The Ultimate Cherry Amaretto Sour Recipe: A Refreshing & Easy Cocktail

Embark on a delightful journey of taste with the Cherry Amaretto Sour cocktail. This exquisite drink marries the zesty tang of tart cherries with the sweet, nutty warmth of amaretto liqueur, creating a perfectly balanced and visually stunning beverage. Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations, its vibrant flavors and enticing aroma offer a modern twist on a timeless classic. Prepare to impress your guests and awaken your senses with this effortlessly elegant concoction.

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when a perfectly crafted cocktail meets a beautiful day, especially during a picnic. As you lay out a spread of delicious food under the warm sun, you need a drink that not only complements every flavor but also provides a refreshing escape. Enter the Cherry Amaretto Sour—a sophisticated yet simple cocktail designed to elevate your outdoor adventures and indoor celebrations alike.

This isn’t just any drink; it’s an experience. The moment you sip it, you’ll understand how its bright, fruity notes and smooth, almond undertones create a symphony for your palate. It’s the kind of beverage that inspires joy and encourages relaxation, making it the ideal companion for everything from a lively backyard barbecue to a quiet evening on the patio. Forget the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this incredible cherry amaretto cocktail.

The Refreshing Power of Inspiration: A Culinary Collaboration

Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery or a new perspective to reignite your passion. That’s precisely what happened during a recent collaboration in a different kitchen, far from my usual routine and its everyday stressors. Cooking alongside fellow food enthusiast Stephanie from Sustaining the Powers, the atmosphere was charged with creative energy.

There’s something uniquely liberating about stepping out of your culinary comfort zone. It was in this inspired environment that the idea for our very cherry amaretto sour truly blossomed. And when paired with Stephanie’s phenomenal Fig & Pig Flatbread, it was a match made in gastronomic heaven. The sweet and savory notes of the flatbread provided the perfect counterpoint to the vibrant cocktail, creating an unforgettable meal.

Cherries, in particular, evoke a sense of summertime nostalgia, making this cocktail an absolute must-have for any picnic. Imagine the ease of whipping up a double, or even a quadruple batch (because let’s be real, one is never enough!), pouring it into a stylish thermos, and serving it chilled at your next outdoor gathering. For the ultimate cherry-themed celebration, don’t forget to pack a Nutella Cherry Tart in your cooler. It’s one of my all-time favorite desserts, perfectly amplifying the rich cherry flavor and adding another layer of summer perfection to your feast.

Discovering the Cherry Amaretto Sour: A Modern Classic

If you’ve never experienced the magic of a traditional Amaretto Sour, prepare for a revelation. Amaretto, a luscious Italian liqueur known for its sweet almond flavor, is often enjoyed simply over ice. However, when it’s skillfully blended into a sour cocktail, it transforms into something truly extraordinary, offering a depth and complexity that delights the palate.

The classic Amaretto Sour provides a delightful dance of sweet and tart notes. Our cherry rendition elevates this experience further with the addition of grenadine and tart cherry juice. This infusion of cherry not only imparts a beautiful ruby hue but also adds a summery vibrancy that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of seasonal dishes (and yes, we can confirm it’s absolutely divine with bacon!). The tartness of the cherry juice gracefully mellows the traditional sour elements, achieving a perfect, harmonious balance. It’s undeniably the quintessential summer cocktail, making it absolutely ideal for any picnic or sunny gathering.

Why This Cherry Amaretto Sour Will Become Your Go-To Cocktail:

1. Exquisitely Balanced Flavors: The fusion of tart cherry and sweet amaretto creates a flavor profile that is nothing short of perfection. The bright, tangy notes of cherries cut through the rich, marzipan-like sweetness of the amaretto, resulting in a cocktail that is neither too sweet nor too sharp. This delightful equilibrium makes it incredibly versatile, complementing a wide array of your favorite summery meals and snacks.
2. Captivating and Rich Aroma: Amaretto liqueur boasts a distinctive and intensely aromatic almond fragrance. When combined with the fresh, fruity essence of cherries, it produces an enticing scent that draws you in and leaves you craving more. The aromatic complexity adds another layer to the drinking experience, making each sip a sensory delight.
3. Effortlessly Easy to Customize: One of the many charms of this cocktail is its adaptability. While it’s presented beautifully on the rocks, as pictured, you can easily elevate its elegance by serving it in a chilled coupe glass for more formal occasions or intimate dinners. The garnishes offer another avenue for personalization: opt for fresh, seasonal cherries for a vibrant touch, or indulge in the sophisticated sweetness of Luxardo cherries for a gourmet finish. For an truly indulgent touch, consider infusing fresh cherries in amaretto ahead of time to create your own signature amaretto-soaked cherries—a luxurious topping that will undoubtedly take your cocktail over the top.

