Level up your brunch game with this Amaretto Stone Sour recipe. This low-proof, orange juice brunch cocktail is made with amaretto liqueur, a fresh sour mix and club soda for a drink that's light, bright and bubbly. Just as easy to make as a mimosa but far more flavorful. Plus it uses real ingredients; no bottled sour mix here!
Make brunch just a little more special with a signature drink like this Amaretto Stone Sour. This easy cocktail with almond liqueur and fresh citrus juices is perfect for a holiday or just as a way to up the ante on an average Saturday.
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Why you'll love this recipe
➤ Better than a mimosa: Why be basic when you can be extra? This stone sour is more complex than a plain ol' mimosa with just a few extra ingredients. Nutty almond liqueur and THREE citrus juices give this cocktail a sweet and tart flavor while a healthy pour of club soda keeps it light and balanced.
➤ Low-alcohol drink: Brunch cocktails are supposed to be low proof because you sip on them all morning long. This Amaretto Stone Sour has a 3:1 mixer to alcohol ratio to pack more flavor than potency.
➤ Uses real ingredients: You won't find any syrupy, bottled sour mixes here. We prefer real ingredients in our drinks and use fresh juices with sweetener to make an easy version of a sweet & sour mix.
Ingredients
You'll find everything you need for this brunch cocktail at a well-stocked grocery store. This drink uses a homemade sour mix from real lemon and lime juices - not a syrupy bottled mix.
A few ingredient notes:
・Citrus juices: Fresh squeezed orange, lemon and lime juices make a huge difference in the flavor of this drink. The bottled versions contain preservatives that can impact taste. Skip them in your cocktails whenever possible.
・Simple syrup: You can buy a bottle at the store but you can easily and cheaply make simple syrup at home in minutes.
・Amaretto: Have a favorite brand? Use what you like. If you're not familiar with amaretto, both Disaronno and Lazzaroni are quality options.
・Club soda: Most amaretto stone sour recipes do not call for club soda. I like to add it because the effervescence cuts the tanginess of the citrus juices and makes for a smoother sipper.
Instructions
All you need to make this drink is a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) and a jigger.
Add the amaretto, orange, lemon and lime juices to an ice-filled glass.
Pour simple syrup and club soda into glass and stir gently. Garnish with cocktail cherries and orange slices.
FAQs
Both drinks contain amaretto and a sour mixture, but the amaretto stone sour also includes orange juice. Our version goes a step further and uses fresh lemon and lime juices in lieu of a bottled sweet & sour mix as well as club soda for a balanced, bubbly, low-alcohol brunch cocktail.
This almond liqueur has Italian roots. But despite having a nutty almond flavor, most amarettos are actually made from apricot pits. They are often infused with extracts and/or botanicals and sweetened with dark sugar to give the liqueur its deep amber color.
Expert tips for making an amaretto stone sour
✔︎ Skip the bottled sweet and sour mix. It's tempting to grab a bottle at the store for convenience, but most are far too sweet and some even contain artificial colors. With just a few extra minutes, you can make your own sweet & sour with fresh citrus juices and simple syrup for a flavorful sour mix that is more balanced and flavorful than anything you can buy.
✔︎ Expecting a crowd? This recipe is easily doubled, tripled or more for everyone to enjoy. You can even make it in advance (minus the club soda). Refrigerate until guests arrive and then top each glass with club soda before serving.
✔︎ Don't be intimidated by juicing your own citrus fruits. I have this inexpensive handheld juicer, and it makes quick work of getting every last drop of fresh juice from fruits. I love that it has measurement markers on the sides so I know exactly how much juice I've squeezed. Plus you can pour and strain right from the container.
More brunch cocktails
Serve this or any of our brunch cocktails with our popular Overnight Breakfast Casserole with sausage (it's my mother-in-law's recipe!) or this overnight Brioche French Toast that tastes like gooey caramel rolls.
Looking for more cocktail ideas? Check out all of our drink recipes to find a new favorite.
Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Recipe
Amaretto Stone Sour
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Amaretto
- 1.5 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- .5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- .5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- .25 oz simple syrup
- 1.5 oz club soda
Instructions
- Place amaretto, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice and simple syrup in an ice-filled cocktail glass. Top with club soda.1.5 oz Amaretto, 1.5 oz freshly squeezed orange juice, .5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, .5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, .25 oz simple syrup, 1.5 oz club soda
- Stir gently to combine. Garnish with orange slices and cocktail cherries, if desired.
Notes
- Amaretto is an almond flavored liqueur that is readily available at liquor stores. Our favorite brands are Lazzaroni and Disarrono.
- Homemade sweet & sour mix makes a HUGE difference in the flavor of this drink. It's super easy to make with just a few real ingredients. Don't skip it!
- Club soda is not typically part of amaretto stone sour recipes but I prefer it in this drink. It cuts the tanginess of the citrus fruits and makes for a smoother sipper.
- Don't have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with a cocktail strainer instead.
- This recipe is easily multiplied for a large group. It can even be made ahead of time (minus the club soda) and stored in the fridge. Stir before pouring into ice-filled glasses. Top with club soda and add garnishes, if desired.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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