13 Amaretto Cocktails to Enjoy at Home

November 21, 2023 by

Ciao, amico! Are you ready to join us for a luscious line-up of amazing amaretto cocktails? Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just nutty for Italian-inspired drinks, there is a timeless classic or inventive sipper that will allow you to revel in the simple joys of crafting and clinking drinks that were made to toast la dolce vita.

What is amaretto?

Amaretto is an Italian liqueur renowned for its distinctive sweet and almond flavour profile. Made from either apricot pits or almonds, this velvety liqueur often carries a hint of bitterness, a characteristic reflected in its name, which means “little bitter” in Italian. The production process involves crushing the pits or almonds, infusing them into a base spirit, and sweetening the resulting infusion.

Visually, the liqueur is typically amber or golden brown, offering a warm and inviting appeal. Its taste is a delicate balance of sweetness and a subtle nuttiness, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes and drinks.

Beyond the cocktail shaker, it is a popular addition to desserts, enhancing the flavour of cakes, cookies, and ice creams. Its versatility also extends to coffee, with a splash easily transforming an ordinary cup of joe into a delightful treat.

Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a crucial component in diverse recipes, the liqueur’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to impart a touch of warmth and sophistication to a wide array of culinary experiences. It’s a flavourful journey into the heart of Italian craftsmanship, where the sweet and nutty nuances of this liqueur elevate moments of indulgence.

1. Amaretto Sour

First on our list is the iconic Amaretto Sour. Coming to the party with a harmonious interplay of sweet and sour elements, its inviting amber colour precedes a taste dominated by the nutty sweetness of the liqueur, complemented by a refreshing burst of citrus. The overall experience is both simple and satisfying, with a smooth, almond-tinged finish.

2. French Connection

Wondering what to mix with amaretto when you’re in the mood for something positively Parisian? Try a French Connection, darling. An ideal slow sipper to enjoy on a cold evening, this two-ingredient cocktail is very much a case of quality over quantity. Made with equal parts Cognac and liqueur, it’s a match made in French heaven.

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3. Italian Manhattan

A traditional Manhattan is made with bourbon, vermouth, and bitters and is a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts. This mixed drink is the Manhattan’s suave Italian cousin. While it’s still a bourbon-based cocktail, this dapper version swaps out the vermouth for Cynar (opens in new window) (an Italian amaro made from artichokes). Slightly bitter, with added sweetness from the cherry juice and bourbon, it’s ideal to serve just before dinner.

4. Italian Sunrise

Campari, vodka (opens in new window), and limoncello come together in a refreshing and zingy Italian Sunrise cocktail. These star ingredients get shaken up with ice, fresh orange juice, and sweet-and-sour bitters, then strained into a chilled glass. For a more authentic sunrise, we suggest adding the Campari to the glass first and then pouring in the rest of the shaken-up ingredients. Garnish with a sliced orange and serve during your next brunch.

5. Italian Breeze

The Italian Breeze cocktail captivates with a pale pink glow, reminiscent of a sunset. The first sip reveals a harmonious blend of kicky overproof rum, nutty liqueur, and fruity pineapple and cranberry juice. This elegant cocktail is a light and vibrant sipper, perfect for those who enjoy a well-balanced drink with a hint of zesty citrus.

6. Bocce Ball

Tall, refreshing, and juicy to the core, the Bocce Ball takes almond liqueur cocktails into a fun and festive space. To make one, pour 45 ml vodka, 15 ml amaretto, and 150 ml orange juice into a tall Collins glass filled with ice. Add a splash of soda water, garnish with an orange slice, and serve. To kick things up a notch, use a flavoured vodka like SKYY Infusions Blood Orange or Pineapple (opens in new window).

7. Italian Margarita

Sassy, sweet, and marvellously multi-cultural, the Italian Margarita is everything you want in a captivating clinker. Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Add 45 ml tequila blanco (opens in new window), 30 ml liqueur, 15 ml lemon juice, and 15 ml lime juice. Shake until frosty, and fine-strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Best enjoyed immediately.

8. Amaretto Sidecar

The classic Sidecar cocktail is typically made with Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. This recipe swaps out the Cognac and replaces it with liqueur for a nuttier, almond-flavoured drink. To make one, combine 60 ml amaretto, 20 ml Grand Marnier (opens in new window), and 20 ml fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, fine strain into a chilled couple glass, and garnish with fresh orange slices before serving.

You might also like: Vodka Sidecar

9. Godfather

A classic choice since the ’70s, the Godfather stands out as an uncomplicated blend of Scotch and liqueur. With only these two components, this cocktail is effortlessly crafted directly in the glass, offering an uncomplicated yet satisfying option for those seeking a smooth and straightforward sip. To make one, add 45 ml whisky (opens in new window), and 15 ml amaretto to your favourite rocks glass over ice. Give it a stir and enjoy.

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10. Amaretto Coffee

Autumn cocktails do not get cosier than this. If you love Irish Coffee, you’ve got to give this hand warmer a try! To make one, add 240 ml of freshly brewed coffee and 30 ml of amaretto to your favourite heat-proof mug. Top off with whipped cream, dust with cinnamon, and enjoy with your feet up.

11. Alabama Slammer

Initially inspired by a shooter, the tangy Alabama Slammer is a popular drink that’s as easy to pour as it is to enjoy. To make this cocktail, you will need 30 ml each of Wild Turkey Bourbon, sloe gin, and liqueur. Next, add 60 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice to the mix. Fill a shaker with ice, add all the ingredients, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

12. Coconut Amaretto Cocktail

Keen on a sip of summer? Right this way, bestie! To make this tropical clinker, add 30 ml amaretto, 30 ml coconut rum, 15 ml orgeat syrup, and 1 tablespoon cream of coconut to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, top with a splash of coconut water, and garnish with a fresh slice of orange before serving.

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13. Amaretto Julep

This almond-laced spin on the classic Mint Julep is all sorts of joyous and just the tiniest bit bougie (which we love). To make one, add 45 ml bourbon (opens in new window), 30 ml amaretto, and a few dashes of bitters to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir briefly, then pour into a julep cup filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a biscotti cookie for extra Italian vibes.

So, which of these amazing amaretto cocktails floats your boat? Remember to tag us in your Instagram pics (opens in new window) and sign up for our newsletter to get the nuttiest inspiration delivered fresh from the press.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Amaretto pairs beautifully with various beverages and desserts. It complements coffee, enhancing the flavour of lattes and espresso-based drinks. The nutty and sweet notes of amaretto also make it an excellent ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and popular cocktails like the Amaretto Sour and Italian Gentleman.

Amaretto typically has an alcohol content ranging from 20% to 28% by volume, making it similar to other liqueurs. While not as potent as spirits like vodka or whisky, it still contains a moderate amount of alcohol. Enjoyed in moderation, amaretto adds a delightful depth of flavour to cocktails and recipes without being overwhelmingly high in alcohol.