Sour and Sweet: Everything You Need to Know about Amaretto Sour

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Winter is here and we are craving a bit of summer warmth. Beach days may be behind us, but we can introduce some Italian sunshine into our golden hour tipples with a classic cocktail — and it's cheaper than the airfare to Europe.

Italy's most popular liqueur is arguably amaretto, and the world's favourite way to enjoy it is in a classic amaretto sour cocktail. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this sweet-and-sour drink that has delighted cocktail lovers for decades.

What Is Amaretto?

Literally translated, amaretto means 'a little bitter' and that's exactly what this luscious liqueur is: a little sweet and a little bitter. There are numerous amaretto liqueurs on the market, but the originator is Disaronno, from the municipality of Saronno in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.

Depending on the brand, it can be made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, regular almonds or peach stones. These all contain a natural compound that imparts the liqueur's almond-like flavour.

Like with many liqueurs, it can be enjoyed solo, with some ice, added to coffee, poured over ice cream, used in desserts like tiramisu (yum) or marinade for meat dishes, and, of course, in cocktails.

What Is Disaronno?

This Italian amaretto liqueur can trace its heritage back to the renaissance in 1525. Legend has it that Bernardino Luini, an artist from the Leonardo Da Vinci School of Art, was tasked with painting a fresco of the Madonna in the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Saronno, Italy. To complete his work, he needed a model, and he found one in the local fair-haired and beautiful innkeeper.

According to the story, the innkeeper was so honoured to be chosen as the model for Madonna that she created an amber-coloured liqueur from a secret blend of 17 herbs and fruits infused in apricot kernel oil.

It got its signature amber colour from caramelised sugar. She gifted this liqueur to Luini, and it caught on. The locals dubbed it 'di Saronno', meaning of or from Saronno, and eventually, that morphed into Disaronno. The liqueur is still made in Saronno, following that same recipe from 1525.

How to Make an Amaretto Sour?

This cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1970s and was originally known as Amaretto di Saronno. It's a twist on a classic sour cocktail that blends sweet and sour elements. It has two main ingredients: amaretto (in this case, Disaronno) and lemon juice.

The inherent sweetness of Disaronno beautifully complements the tart lemon, but if you like it sweet you can always add a touch more simple syrup. For an extra touch of luxury, you can also add egg white, which imparts a silky texture and rich mouthfeel.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Disaronno
• 30ml fresh lemon juice
• 5ml sugar syrup (optional, to taste)
• 1 egg white (or 15ml vegan-friendly option such as aquafaba)
• Ice

Method:

Put ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour in 60ml of Disaronno. Add the egg white (or vegan option if using) and freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you like it sweet, add the simple syrup. Shake the shaker and strain it into a chilled tumbler over ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of lemon, and enjoy.

Where Can the Amaretto Sour be Enjoyed?

Poolside in summer, fireside in winter and with popcorn on movie night. But in all seriousness, we don't always want to be the ones mixing our cocktails. There are plenty of professionals out there who can do a better job than us. To that end, Disaronno is working with Palace Cinemas across Melbourne, Sydney and beyond to offer punters $15 Disaronno cocktails to enjoy with their movie of choice during the months of June and July.

On July 10, there will also be a special screening of the 1960s space race flick Fly Me to the Moon, starring Channing Tatum (Dog, The Lost City) and Scarlett Johansson (Asteroid City, Marriage Story). Attendees will be treated to a complimentary authentic amaretto sour made with Disaronno to enjoy during the screening.

If you and your date want to extend your night out and beat the wintry chill, Disaronno is also making special appearances at several much-loved cocktail spots in Melbourne and Sydney. Head down to try their twists on a classic amaretto sour made with Disaronno until July 31.

Calling all amaretto sour and film lovers — Palace Cinemas in Sydney and Melbourne are pouring Disaronno cocktails for a limited time this winter. Book your spot on the website now.