Mixed Drinks With Amaretto

Amaretto is a key ingredient in many mixed drink recipes including cocktails, frozen drinks and coffee.

Amaretto is an almond-flavored Italian liqueur made from peach, apricot and almond pits. Thought to have first been formulated in Italy around 1525, Amaretto is often served on ice. The deep, caramel color combined with its sweet and spicy flavor makes Amaretto a warm, rich addition to many mixed drinks.

Amaretto Sour

First popularized in the United States after World War II, the Amaretto sour has a smooth balance of sweet and sour and is easy to prepare. Rub the rim of a low-ball glass, also called a rocks glass or old fashioned glass, with a slice of lemon. Dip the rim of the glass into a saucer of sugar to coat the rim. Pour 3 oz. of Amaretto into a shaker filled with ice. Add 2 oz. of lemon juice and a splash of ginger ale and shake. Pour into the glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Alabama Slammer

Alabama Slammers are strong, fruity cocktails that can be served on the rocks or as a single 1 oz. shot. To make, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 1 oz. of Amaretto, 1 oz. of Southern Comfort and a splash of grenadine syrup. Fill the remainder of glass with orange juice and garnish with a maraschino cherry. To serve as single shots, mix ingredients in a shaker and pour into shot glasses to serve.

Amaretto Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitans, or Cosmos, are popular cocktails that combine vodka and various other mixers to make unique, refreshing bar drinks that are quick and easy to prepare. To make an Amaretto Cosmo, pour 1 oz. Amaretto, 1 oz. vodka, 2 oz. orange juice, 2 oz. cranberry juice into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

Amaretto Candy Bar

Chocolate-based cocktails are a delightful indulgence and can be served in place of dessert. To prepare an Amaretto Candy Bar, pour 1 oz. Amaretto, 1 oz. frangelica liqueur, a splash of chocolate liqueur and one scoop of vanilla ice cream in a blender. Mix completely and serve in a parfait glass. Top with whipped cream and serve with a straw and long spoon.

Nutty Pina Colada

Frozen drinks are great for cooling off when then weather is hot. In a blender, combine 3 oz. Amaretto, 3 oz. coconut juice, 3 oz. chopped pineapple and 1 cup of ice. Mix thoroughly and serve in a parfait glass with a straw. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Italian Coffee

Warm coffee cocktails are perfect to serve on a cold winter night. Simply add 2 oz. of Amaretto to 6 oz. hot coffee in a coffee mug and top with whipped cream.

References

• Fine Cooking: Beverages
• "Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's Guide"; John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2009