13 Amaretto Cocktails to Enjoy at Home

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, amaretto 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, amaretto 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, amaretto’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 of cocktails with amaretto 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 amaretto, complemented by a refreshing burst of citrus. The overall experience is both simple and satisfying, with a smooth, almond-tinged finish. 

Read next: 22 Sour Cocktail Recipes to Add to Your DIY Drinks Repertoire 

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 amaretto, it’s a match made in French heaven. Flavour-wise, the amaretto adds a sweet nutty taste while the Cognac adds warmth and body, setting the scene for a sophisticated nightcap to end an evening. 

Oui, oui! Be a Little Extra with These 12 French Cocktails 

3. Italian Manhattan

A traditional Manhattan is made with bourbon, vermouth, and bitters and is a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts. This amaretto mixed drink is the Manhattan’s suave Italian cousin. While it’s still a bourbon-based cocktail, this dapper version swops out the vermouth for Cynar (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

Want to try amaretto cocktail recipes with a bit of zest?  Campari, vodka, 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 amaretto, 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 45ml vodka, 15ml amaretto, and 150ml 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.   

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 45ml blanco tequila, 30ml amaretto, 15ml lemon juice, and 15ml 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 amaretto for a nuttier, almond-flavoured drink. To make one, combine 60ml amaretto, 20ml Grand Marnier, and 20ml 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. 

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9. Godfather 

A classic choice since the ’70s, the Godfather stands out as an uncomplicated blend of scotch and amaretto. 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 45ml whiskey, and 15ml amaretto to your favourite rocks glass over ice. Give it a stir and enjoy. 

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10. Amaretto Coffee

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

Read next: 9 Best Coffee Cocktails to End Your Evening with a Kick 

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 30ml each of Wild Turkey Bourbon, sloe gin, and amaretto liqueur. Next, add 60ml 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 a Coconut Amaretto Cocktail, add 30ml amaretto, 30ml coconut rum, 15ml 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. 

Keep it tropical: 17 Easy Coconut Cocktails to Make at Home 

13. Amaretto Julep

This almond-laced spin on the classic Mint Julep is all sorts of joyous and just the teensiest bit bougie (which we love). To make one, add 45ml bourbon, 30ml 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 14 amazing amaretto cocktails floats your boat? Remember to tag us in your Instagram pics and sign up for our newsletter to get the nuttiest inspiration delivered fresh from the press.