Michael came up with a twist on the classic Amaretto Sour that immediately earned a permanent spot in our cocktail rotation—the Lola Sour (named for me, obviously). This version is less sweet, more spirit-forward, and far more balanced than the traditional recipe. By pairing bourbon with Amaretto, you get depth, warmth, and just enough almond sweetness without tipping into dessert territory.
It’s bold, citrusy, and smooth—the kind of cocktail that feels intentional rather than syrupy.
A Spin on the Classic Sour
Classic Amaretto Sours tend to lean very sweet. The Lola Sour reins that in by introducing bourbon, which adds structure and richness while keeping the drink firmly in cocktail—not candy—territory. Fresh lemon juice brings brightness, orange juice rounds it out, and a touch of simple syrup ties everything together.
For this cocktail, I recommend using Angel’s Envy bourbon. Its smooth, slightly sweet profile with notes of vanilla and caramel perfectly complements the Amaretto and citrus elements of the drink.
Using raw egg whites in cocktails can add a smooth, creamy texture and a beautiful foam on top, but it’s important to ensure the safety of your ingredients. To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, I always use pasteurized egg whites from a carton.
- Pasteurization: Pasteurized egg whites are heated just enough to kill harmful bacteria like salmonella, without cooking the egg.
- Convenience: Carton egg whites are also convenient—no separating eggs, no mess! Just pour the amount you need into your shaker.
- Consistency: Pasteurized egg whites tend to be a bit more consistent in texture, so they froth up beautifully every time.
The Lola Sour is perfect for anyone who loves a balanced cocktail that isn’t too sweet. The bourbon adds depth, the Disaronno brings a hint of almond, and the fresh citrus juices brighten everything up. The egg white gives it that beautiful foam and smooth mouthfeel, making each sip feel indulgent and rich. It’s the perfect cocktail to enjoy year-round, whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a gathering.
Lola Sour
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Amaretto
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- ½ oz Egg White
- 2 Maraschino Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon, Disaronno, lemon juice, orange juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Dry shake (without ice) for about 15-20 seconds to create that frothy texture from the egg white.
- After dry shaking, add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds to chill the cocktail.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. The egg white foam will settle on top, creating a creamy layer.
- For an extra touch, garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of bitters on top of the foam adds both visual appeal and a hint of complexity.
