Cinnamon Amaretto Sour

Cinnamon Amaretto Sour combines amaretto, lemon juice, and cinnamon simple syrup in a smooth cocktail with almond sweetness, bright citrus, and warm spice. The lemon keeps the drink fresh, while the cinnamon syrup adds a cozy note that works especially well in cooler weather.

What I like about this cocktail is how simple it is to make. There is no egg white, no complicated layering, and no long ingredient list. You shake everything with ice, strain it into a rocks glass, and finish with a cinnamon stick and cherry.

This is a great choice for fall dinners, holiday gatherings, date nights, or a quiet evening at home. It feels seasonal without being too heavy, and the cherry garnish adds just enough color to make the drink look finished.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Cinnamon Amaretto Sour is sweet, tart, and warmly spiced with a simple three-ingredient base.

• Amaretto brings almond sweetness. It gives the cocktail its main flavor.
• Lemon adds tartness. It cuts through the sweeter liqueur.
• Cinnamon syrup adds warmth. It gives the drink a clear fall and holiday note.
• It is easy to shake. The recipe comes together in just a few steps.
• No egg white is needed. The texture stays light and straightforward.
• The garnish is simple. A cinnamon stick and cherry are all you need.

This is a good option when you want a sour-style cocktail that is easy to prepare and full of familiar seasonal flavors.

Ingredients

Each ingredient brings a different part of the drink together.

• 2 oz amaretto
• 1 oz lemon juice
• ¾ oz cinnamon simple syrup
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• Cherry for garnish

Amaretto gives the cocktail its sweet almond flavor.

Lemon juice adds acidity and keeps the drink from tasting too sugary.

Cinnamon simple syrup adds sweetness along with a warm spice note.

The cinnamon stick reinforces the aroma, while the cherry adds color and a classic cocktail finish.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Amaretto is the main spirit in this recipe, so choosing one you enjoy matters.

• Disaronno: A well-known amaretto with a sweet almond-style profile.
• Lazzaroni Amaretto: A richer option with a slightly deeper flavor.
• Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira: A good choice if you want something less sugary.
• Another almond liqueur: This can work if amaretto is unavailable.
• Plain simple syrup: Use this instead of cinnamon syrup if needed, though the drink will lose the spice.
• Maple syrup: This can work in a small amount for a deeper fall variation.

If your amaretto is especially sweet, the lemon juice becomes even more important for keeping the drink fresh.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few basic bar tools.

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Rocks Glass

A rocks glass works well because the drink is short and served over fresh ice.

A clear glass also helps the warm amber color stand out.

How to Make It

The Cinnamon Amaretto Sour is shaken hard and served over fresh ice.

• Add the amaretto, lemon juice, and cinnamon simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for about 20 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a cherry.

Serve immediately while the drink is cold and the citrus is still fresh.

Pro Tips

A few small details can help the Cinnamon Amaretto Sour taste cleaner and more polished.

• Use fresh lemon juice. It gives the drink a brighter citrus note.
• Shake hard. A firm shake helps chill and dilute the cocktail properly.
• Use fresh ice in the glass. Do not reuse shaker ice.
• Cool the cinnamon syrup first. Warm syrup can melt the shaker ice too quickly.
• Use a good-quality amaretto. Since it is the main ingredient, the flavor matters.
• Add the garnish last. This keeps the presentation neat.
• Use a firm cocktail cherry. It holds its shape better in the glass.
• Do not overpour the syrup. Too much can make the cocktail feel heavy.

If you want a sharper sour, add a little more lemon in a future version after trying the original recipe first.

Variations

The Cinnamon Amaretto Sour is easy to adjust while keeping the same sweet and spiced style.

• Maple Version: Replace part of the cinnamon syrup with maple syrup.
• Apple Version: Add a small splash of apple cider.
• Orange Version: Add a little orange juice for a softer citrus profile.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the syrup.
• Bourbon Version: Add a small amount of bourbon for a stronger whiskey note.

You can also rim part of the glass with cinnamon sugar if you want a sweeter presentation.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Cinnamon Amaretto Sour works especially well during fall and winter.

It is a good choice for:

• Fall dinners
• Holiday parties
• Thanksgiving gatherings
• Date nights
• Weekend cocktails
• Dessert drinks

For food, pair it with sweet, nutty, or lightly spiced dishes.

Try it with:

• Almond cookies
• Apple tart
• Cinnamon rolls
• Baked pears
• Dark chocolate
• Roasted nuts
• Cheesecake

It also fits nicely next to drinks such as Caramel Apple Whiskey Sour, Maple Whiskey Sour, or Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour.

I especially like this one with almond cookies because the amaretto and nutty dessert flavors work naturally together.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Cinnamon Amaretto Sour is best shaken and served fresh.

You can prepare the cinnamon simple syrup ahead of time and keep it refrigerated in a clean container.

The amaretto and lemon juice can also be measured ahead, but fresh lemon juice is best used close to serving.

If making several drinks, prepare the liquid base in advance, then shake individual servings with ice as needed.

Keep the cherries and cinnamon sticks ready so you can garnish each glass right before serving.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions about the Cinnamon Amaretto Sour.

What does a Cinnamon Amaretto Sour taste like?

It tastes sweet and nutty with bright lemon and a warm cinnamon finish.

Is this the same as a traditional Amaretto Sour?

It is similar, but the cinnamon simple syrup adds a stronger spice note and this version does not use egg white.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but fresh lemon juice usually gives the drink a cleaner and brighter flavor.

Can I make cinnamon simple syrup ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it in advance, cool it completely, and keep it refrigerated.

Can I make this less sweet?

You can reduce the cinnamon syrup slightly in a future version if you prefer a sharper sour.

Can I make a large batch?

Yes. Multiply the liquid ingredients evenly, keep the mixture chilled, and shake individual portions with ice before serving.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like the Cinnamon Amaretto Sour, these drinks offer similar sour, cinnamon, apple, or fall flavors.

• Bergamot Amaretto Sour
• Yellow Hammer Slammer
• Ox Blood
• King’s Cobbler
• Enzoni

These drinks are good choices when you want cocktails with warm spice, citrus, almond, maple, apple, or other fall flavors.