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.
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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
- 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.
- Shake Again (with ice): Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or serve straight up in a coupe glass.
- Garnish: Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in. Add a rosemary sprig for a fragrant wintery touch.