The Extra Shot You Need To Perfectly Balance An Amaretto Sour

Amaretto sours are fairly simple drinks, as the original recipe calls for only three ingredients: amaretto, simple syrup, and lemon juice (egg whites are optional). Because of that citrus, they are one of the types of cocktails that should generally be shaken, not stirred. Amaretto sours are a timeless classic that's been a standard order at cocktail bars since the 1970s. 

Amaretto, despite being in the bitter amaro family of digestifs, is exceptionally sweet due to the presence of caramelized sugar. This sweetness can often be overwhelming when used in cocktails such as an amaretto sour. The lemon juice in the drink can also tip the balance in another direction. There's one ingredient, however, that can perfectly balance the beverage between these competing flavor profiles. That would be bourbon.

When bourbon – no, it's not necessarily the same as whiskey – is added to an amaretto sour, it helps to mellow out the sweet amaretto and the sour lemon for a perfectly balanced cocktail. You don't need much, as only three-quarters of an ounce per serving will help you walk the line, but even that small amount can take your amaretto sour to a new level.

The bourbon trick has caught on, and many recipes for amaretto sours now include the spirit. Jim Beam's version uses amaretto, Jim Beam (naturally), and lemon-lime soda. Others recommends using Booker's. The important thing to remember is that there's no need to splurge on a bottle of seriously spendy Pappy Van Winkle for this drink. Since the main flavors come from amaretto and lemon, any cask-strength bourbon will work just fine to bring balance to the cocktail.

Remember moderation, however. While adding bourbon to an amaretto sour can balance the flavors of a drink, it's important to consider the drinker's preferences. Perhaps you prefer a sweeter drink, or maybe a sour lemon flavor is your jam, in which case you can go heavy on some ingredients or simply have a lighter hand when pouring the bourbon. And if you're feeling fancy, garnish the drink with the traditional twist of lemon peel and a maraschino cherry or two. If you're feeling extra fancy, use these Amarena Fabbri cherries. We suggest that you use two cherries to add visual symmetry to this perfectly balanced drink.