The Boozy Twist: Amaretto Sour with Bourbon

The Amaretto Sour gets a delightful makeover with the addition of bourbon! This recipe incorporates the classic sweet and tart flavors of amaretto and lemon juice but adds a kick of bourbon for a more complex and boozy experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce amaretto liqueur
• 1 ounce bourbon whiskey
• ¾ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed (for the best flavor)
• ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Cocktail cherry and orange twist for garnish (optional)

Instructions (makes 1 drink):

1. Prep your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes or filling it with ice and water for a few minutes. Discard the ice and water before building your drink.
2. If using egg white for a luxurious froth, carefully separate it from the yolk, ensuring no yolk gets into the cocktail shaker.
3. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the amaretto liqueur, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
4. Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the drink is well chilled and frothy (if using egg white).
5. Strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled coupe glass to remove any ice chips or egg white wisps (if not using egg white, a single strain is sufficient).
6. Add a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel for a classic presentation. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink by squeezing it gently over the glass and then discarding the peel.

Tips:

• Simple syrup balances the tartness of the lemon juice and the bite of the bourbon. Start with ½ ounce and taste before adding more for your desired level of sweetness.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the brightest flavor. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but the taste won't be as vibrant.
• If you don't have simple syrup, use granulated sugar. Add about ¾ teaspoon of sugar to the shaker with the other ingredients and shake vigorously to dissolve the sugar.
• The egg white adds a luxurious froth to the drink. If you have concerns about consuming raw egg whites, you can skip this ingredient altogether. The drink will still be delicious, just without the frothy texture.
• Different bourbons offer varying flavor profiles. Experiment with a wheated bourbon for a smoother taste or a high-rye bourbon for a spicier kick.

Enjoy this boozy twist on the Amaretto Sour! The combination of sweet amaretto, tart lemon, and robust bourbon creates a complex and satisfying cocktail that's perfect for after-dinner enjoyment or whenever you crave a flavorful drink.