Amaretto may be your new best friend when crafting interesting cocktails. Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash.
As college students, our go-to’s are usually whatever we can find on sale at the package store. Vodka, beer, maybe rum or cheap tequila if we’re feeling adventurous. But, after some inspiration from a new friend this weekend, I’m here to talk about a horribly underrepresented, underappreciated alcohol—amaretto.
Coming from an Italian background, I’ve personally been exposed to amaretto quite a bit, occasionally in drinks but mostly in baking. For those that don’t know, amaretto is a sweet liqueur made of almonds and sometimes the pits of peaches or apricots. It’s a fine drink by itself, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best amaretto cocktails to try out this week.
The Amaretto Sour
This is a classic cocktail and one of the most simple to make. It’s citrusy and refreshing, which makes it the perfect drink for any occasion. It also brings with it a certain air of sophistication, more so than your typical vodka-cranberry, at least. These are awesome to pair with any party appetizer.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. amaretto liqueur
1 oz. simple syrup
¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
1 orange slice
1 maraschino cherry
In order to make your amaretto sour, pour all the liquids into a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange slice and cherry. For a frozen treat, turn your sour into a slushie!
The Almond Joy
Since amaretto liqueur is almond-based, this cocktail seems like a no-brainer. This thick and creamy drink is perfect for any coconut lover.
Ingredients:
½ oz. coconut rum
1 oz. amaretto
1 oz. creme de cacao
2 oz. cream
To make this cocktail, measure all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and mix well. Combine into a martini glass over ice.
Amaretto Cranberry Kiss
This blend of almond and cranberry might seem odd at first, but it gives off a serious fall vibe. It’s so refreshing and only requires a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
4 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz. vodka
1 oz. amaretto
1 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice
Ice
Clementine segments
First, add all the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to combine and then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with the clementine slices. Save this recipe for a fun twist to your Thanksgiving drink menu!
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