The Amaretto Sour is delicious, refreshing, and definitely worth a revisit. It's a little sweet, a little sour, and a little fizzy if you add a splash of soda.
In a martini shaker filled with ice, add amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with soda if desired. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Amaretto: A sweet almond-flavored liqueur. Some popular brands include Disaronno, Lazzaroni, Luxardo, DeKuyper, and Bols.
Simple syrup: Use store-bought or combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (i.e., 1 cup sugar plus 1 cup water) in a small saucepan. Cook gently over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the syrup from the heat and let cool completely.
Lemon-lime soda: Optional but recommended, especially if you love fizzy drinks. 7UP or Sprite are good choices, and diet sodas work too.
Cherries: Dark and rich cocktail cherries, such as Luxardo brand, can be substituted for the maraschino cherries.
Yield: This recipe makes 1 cocktail.
Big batch: To make a batch of 12 cocktails, in a large pitcher filled with ice, stir together 18 ounces (2 1/4 cups) amaretto, 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) simple syrup, and 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) fresh lemon juice. Have ice, glassware, soda, and garnishes on hand so guests can help themselves.
No cocktail shaker: Find your biggest, sturdiest glass and fill it with ice. Add the drink ingredients, then stir with a long spoon to get it all mixed and chilled. Strain through a small mesh strainer or use a slotted spoon to keep the ice in the shaker as you pour the cocktail.
Egg whites: Some versions of the drink include an egg white for silky body and foamy frothiness. If you want to try this, first give the ingredients a "dry shake" (without ice) to emulsify them. Then, add ice to the shaker and give everything a second shake to chill the cocktail.
Amaretto Sour, up: After shaking, strain the cocktail into a chilled "up" glass or coupe. Garnish and drink.
Whiskey Sour: A similar cocktail made with whiskey instead of Amaretto.