Strawberry Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe

I love making cocktails that feel both refreshing and simple, and this one checks both boxes. The mix of sweet strawberries with the nutty flavor of amaretto creates a drink that feels balanced without being too heavy.

This Strawberry Amaretto Sour gives you a smooth blend of fruity sweetness and a light tang you can enjoy any time.

You don’t need fancy tools or impossible-to-find ingredients here. With just a few basics, you can whip up this drink in minutes and it’ll taste like something straight from a cocktail bar.

The recipe’s straightforward, and honestly, the flavor’s worth the tiny bit of effort.

What really makes this drink pop is the way fresh strawberries brighten up the classic amaretto sour. You get something familiar, but with a twist that actually feels new.

Strawberry Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe

I like this drink because it blends the nutty sweetness of amaretto with the tart freshness of lemon and strawberries. Somehow, the mix of fruit, citrus, and almond liqueur keeps it smooth and refreshing without tipping into sugar overload.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Small knife and cutting board
• Citrus juicer
• Coupe or rocks glass
• Bar spoon

I always grab a muddler to smash the strawberries, so the juice mixes right into the amaretto. Using a fine mesh strainer keeps seeds and pulp out, making the drink smoother.

A shaker really helps bring the flavors together, and if I’m using egg white, I’ll do a dry shake for that nice froth. Measuring tools keep the sweet and sour in check.

A coupe glass feels fancy, but sometimes I just use a rocks glass if I want ice. Fresh lemon juice from a juicer beats bottled stuff every time—no contest.

Ingredients

• 2 oz amaretto liqueur (almond liqueur)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3–4 fresh strawberries, hulled
• ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 egg white (optional, for froth)
• Ice cubes
• Optional variations:
• Add ½ oz cognac, bourbon, or brandy for depth
• Use aged rum or a splash of burnt sugar rum for a twist
• Replace lemon with blood orange juice or orange juice for a softer citrus flavor
• Top with soda, Sprite, or pineapple juice for a lighter drink

I always reach for ripe strawberries—they just give off more juice and flavor. Amaretto brings that almondy base, and the lemon juice keeps everything sharp.

Simple syrup helps balance things, especially if your berries aren’t super sweet. The egg white’s there if you want that silky foam, but you can totally skip it.

Sometimes I’ll throw in bourbon or cognac if I want something stronger, or top it with soda for a lighter, fizzier feel.

Instructions

• Muddle strawberries in the bottom of a shaker.
• Add amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• If using egg white, do a dry shake (without ice) for 10–15 seconds.
• Add ice and shake again until chilled.
• Double strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
• Garnish with a strawberry slice or lemon twist.

I find the dry shake step makes a big difference when using egg white—it gives you that thick, creamy foam. Double straining keeps the drink smooth and free of strawberry bits.

Garnishes are more for looks than taste, but hey, a pretty drink never hurts.

Notes

I always taste before serving, just to check the sweetness. Strawberries can be all over the place flavor-wise, so sometimes I throw in a bit more syrup or citrus.

If I’m adding pineapple juice or sweet and sour mix, I cut back on the syrup to keep it from getting too sweet. Amaretto, with its strong almond flavor, plays really well with citrus and berries.

Adding bourbon or brandy gives the drink more depth, while soda lightens it up. Blood orange juice not only deepens the color, but also adds a sweeter citrus vibe.

Fresh ingredients make a huge difference. Bottled lemon juice or artificial sour mix just doesn’t have that same brightness. I always say: use fresh fruit for the best-tasting cocktails.

Tasting Notes

When I take the first sip, a bright strawberry flavor jumps out and softens the sharpness of the lemon juice. The sweetness feels natural and light—honestly, it makes the drink really easy to enjoy.

Amaretto brings in a smooth almond taste that just hangs around. It kind of reminds me of a classic amaretto sour, but the fruity twist here is hard to miss.

Strawberries give this version a fresher vibe compared to an amaretto stone sour. The fruit softens the edges a bit, while the citrus keeps things crisp.

I really like the slightly silky texture from the fruit and liqueur combo. It’s not heavy at all, but there’s enough body to make it feel satisfying.

The finish? It’s a mix of sweet, tart, and nutty notes. Every sip pulls me back in—not because it’s strong, but because the flavors just stay so balanced.