Best Amaretto Cocktails to Make at Home

If you're not sure where to start, an Amaretto Sour is one of the best amaretto cocktails to try at home. Fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness of the amaretto, giving you a drink that's tart, smooth, and easy to sip. You also only need a few simple ingredients and a shaker to make one.

You might think amaretto is always made with almonds, but that's not the case. Some brands use almonds, while others get their signature flavor from apricot kernels. If you're curious about what goes into it, check out our guide on what is amaretto liqueur.

One of the best things about amaretto is how many different drinks you can make with it. You can mix it with lemon for a refreshing Sour or pair it with Scotch for a smooth Godfather. It also works well with coffee and cream when you want something rich. Add it to orange juice, and you have an easy drink that's great for brunch.

Whether you're in the mood for something tart, boozy, fruity, creamy, or sweet enough for dessert, there's an amaretto cocktail here for you.

10 Best Amaretto Cocktails to Try

These cocktails range from tart and refreshing to rich, creamy, and boozy. Whether you want something light or more like dessert in a glass, you have plenty of options to try.

Amaretto Sour

The Amaretto Sour is a great place to start if you like drinks that are sweet and tart. It combines amaretto with fresh lemon juice for a bright, balanced drink.

You only need amaretto, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for the basic version. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference here because it keeps the drink from tasting too sweet or heavy.

You can also add egg white if you want a smoother texture and a thick, foamy top. Serve it over ice in an old-fashioned glass and add a cocktail cherry if you like.

Get the Recipe for Amaretto Stone Sour

Godfather

The Godfather is a good choice if you prefer a stronger, spirit-forward drink. It combines Scotch whisky and amaretto, giving you a smooth drink with a little sweetness.

The type of Scotch you use can change the flavor quite a bit. A blended Scotch keeps it mellow, while a peated Scotch adds more smoke and depth. Serve it over ice in an old-fashioned glass. You can also add a strip of orange zest for a fresh citrus aroma.

You might also like: 12 Best Scotch Cocktails to Try

French Connection

The French Connection is a simple two-ingredient drink made with cognac and amaretto. It gives you a smooth, rich cocktail with just the right touch of sweetness.

Since there are only two ingredients, the quality of your cognac matters. A smooth VS or VSOP cognac works well, especially one you would enjoy drinking on its own.

Serve it over ice and add orange zest if you want a little citrus on top. The drink became popular in the 1970s, though its exact origin is unclear.

Toasted Almond

The Toasted Almond is a good pick if you want something creamy after dinner. It combines amaretto, coffee liqueur, and cream for a rich drink with flavors of coffee, sweet cream, and almond.

Shake everything with ice, then serve it chilled in a lowball glass. The result is smooth and sweet, with a style similar to a White Russian. If you want it a little stronger, you can add vodka. That version is often called a Roasted Toasted Almond.

Bocce Ball

The Bocce Ball is a simple fruity drink made with amaretto and orange juice. It is light and easy to make, so it works well for brunch or casual daytime drinking.

You can add club soda if you want a lighter drink with a little fizz. Some versions also include vodka for a stronger kick. Serve it over ice in a tall glass and add an orange slice or wheel for garnish.

Amaretto Sunrise

The Amaretto Sunrise is an easy choice if you enjoy sweet and fruity cocktails. Inspired by the Tequila Sunrise, it combines amaretto, orange juice, and grenadine.

When you pour in the grenadine, it sinks toward the bottom of the glass and creates the colorful sunrise effect. The sweet, nutty amaretto also pairs well with the citrus and fruity grenadine. Finish it with an orange slice and a cherry for a simple, colorful garnish.

Godmother

The Godmother is similar to the Godfather, but it uses vodka instead of Scotch. Since vodka has a more neutral flavor, the amaretto stands out more.

It is one of the easiest amaretto cocktails you can make. Just stir vodka and amaretto with ice until chilled. If you want a smooth, simple drink without a lot of ingredients, this is an easy choice for the evening.

Italian Margarita

The Italian Margarita gives the classic margarita a sweeter, nuttier twist. It combines tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and amaretto.

The amaretto adds sweetness and a soft almond flavor that works well with the tart lime. Reposado tequila is a good choice because its mellow oak flavor pairs nicely with amaretto. You can also serve a small shot of amaretto on the side and drizzle it into your drink if you want a little extra sweetness.

Café Caribbean

The Café Caribbean is a warm coffee cocktail made with dark rum and amaretto. If you enjoy sweet coffee drinks, you will get flavors of caramel, spice, and almond in every sip.

Pour the spirits into hot coffee, then top it with whipped cream. You can also add sliced almonds for a simple finishing touch. It is a cozy choice for colder nights, holiday get-togethers, or whenever you want something warm after dinner.

Sugar Cookie Martini

The Sugar Cookie Martini is a sweet, creamy cocktail that tastes a lot like dessert. It usually combines vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and amaretto for a rich drink with a cookie-like flavor.

You can make it feel more festive by adding a sugar rim, sprinkles, or colored sugar around the glass. This one works well for holiday parties or anytime you want your cocktail to double as dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions