on the classic Amaretto sour with the Sweet and Sour Amaretto Orange cocktail! Instead of lemon-lime soda, this recipe uses the addition of orange juice. Here’s how to make it.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Amaretto
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- Orange juice
- Ice
- Orange slice
Instructions: Mix all ingredients into a highball glass with lots of ice. Garnish with an orange slice.
Serving: 1
8. Fresh Citrus
Anything tangy and fruity is the perfect mix to Amaretto, so you can’t go wrong with fresh citrus. The classic Amaretto Sour uses fresh lemon juice alongside other staple bar ingredients like simple syrup and maraschino cherries.
Check out our Amaretto sour and whiskey sour comparison here.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Amaretto
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
Instructions: Pour all the liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until combined, then pour into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Serving: 1
7. Cognac
The French Connection is one of the simplest cocktails in the bartender’s handbook.
This sophisticated drink takes the sweet and robust flavors of the top-shelf spirit to a whole new level.
This uber slow-sipper was said to have been named after the 1971 movie “The French Connection,” although its creator remains unknown until today.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cognac
- 1 oz Amaretto
- Lemon twist
Instructions: Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and give everything a gentle stir. Drop a lemon twist into the mixture and serve.
Serving: 1
6. Soda Water
If you’re an aspiring bartender, we highly encourage you to have soda water on hand, always.
Adding just a tiny bit is a surefire way to dilute your mixers without compromising their flavors, a form of art.
Adding soda water to Amaretto adds texture and fizz to the liqueur. Here’s how to make an Amaretto Fizz, a low-calorie drink that’s super fresh and delicious to boot.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Amaretto
- 1.5 oz lemon juice
- Soda water
- Lemon twist
- Ice
Instructions: Fill a rocks glass with lots of ice and pour the Amaretto over it, followed by the lemon juice. Top everything with soda water and garnish with a lemon twist.
Serving: 1
5. Ginger Beer
Ginger beer might be an unusual choice as an Amaretto mixer, but hear us out — we think its refreshing, gingery profile perfectly balances Amaretto’s sweet and nutty nature.
The trick is using the right ginger beer with more spice than sweetness.
Our personal favorites are Reed’s Craft and Q Mixers. Here’s our take on the Gingersnap cocktail, the perfect after-dinner drink.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Amaretto
- Ginger beer
- Dash of angostura bitters
Instructions: Pour all ingredients into a lowball glass with lots of ice. Stir gently and serve.
Serving: 1
4. Bourbon
If you wish bourbon were just a bit less boozy, adding Amaretto might just be what you’re looking for.
The liqueur’s sweet nuttiness balances the strength of bourbon in a way that makes the latter one of our favorite mixers on this list.
In return, Amaretto allows bourbon’s baking spice and vanilla notes to sing even more. Here’s our take on the Godfather, using bourbon instead of Scotch.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz Amaretto
Instructions: Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well combined. Transfer into a lowball glass with fresh ice and serve.
Serving: 1
3. Coconut Rum
Coconut and Amaretto are a match made in heaven. If you fancy drinking your dessert just as much as you enjoy having it, the Almond Joy will make your sweet tooth jump for joy (pun intended!).
You can also check out some cool Amaretto cocktails here.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Amaretto
- 0.5 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz creme de cacao
- 2 oz heavy cream
- Ice
Instructions: Pour all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake everything well. Strain and pour the frothy mixture into a chilled coupe glass and enjoy.
Serving: 1
2. Scotch
Scotch might be intimidating for many, but adding a bit of Amaretto might make it more palatable.
Using your favorite Scotch is the way to go because it will add the right amount of pungency and smokiness that’s right up your alley.
“Each region of Scotland is responsible for its own version of the spirit.”
– Aaron Shuttleworth, Scotch Expert
The classic Godfather cocktail, named after the novel published in 1969, is made with almond liqueur and Scotch.
You can adjust the ratio depending on whether you want more of that nutty almond taste from the liqueur or more Scotch (personally, we like half-and-half the best). [2]
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Amaretto
- 1.5 oz Scotch whisky
- Ice
Instructions: Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass with ice and gently stir until combined. Serve.