If you have a penchant for sour cocktails, you absolutely must try a Disaronno Sour next. It offers another fantastic exploration of the sweet and tart dynamic.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the essential ingredients that bring this summery masterpiece to life.

Key Ingredients for Your Cherry Amaretto Sour

Crafting the perfect Cherry Amaretto Sour relies on a few high-quality, yet easily accessible ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after balance of sweet, tart, and rich flavors.

• Amaretto: This iconic Italian liqueur is the heart of our cocktail. Known for its distinct bitter almond flavor, it’s a versatile spirit. While some enjoy it neat or on the rocks, its true potential shines in a well-crafted cocktail like this one. Amaretto typically boasts notes of almond and apricot pits, offering a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter profile that grounds the drink.
• Sweet & Sour Mix: Often simply referred to as “sour mix,” this essential component is a staple in many classic cocktails. It’s fundamentally a balanced blend of fresh lemon and/or lime juice combined with simple syrup. You can readily find quality sweet & sour mix at most liquor or grocery stores, but for those who enjoy a DIY approach, it’s also simple to make at home using equal parts citrus juice and simple syrup.
• Grenadine: A vibrant, sweet, non-alcoholic syrup, grenadine is traditionally crafted from pomegranate. Its primary role in this cocktail is twofold: it imparts a beautiful rosy hue that enhances the visual appeal, and it adds a subtle layer of fruity sweetness that complements the cherry notes.
• Tart Cherry Juice: This is a critical ingredient for achieving the perfect balance in your Cherry Amaretto Sour. It’s imperative to use tart cherry juice, not a sweetened cherry juice cocktail. The natural acidity and deep fruit flavor of tart cherries are what cut through the sweetness of the amaretto and grenadine, creating that refreshing tang that makes this drink so enjoyable. Look for 100% tart cherry juice for the best results.

Craving more delicious cherry cocktails? Explore these refreshing options: Cherry Whiskey Smash | Cherry Bourbon Sour | Cherry Rosé Mimosa | Vodka Cherry Limeade

Essential Tools for Crafting Your Perfect Cherry Amaretto Sour

You don’t need an elaborate bar setup to create this fantastic cocktail. Just a few fundamental tools will ensure a perfectly mixed and chilled drink every time.

1. Cocktail Shaker: A good cocktail shaker is indispensable for any home bartender. I highly recommend a Boston cocktail shaker, which is a two-piece shaker consisting of a glass and a metal tin. Its tight seal ensures no spills while you vigorously chill and combine your ingredients. Shaking not only chills the drink but also aerates it, giving it a pleasing texture.
2. Cocktail Strainer: Once your cocktail is perfectly shaken, you’ll need a reliable cocktail strainer to separate the liquid from the ice and any muddled fruit pieces. A Hawthorne strainer, with its coiled spring, is excellent for this purpose, fitting snugly onto your shaker to ensure a smooth pour into your serving glass.
3. Double Old Fashioned Glasses (Rocks Glasses): These sturdy, wide-mouthed glasses are ideal for serving this cocktail on the rocks. Their design allows for plenty of ice and showcases the beautiful color of the drink, while also providing a comfortable grip.
4. Thermos (Optional, for On-the-Go): If you plan to take your Cherry Amaretto Sours to a picnic or outdoor event, a high-quality insulated thermos is a game-changer. For best results, chill your batched cocktail in the refrigerator without ice beforehand. Then, pour the chilled mixture into your thermos. This method ensures your drink stays perfectly cold without diluting it with melting ice during transport.

How to Make a Refreshing Cherry Amaretto Sour

Creating this delicious cocktail is surprisingly simple, requiring just two easy steps. Here’s how to do it:

Shake

Combine all four liquid ingredients—amaretto, sweet & sour mix, grenadine, and tart cherry juice—into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker completely with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled and a light frost appears on the outside. This ensures your cocktail is perfectly cold and well-mixed.

Strain

Place a cocktail strainer over the mouth of the shaker. Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into a double old fashioned glass (or rocks glass) that is already filled halfway with fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh cherry or a slice of orange, and serve immediately to enjoy its peak freshness.

Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Cherry Amaretto Sour

Achieving a truly outstanding Cherry Amaretto Sour is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you maximize flavor and ensure a consistently delicious experience every time.

• Always Use Tart Cherry Juice: This cannot be stressed enough. Avoid using cherry juice “cocktails” that contain added sugars or other fruit juices. These often dilute the intense cherry flavor and will make your drink excessively sweet, throwing off the delicate balance of a true sour. Opt for 100% pure tart cherry juice for the best, most authentic flavor profile.
• Master the Batch: This cocktail is incredibly easy to scale up, making it perfect for entertaining or taking on the go. To prepare a large batch for a picnic or party, simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need. Mix all liquids in a large pitcher or container. If you’re heading to another location, shake portions over ice just before serving, or chill the entire batch in the refrigerator without ice. Once thoroughly chilled, pour it into an insulated thermos to maintain its cool temperature without dilution. For home entertaining, keep the pre-mixed cocktail in a pitcher in the fridge and serve over fresh ice as guests arrive.
• Chill Your Glasses: A small but impactful detail is to chill your serving glasses beforehand. Pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes or fill them with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. A cold glass helps maintain the drink’s temperature longer, enhancing the refreshing experience.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: While a fresh cherry is a classic garnish, consider elevating it. Luxardo cherries add a gourmet touch and a rich, dark cherry flavor. An orange peel expressed over the drink (to release its essential oils) and then dropped in can add a wonderful citrus aroma that complements the almond and cherry.
• Quality of Ice Matters: Use large, dense ice cubes for shaking and serving. These melt slower, chilling your drink efficiently without diluting it too quickly.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Cherry Amaretto Sour

The refreshing zest and balanced sweetness of the Cherry Amaretto Sour make it an incredibly versatile cocktail, capable of complementing a wide range of dishes. While it’s fantastic on its own, pairing it with flavorful foods can elevate both the drink and the meal. I especially love serving this cocktail with hearty, fun dishes like pizzas or sandwiches, as its bright notes cut through richness beautifully. Here are some of my top favorite recipes that create an unforgettable dining experience with this cocktail:

• Pesto Greens Pizza: This vibrant pizza is my go-to for sneaking in some greens while indulging in one of my favorite foods. Featuring a homemade pesto base, fresh mozzarella, and a generous topping of various greens, this meal delivers an incredible burst of herbaceous flavor that perfectly satisfies. The tangy cocktail provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory, garlicky pesto.
• Grilled Burrata Pizza: Prepare for a flavor explosion! This grilled pizza is topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, crispy fried prosciutto, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a scattering of fresh basil, all crowned with soft, creamy burrata. The Amaretto Sour’s fruitiness and acidity help to cleanse the palate after each decadent bite of cheese and prosciutto.
• Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwich: Elevate your sandwich game with this layered masterpiece! Featuring tender rotisserie chicken, gooey cheese, sweet onions, and fresh spinach, it gets a vibrant kick from a homemade Samurai sauce—truly the best sauce ever! The sandwich’s spicy, savory notes are beautifully balanced by the cool, fruity cocktail.
• Grilled Tomato Italian Grinder Sandwich: This hearty Italian grinder, packed with grilled tomatoes and classic deli meats, is easy to assemble and perfect for packing up for your next picnic. The tangy, slightly sweet flavors of the sandwich find a wonderful harmony with the cherry and almond notes of the cocktail.

Finally, if you’ve been inspired to make this very cherry amaretto sour recipe, please take a moment to give it a rating or leave a comment below! I genuinely love hearing from you when you try my recipes, and I make sure to respond to every single comment. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have as well!

Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! It brings me so much joy to see these recipes come to life in your homes—looking through your photos is truly my favorite thing. Your shares mean the world to me!

Very Cherry Amaretto Sour

A delicious blend of sweet, sour and cherry!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cocktail

4.7 from 111 votes

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Equipment

• Rocks Glasses
• OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer
• Boston Shaker

Ingredients

• 2 oz amaretto
• 1 1/2 oz sweet & sour mix
• 1/2 Tbsp grenadine
• 1/2 oz tart cherry juice
• Ice

Instructions

• Add amaretto, sweet and sour mix, grenadine, and tart cherry juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled halfway with fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh cherry or orange slice, if desired.

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Category: Booze