This week is also known as cocktail week. Wait, isn't it? It ends with New Years Eve, so yes...cocktail week it is.
Amaretto sours are my favorite. For some reason, I rarely order one when I'm out celebrating. Typically, I'll choose from the cocktail menu and think, "I should have ordered the amaretto sour."
I wanted to give my homemade amaretto sours a little holiday kick in the pants and thought ginger was just the thing to do it.
You'll make a ginger simple syrup with real fresh ginger. It doesn't hit you over the head, but adds a little ginger "heat" in your chest as you drink it. It's perfect for chilly winter evenings at home and great for a party!
The syrup can be made ahead of time, so all you need to do is add ice, amaretto, and the non-negotiable maraschino cherry, and you're all set.
The best part? Well, besides the drinking one, is that the syrup can be doubled, tripled, quadrupled (I've done it) and stashed away until you are ready for mixing.
If making for a crowd, just before serving, add 1 part amaretto to 2 parts sour mix in a pitcher.
Here's another secret weapon: Sonic ice. Yes, you need it. Amaretto sours tend to go down really easily and quickly (just me?) and those perfect little ice pellets keep your cocktail going longer. I love munching on that flavored ice.
Ginger Amaretto Sours
for the sour mix:
1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup peeled and sliced fresh ginger
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
for the cocktail:
Sonic ice
amaretto
maraschino cherries
In a saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and ginger together over medium heat, stirring frequently, until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup and stir in the lemon juice. Let cool and then refrigerate until cold.
To make the ginger amaretto sours: place (good) ice in a glass. Add 1.5 ounces of amaretto, 3 ounces of sour mix, and a cherry. Stir and enjoy.
Sour mix can be doubled, tripled, quadrupled. If making for a crowd, before serving, add 1 part amaretto to 2 parts sour mix in a pitcher. Pour over ice.
