Some cocktails are loud and flashy. Others are complicated and fussy. But then there are the quietly iconic ones—smooth, balanced, and just bold enough to make you feel like you’ve got it all figured out.

This signature cocktail, Citrus Amaretto Sour with a Bourbon Boost falls firmly into that last category. It’s an elevated take on the classic amaretto sour, made with fresh citrus juice, a hint of vanilla-almond sweetness, and just enough bourbon to give it some backbone.

This is the kind of cocktail you want to sip slowly—ideally on the porch, just after golden hour, with music playing and dinner on the way. It’s part nostalgic, part grown-up, and 100% satisfying.

Let’s start with the base:
Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with a rich, almondy flavor (Disaronno is the classic go-to). On its own, it’s lovely but can lean a little sweet. That’s where the fresh citrus—and a little bourbon—come in to round things out.

A splash of fresh orange juice brightens the whole thing, while lemon juice gives it that signature sour tang. The bourbon doesn’t overpower—it just deepens the flavor and makes it feel a little more… intentional.

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ oz Amaretto

• ¾ oz Bourbon

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz fresh orange juice

• ½ oz simple syrup (optional, depending on your citrus)

• 1 egg white (optional, but adds beautiful texture)

• Ice

To garnish: Orange slice and cherry

🍸 Instructions:

• If using egg white, start with a dry shake: add all ingredients to a shaker without ice and shake for about 15 seconds to build that silky foam.

• Add ice and shake again until chilled.

• Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

• Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

• Sip and try not to drink it too fast.

This is a great “first drink” of the evening—impressive but not intimidating. It also makes an excellent signature cocktail for small dinner parties or date night at home.

Here’s how I’d serve it:

• In a short rocks glass with a clear ice cube

• With a small appetizer board nearby (sharp cheese, olives, and almonds pair perfectly)

• On a tray with cloth cocktail napkins or luxurious paper napkins—because little touches matter

This recipe was featured in my Sunday Sip series on Instagram, where I share one delicious drink each week that’s made for hosting, relaxing, and treating yourself to a little elegance.

If you’re not already following along, head to @RexanneCollins over on Instagram and save your favorites. And if you make this one? Tag me. I’d love to see how you serve it up.

Would you like my larger, pitcher-size recipe for this drink? Just text me your name and email address and I’ll get the pdf right to you. Cheers to cocktails that feel as good as they taste. 🍹