Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour: A Sweet & Tangy Delight

Contents show

1 Ingredients

2 Instructions

2.1 Step 1: Combine Ingredients

2.2 Step 2: Dry Shake (No Ice)

2.3 Step 3: Add Ice & Shake Again

2.4 Step 4: Strain & Serve

2.5 Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy

3 Notes

4 Helpful Tips for the Best Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour

4.1 Use Fresh Lemon Juice

4.2 Shake Vigorously for a Frothy Texture

4.3 Chill Your Glass for an Extra Refreshing Experience

4.4 Balance the Sweetness & Tartness

4.5 Upgrade Your Garnish for a Stunning Presentation

4.6 Make It a Mocktail

4.7 Experiment with Variations

5 Conservation and Storage

5.1 How to Store Leftover Ingredients

5.2 Can You Store the Prepared Cocktail?

6 Substitutions and Variations

7 Storage Instructions

7.1 Can You Freeze It?

8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8.1 1. Can I Make This Cocktail Without Alcohol?

8.2 2. What’s the Best Cherry Syrup to Use?

8.3 3. Do I Have to Use Egg White?

8.4 4. Can I Make This Drink in Advance?

9 Conclusion

10 More Delicious Cocktails to Try:

11 Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour: A Sweet & Tangy Delight

11.1 Description

11.2 Ingredients

11.3 Instructions

11.4 Equipment

11.5 Notes

11.6 Did you make this recipe?

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The Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour is a deliciously smooth and nutty twist on the classic Amaretto Sour. This cocktail blends rich amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice, cherry syrup, and a hint of vanilla to create a perfectly balanced sweet and tart drink. The optional egg white adds a luxurious frothy texture, making each sip silky smooth. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or hosting a gathering, this elegant cocktail is a showstopper!

Ingredients

• 2 oz amaretto liqueur
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz cherry syrup (or cherry juice)
• ½ oz simple syrup
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg white (optional, for a frothy top)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cherries and lemon slice (for garnish)

this RECIPE

Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add:
2 oz amaretto
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz cherry syrup
½ oz simple syrup
¼ tsp vanilla extract
1 egg white (if using)

Step 2: Dry Shake (No Ice)

Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a smooth, foamy texture.

Step 3: Add Ice & Shake Again

Add a handful of ice and shake again for another 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.

Step 4: Strain & Serve

Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. The egg white will create a lovely frothy top.

Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy

Top with fresh cherries and a lemon slice for a beautiful presentation.

Sip and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors!

Notes

• For a vegan alternative, replace egg white with aquafaba (chickpea brine).
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
• A high-quality cherry syrup like Luxardo enhances the depth of flavor.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright, fresh, and tangy flavor. Always squeeze your own for the best taste!

Shake Vigorously for a Frothy Texture

If you’re using egg white, the key to that silky foam is a two-step shake:

1. Dry Shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
2. Shake Again with Ice for another 15 seconds to chill the drink properly.

Chill Your Glass for an Extra Refreshing Experience

Pop your rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring to keep your drink colder for longer.

Balance the Sweetness & Tartness

• If you like it sweeter, add a little more cherry syrup or simple syrup.
• If you prefer a more tart cocktail, increase the lemon juice slightly.

Upgrade Your Garnish for a Stunning Presentation

• Use a Luxardo cherry instead of regular maraschino cherries for a richer, more complex flavor.
• A small grated lemon zest or a cinnamon sprinkle adds an elegant touch.

Make It a Mocktail

For a non-alcoholic version, replace amaretto with:

• Almond syrup + apple juice for a similar nutty-sweet flavor.
• Cherry juice + vanilla extract for a fruity, alcohol-free alternative.

Experiment with Variations

Try a dash of bitters for added depth of flavor.

Add ½ oz bourbon for a more robust and boozy twist.

Swap cherry syrup for raspberry syrup for a berry-infused version.

Conservation and Storage

Since the Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour is best enjoyed fresh, it’s not ideal for long-term storage. However, you can prepare certain components in advance to make cocktail prep quicker!

How to Store Leftover Ingredients

• Amaretto Liqueur – Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature. It lasts indefinitely if sealed properly.
• Cherry Syrup – Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Simple Syrup – Store in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 1 month.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh is best, but you can store freshly squeezed lemon juice in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Egg Whites – If using pasteurized egg whites from a carton, check the expiration date. Otherwise, separate fresh egg whites only when you’re ready to use them.

Can You Store the Prepared Cocktail?

This cocktail is best made fresh, especially if using egg white, since the foam will break down over time. However, you can:

Mix the liquid ingredients (except egg white and ice) ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Just shake with ice when ready to serve!
Batch Prep (Without Egg White) – Multiply the ingredients for several servings, store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and shake over ice when serving.

Substitutions and Variations

• No Cherry Syrup? Use grenadine or muddled cherries with a teaspoon of sugar.
• No Simple Syrup? Swap for honey or agave nectar.
• Want a Bolder Flavor? Add a splash of bourbon.
• Make It a Mocktail: Use almond extract + apple juice instead of amaretto.

Storage Instructions

Liquor & Syrups:

• Amaretto Liqueur: Store in a cool, dark place; it has an indefinite shelf life.
• Cherry Syrup: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Simple Syrup: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 month.
• Vanilla Extract: Store at room temperature in a dark place; it lasts indefinitely.

Fresh Ingredients:

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is best, but it can be refrigerated for 2–3 days in a sealed container.
• Egg Whites: If using pasteurized egg whites from a carton, follow the expiration date. Fresh egg whites should be used immediately after cracking.

Can You Freeze It?

• The cocktail itself is not suitable for freezing due to the alcohol content.
• However, you can freeze lemon juice and cherry syrup in ice cube trays for future use!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I Make This Cocktail Without Alcohol?

Yes! Swap the amaretto for a mix of almond extract, cherry juice, and apple juice for a delicious mocktail.

2. What’s the Best Cherry Syrup to Use?

Homemade cherry syrup is fantastic, but Luxardo cherry syrup is a top-tier option for premium flavor.

3. Do I Have to Use Egg White?

Not at all! But it adds a creamy, smooth texture. You can replace it with aquafaba or skip it entirely.

4. Can I Make This Drink in Advance?

It’s best served fresh, but you can mix everything except the egg white and ice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours.

Conclusion

The Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour is a sophisticated, flavorful, and easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, winding down after a long day, or just craving something special, this drink is guaranteed to impress.

Give it a try and let me know what you think! Share your photos on Pinterest or drop a comment below. Cheers!

More Delicious Cocktails to Try:

Classic Whiskey Sour – A smooth, citrusy favorite.
Amaretto Stone Sour – A fruitier take on the classic.
Pineapple Rum Sour – A tropical twist with a citrus punch.

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