Paul Kushner
The Blood Orange Amaretto Sour offers a perfect harmony of tart citrus and sweet almond notes, creating a smooth and flavorful cocktail. The addition of bourbon adds depth and richness, making it an excellent choice for both casual enjoyment and entertaining guests. Vibrant blood orange juice not only enhances the drink’s refreshing taste but also gives it a striking color, while amaretto and fresh lemon juice provide a well-balanced mix of sweetness and acidity.
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Whether you’re looking for a quick, delicious cocktail or something with a touch of elegance, this Blood Orange Amaretto Sour is a must-try. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry for a polished finish.
Tasting Notes
The Blood Orange Amaretto Sour is a bold and citrus-forward cocktail with a rich, nutty depth. The amaretto liqueur lends a smooth, sweet almond flavor that balances the tangy freshness of lemon and blood orange juices. A hint of bourbon adds warmth and complexity, making this cocktail both refreshing and sophisticated. The optional simple syrup allows for customization based on sweetness preference. Garnished with a vibrant blood orange slice and a cocktail cherry, this drink is visually stunning and bursting with bright, zesty flavors.
Equipment and Glassware
To craft the Blood Orange Amaretto Sour, you’ll need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly. A jigger ensures precise measurements, while a strainer provides a smooth pour. A rocks glass or coupe glass works well for serving, allowing the cocktail’s color and garnishes to shine. A citrus juicer is also helpful for extracting fresh lemon and blood orange juice.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz bourbon
- 2 oz lemon juice
- 1.5 oz blood orange juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup optional, depending on desired sweetness
- blood orange Garnish
- cherry Garnish
Instructions
- Chill a glass: Begin by chilling your cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add the lemon juice, blood orange juice, amaretto liqueur, bourbon, and simple syrup (if using).
- Shake well: Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Strain & serve: Empty the ice water from your chilled glass if you used it. Then, strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a thin slice of blood orange and a cocktail cherry.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your Blood Orange Amaretto Sour.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon and blood orange juice for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Shake the cocktail thoroughly to create a slightly frothy texture.
- For extra depth, infuse the bourbon with orange peel before mixing.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, try adding a dash of egg white for a silky mouthfeel.
- Adjust sweetness by adding or omitting the simple syrup—taste before adding to ensure balance.
When to Serve
The Blood Orange Amaretto Sour is an ideal cocktail for fall and winter, when blood oranges are in season, but it’s also a refreshing choice for spring and summer gatherings. Its vibrant citrus flavors make it a standout for brunches, dinner parties, or holiday celebrations. Whether served as a pre-dinner aperitif or enjoyed on a cozy night in, this cocktail is both elegant and approachable.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For the best results, choose a high-quality amaretto liqueur such as Disaronno or Lazzaroni Amaretto, which provide rich almond notes. A smooth, well-balanced bourbon like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Maker’s Mark pairs beautifully with the citrus flavors. For the freshest taste, opt for freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and if using simple syrup, homemade is always best for better control over sweetness.
Similar Cocktails
- Blood Orange Bourbon Lemonade
- Apricot Vodka Sour
- Passion Fruit Whiskey Sour
- Watermelon Bourbon Sour Slush
- Blueberry & Blood Orange Sidecar
Ingredients
- 2 oz lemon juice
- 1.5 oz blood orange juice
- 1.5 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1/4 oz simple syrup optional, depending on desired sweetness
- blood orange Garnish
- cherry Garnish
Instructions
- Chill a glass: Begin by chilling your cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add the lemon juice, blood orange juice, amaretto liqueur, bourbon, and simple syrup (if using).
- Shake well: Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Strain & serve: Empty the ice water from your chilled glass if you used it. Then, strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a thin slice of blood orange and a cocktail cherry.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your Blood Orange Amaretto Sour.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon and blood orange juice for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Shake the cocktail thoroughly to create a slightly frothy texture.
- For extra depth, infuse the bourbon with orange peel before mixing.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, try adding a dash of egg white for a silky mouthfeel.
- Adjust sweetness by adding or omitting the simple syrup—taste before adding to ensure balance.
