Cocktail Recipes

Golden Amaretto Sour

Millie Pham

The Golden Amaretto Sour is a sweet and tangy twist on the classic cocktail with a warm, golden hue thanks to a pinch of turmeric.

It’s smooth, nutty, and perfectly balanced with a frothy top that’s almost too pretty to drink. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this drink is sure to impress.

Let’s shake things up!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz amaretto
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 large egg white (or 2 tbsp aquafaba for a vegan option)
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • Ice cubes
  • Garnishes: orange slice and cherry

Tools:

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring jigger
  • Rocks glass

Pro Tips

  1. Dry shake for froth. Shaking without ice first helps create that thick, velvety foam.
  2. Taste and adjust. Add more lemon juice or simple syrup depending on how tangy or sweet you like it.
  3. Go slow with the turmeric. A tiny pinch is all you need for that golden glow—too much can overpower the drink.
  4. Chill your glass. A cold glass keeps the cocktail refreshing and crisp.

Substitutions and Variations

  • No amaretto? Substitute with hazelnut liqueur or a mix of bourbon and almond extract for a similar nutty flavor.
  • Egg-free option. Use aquafaba (chickpea water) for the same frothy effect without the egg.
  • Make it extra boozy. Add a splash of bourbon or rum for a stronger twist.

How to make it

1. Dry Shake the Ingredients

Add the amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, turmeric, and egg white (or aquafaba) to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds without ice to create froth.

A cocktail shaker being held and shaken vigorously, filled with amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, turmeric, and egg white.

2. Shake with Ice

Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for another 20-30 seconds to chill the drink.

A cocktail shaker with ice cubes being shaken to chill the golden amaretto sour mixture. The shaker is slightly frosty.

3. Strain the Cocktail

Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with a few fresh ice cubes. Watch the frothy top settle as you pour

A golden amaretto sour being strained into a rocks glass over ice, with a frothy foam forming on top.

4. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with a thin orange slice and a cherry. For a finishing touch, dust a tiny pinch of turmeric over the foam. Serve immediately and enjoy!

A finished golden amaretto sour in a rocks glass, frothy and golden, garnished with an orange slice and a cherry, lightly dusted with turmeric.

    Leftovers and Storage

    This cocktail is best made fresh, but if you have leftover simple syrup or lemon juice, store them in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

    Conclusion

    The Golden Amaretto Sour is smooth, nutty, and just a little tangy—the perfect mix of comforting and sophisticated. It’s easy to make, looks gorgeous, and is sure to wow anyone you serve it to. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Did you add your own twist? Cheers to golden moments! 🍋✨

    Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!