Alpine Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail that originated in the United States, evolving from the traditional Italian Amaretto liqueur.

While its roots are Italian, the drink became popular in American bars in the mid-20th century, particularly due to its simple combination of amaretto and sour mix.

The Alpine Amaretto Sour is a winter twist on this classic, infusing the drink with a cozy, warming element by adding bourbon, bitters, and herbal rosemary. It’s a perfect cocktail for colder months, combining the smooth sweetness of amaretto with the depth of bourbon.

Flavor Profile

The Alpine Amaretto Sour boasts a rich, nutty flavor from the amaretto, enhanced by the deep complexity of bourbon.

The fresh lemon juice introduces a tart, citrusy zing, while the simple syrup adds balanced sweetness. The egg white gives the drink a smooth, velvety texture, and the bitters provide an aromatic depth.

The rosemary garnish imparts an earthy, pine-like aroma that complements the citrus and nutty flavors, evoking the winter alpine atmosphere.

Excellent Pairings

  • Cocktails: This drink pairs beautifully with other nutty or herbal cocktails like the Bourbon Rosemary Smash or Nutty Russian for a flavorful evening.
  • Appetizers: It complements charcuterie boards, especially those with almonds, smoked cheeses, or roasted nuts.
  • Main Dishes: Ideal with roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or grilled pork chops, where the drink’s sweetness contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
  • Desserts: Perfect with apple pie, almond biscotti, or crème brûlée, as the nutty sweetness and citrus balance the richness of desserts.
Alpine Amaretto Sour

Alpine Amaretto Sour

The Alpine Amaretto Sour is a nutty, citrusy winter cocktail with amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, and a frothy egg white top, garnished with rosemary and orange peel.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz Amaretto
  • ¾ oz Bourbon (for depth and balance)
  • 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • ½ oz Simple Syrup
  • 1 Egg White (optional, for a silky texture)
  • 2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
  • Ice
  • Rosemary Sprig (for garnish)
  • Orange Peel (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dry Shake (without ice): In a shaker, combine amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white (if using), and bitters. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  2. Shake Again (with ice): Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
  3. Strain: Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or serve straight up in a coupe glass.
  4. Garnish: Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in. Add a rosemary sprig for a fragrant wintery touch.
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