Amaretto and Orange Juice Cocktail Recipe

There’s something about an Amaretto and orange juice cocktail that just hits the spot. It’s easy, it’s bright, and honestly, it feels a little fancy for how little work it takes.

The sweet almond notes from the amaretto mix with the citrus in a way that’s seriously smooth. No need to track down rare ingredients or show off any bartending tricks—just grab a few basics and you’re set.

This drink is great for a lazy afternoon or when you want a lighter after-dinner sip. Amaretto brings a gentle, nutty warmth, and the orange juice keeps things lively and tangy.

It’s one of those cocktails that feels just different enough to surprise people, but not so wild that you need to plan ahead.

Let’s get into what you’ll need, how to mix it up, and what flavors you’ll actually notice when you take that first sip.

Amaretto And Orange Juice Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, the best part about this drink is how little effort it takes. The almond sweetness from the amaretto just melts into the orange juice, and the whole thing is done before you know it.

Equipment

No need to overcomplicate things here. I keep my tools simple so cleanup is quick and I can just get to the good part.

• Cocktail shaker (totally optional, but nice if you want a smoother blend)
• Measuring jigger or a tablespoon works
• Mixing spoon
• Short glass (rocks glass is my pick)
• Ice cubes
• Citrus juicer (if you’re squeezing fresh oranges)
• Strainer (if you go the shaker route)

Honestly, stirring right in the glass does the trick most days. If you’re in a hurry to chill it, shaking with ice is the way to go.

Ingredients

Fresh orange juice makes a difference, but I won’t judge if you use store-bought. Amaretto brings that mellow, sweet almond thing that just works.

• 2 oz amaretto liqueur
• 4 oz orange juice (fresh is best, but bottled is fine)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: orange slice or cherry for garnish

I usually go with a 1:2 ratio of amaretto to orange juice. If you like it sweeter or stronger, tweak it—no one’s stopping you.

Instructions

Keep it quick so everything stays chilly and bright.

• Fill your glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in 2 oz amaretto right over the ice.
• Add 4 oz orange juice on top.
• Stir it up gently with a spoon—nothing fancy.
• If you want, shake the amaretto and juice with ice in a shaker, then strain it into your glass.
• Toss on an orange slice or cherry for a little extra.

Serve it right away—otherwise the ice will start to melt and, well, nobody wants a watered-down drink.

Notes

Fresh-squeezed orange juice really does taste cleaner and less sugary. If I’m using store-bought, I try to pick one without extra sugar dumped in.

The cocktail itself is pretty mellow since amaretto isn’t super strong. Makes it nice for sipping without feeling knocked over.

Sometimes I’ll add a splash of club soda for a bit of fizz, or maybe a dash of grenadine for color. It keeps things interesting without messing with the main flavor.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the sweet almond flavor of the amaretto jumps out at me. It’s smooth, a little nutty, and there’s this gentle warmth that kind of hangs around.

The orange juice brings in a fresh, citrusy kick that really balances things out. I appreciate how those tangy notes stop the drink from feeling overly sweet or heavy.

The texture? It’s light and goes down easy. Thanks to the juice’s natural acidity, it stays refreshing, even though amaretto can be pretty rich on its own.

There’s this soft, lingering sweetness after each sip. It doesn’t get sharp or bitter, which makes it nice to sip slowly—almost too easy, honestly.

If you pour it over ice, I’ve noticed the flavors mellow out a touch. The cold really lets the citrus shine through a bit more.

I like how straightforward the flavor combo is. You can pick out each ingredient, and nothing really steals the show.

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