Citrus Amaretto Sour (with a Bourbon Boost)

by rexannesellshomes | Mar 23, 2025 | Oxford MS Lifestyle, Recipes

The Cocktail You Didn’t Know You Needed

MS Home and Lifestyle

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.

🍋 So What Makes This One Special?

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.

🥃 The Recipe: Citrus Amaretto Sour with a Bourbon Boost

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.

✨ Hosting Vibes:

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. 🍹

female real estate agent with long gray hair

Rexanne Collins is a local real estate agent serving buyers and sellers who live in or are moving to Oxford, MS as well as surrounding communities.

Rexanne’s passion is educating her clients on the buying and selling process as well as sharing tips and ideas revolving around Oxford Home and Lifestyle and Southern Living.

Rexanne Collins
Oxford MS Real Estate Agent
Epique Realty – Oxford
C: 662.586.1640
O: 888.893.3537

⭐️”Because the right agent changes everything.”

Why is Oxford, Mississippi Lovingly Called “The Velvet Ditch”?

by rexannesellshomes | Dec 8, 2024 | Oxford MS Lifestyle, The Velvet Ditch

The Velvet Ditch:

Oxford, Mississippi’s Enchanting Embrace

Nestled in the timeless beauty of the Deep South, Oxford, Mississippi, weaves an enchanting spell that is impossible to ignore. Known as The Velvet Ditch, this evocative nickname hints at a paradoxical charm—where sophistication dances effortlessly with Southern simplicity.

In its simplest form, The Velvet Ditch is described as a place that is easy to fall into and difficult to leave. Yet, such brevity fails to capture the depth of its allure—a charm so irresistible that it draws you in, wraps you in its embrace, and leaves you longing to linger just a little longer. To understand why Oxford holds this title is to journey through its rich cultural fabric, where history, intellect, and a genteel way of life create a world like no other.

luxurious living room with tall ceilings and windows

A Haven of Comfort and Culture

The “velvet” in this poetic moniker speaks of Oxford’s luxurious ease and cultural richness. As home to the illustrious University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss, the town thrives with an intellectual and artistic vibrancy that sets it apart. The historic Square, a heartbeat of activity, beckons with its array of upscale dining, boutique shopping, and the iconic Square Books—a shrine to the town’s literary heritage.

Here, one can almost hear the whispers of William Faulkner, Oxford’s most celebrated resident, whose Southern Gothic masterpieces still shape the very essence of American literature.

Yet Oxford’s magic lies not just in its history but in the way it awakens the senses. Imagine the gentle rustle of magnolia leaves, the taste of a perfectly crafted mint julep, and the sounds of live jazz spilling from intimate venues as twilight casts a golden glow over cobblestone streets. Oxford’s embrace is velvet-like—soft, sumptuous, and utterly irresistible. It’s a place where indulgence feels effortless, inviting you to settle into its rhythms as though you were always meant to be there.

A Ditch That Holds You

And yet, there is the “ditch”—a term that suggests a kind of inescapable attachment. Oxford’s allure has a way of capturing hearts and anchoring souls, drawing people into its fold and making the idea of leaving seem unnecessary, even unthinkable. Residents often share tales of arriving for a brief visit—a degree, a job, or a quick respite—only to find themselves rooted here for decades.

This sense of entrapment isn’t oppressive but enchanting, a reflection of Oxford’s unique ability to blend modernity with tradition. Here, life flows at a pace that encourages connection, reflection, and appreciation. The culinary scene mirrors this blend, where institutions like City Grocery and Saint Leo elevate Southern flavors into something innovative yet deeply authentic. Every bite, every sip tells a story of a place where time slows, allowing you to savor its essence fully.

A Lifestyle of Subtle Elegance

The Velvet Ditch is not merely a nickname—it is a way of life. Oxford embodies an effortless elegance that feels both aspirational and profoundly comforting. It is a town that allows you to embrace life’s finer things while never straying far from the warmth of Southern hospitality.

In Oxford, life feels soft, rich, and deeply rooted, much like the velvet that inspired its name. For some, leaving is a possibility, but for many, staying is the only choice. With its intoxicating mix of culture, cuisine, and community, Oxford ensures that every moment spent here is extraordinary—an experience that lingers, calling you back, time and time again.

A pink velvet sofa sits in front of an ornate wall with gold trim and a chandelier, creating a vintage Victorian-style room with a baroque interior design. This high-resolution photograph, with its insanely detailed fine details, is set against an isolated plain background

What are your thoughts about Oxford and it’s nickname, “The Velvet Ditch”? Comment below!

Rexanne Collins, HomeGirl @ Epique Realty
“Because the right changes everything.”

C: 662.586.1640
O: 888-893-3537
Email: RexanneSellsHomes@gmail.com

Are you considering buying or selling a home in Oxford? Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code to schedule a video call with me. Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit to move forward together.