Serving: 1
1. Coffee
Our top pick for the best Amaretto mixer is none other than coffee.
Amaretto and black coffee is an excellent treat for weekend mornings, not to mention that it’ll jolt you awake and ready for whatever’s in store for you that day.
Add whipped cream, cinnamon, and chocolate shavings on top if you’re feeling more indulgent.
Here’s our full recipe for Amaretto Coffee.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Amaretto
- black coffee
- whipped cream
- cinnamon
- chocolate shavings
Instructions: Heat black coffee on the stove and transfer to a large mug once hot. Pour a shot of Amaretto and stir. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of cinnamon as a finishing touch.
Serving: 1
FAQs Related to What To Mix With Amaretto Liqueur
Is it okay to drink Amaretto straight?
Yes, you can definitely drink Amaretto straight if you enjoy its flavors. In Italy, the locals mainly enjoy this liqueur on the rocks.
Is Amaretto a sipping liquor?
Yes, amaretto is a neat sipping liquor. Its sweet, nutty flavor is delightful when sipped slowly and savored on the tongue.
Does Amaretto taste good by itself?
Yes, Amaretto tastes good by itself. This liqueur is made from apricot kernels or almonds, which imparts a distinct nutty flavor to keep it interesting.
What Can I Mix with Amaretto to Make Cocktails?
Amaretto, with its sweet almond flavor, pairs well with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Common mixers include orange juice, cranberry juice, cola, lemon-lime soda, and sour mix.
What Simple Cocktails Can I Make with Amaretto?
Simple yet tasty cocktails featuring amaretto include the Amaretto Sour (amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup), the Alabama Slammer (amaretto, sloe gin, orange juice), and the Godfather (amaretto, Scotch whisky).
Are There Any Classic Cocktails That Use Amaretto?
Yes, the classic Amaretto Stone Sour is a popular cocktail made with amaretto, orange juice, and sour mix. Another classic is the Amaretto Coffee, which combines amaretto with hot brewed coffee and whipped cream.
Can I Use Amaretto in Dessert Recipes?
Absolutely! Amaretto adds a delightful flavor to desserts. You can use it to enhance the taste of cakes, cookies, tiramisu, ice cream, and even fruit salads. It’s a versatile ingredient for baking and cooking.
What Non-Alcoholic Drinks Can I Make with Amaretto?
For non-alcoholic options, you can mix amaretto with various juices like orange juice, cranberry juice, or pineapple juice to create refreshing mocktails. You can also mix it with soda water for a fizzy, flavorful drink.
Are There Any Unique Cocktails I Can Try with Amaretto?
Yes, you can experiment with creative cocktails like the Italian Margarita (tequila, amaretto, lime juice), the Nutty Irishman (amaretto, Irish cream liqueur, coffee), or the Toasted Almond (amaretto, Kahlua, cream).
Can I Enjoy Amaretto on the Rocks?
Absolutely! Amaretto can be enjoyed over ice as a simple and satisfying drink. The ice helps to mellow the sweetness of the liqueur, making it a refreshing sipper.
What Are Some Garnishes That Pair Well with Amaretto Cocktails?
Garnishes such as orange slices, lemon twists, maraschino cherries, or even grated nutmeg can complement the flavors of amaretto-based cocktails and add visual appeal.
Final Say
Amaretto is one of the most versatile liqueurs that can be paired with plenty of different flavors.
Mixing Amaretto with anything acidic and fruity, such as pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and fresh citrus, is always a home run.
The sweet nuttiness of the Amaretto and the tangy profile of the acidic and fruity mixers greatly balance one another, so your tongue is primed and prepped for the next sip.
Of course, everyone knows that Amaretto is synonymous with coffee. If you ask us, a hot cup of joe flavored with a shot of Amaretto makes mornings a little bit better.
References:
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cuban-breeze-cocktail/
- https://screenrant.com/the-godfather-differences-between-book-film/
