As the name suggests, this cocktail is dominated by amaretto, with lemon juice providing the sour balancing element and a slug of bourbon giving backbone
Switch simple syrup with some cherry syrup (if you have it) such as Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, it will be more complex. Amaretto pairs well with cherry.
I made two for a side by side comparison, one with Bulleit Bourbon and one with Tincup Rye. The rye won out for me. Both are very nice. My wife preferred the traditional (no whiskey). I preferred this but with rye.
I love how this recipe is still spectacular with a budget amaretto like Di Amore and a serviceable, if not stellar bourbon like Evan Williams bottled-in-bond. What balance!
Made many a batch of this over the years. Works great with a lot of spirits besides burbon.
Some notable ones are Aberlour A'bunadh, Goslings 151 and DonQ 151 (although in that case omit the sugar), and Chateau de Lacquy 12y.
We had this for the first time last night. I can't believe I haven't made it before. We made it with Billington's muscovado sugar, which you can taste in the resultant cocktail. It was gorgeous. In a rocks glass, with one, giant ice cube. Thoroughly recommend.
I think this cocktails needs something like Rare Breed or Knob Creek Single Barrel mainly because the amaretto is just a touch too sweet and seems to hit a lot of things over the head with an almond shaped brick.
This one has been on my “ to do” list for a while. Made it tonight, with no modifications to instructions. Earlier posts big this one up .. they’re not wrong. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I just made this at home with what I had on hand. Definitely agree with Paul, this is an “All-Star” cocktail.
Though, my variation on it was to sub in a barspoon of soy lecithin concentrate in lieu of the egg whites (never really got fond of separating them). Saved dilution and an off smell and got a crystalline, delicate foam. Next time I might add in a 1:1 to see if it reacts the same way.
This cocktail has been a wonderful addition to my “All-Star” list.
As an All Star, I’ll make minor adjustments, and take notes on the outcomes, until I’ve found what’s perfect for us. For instance, demerara is good – but it adds an extra complexity that might be a distraction, so I’ll give simple syrup a try. Bourbon or rye? A gentler, more rounded whisky, or something that announces its presence with elbows up? The bottom line is that this cocktail is a keeper.
I like this, but prefer slightly less bourbon (actually, I use rye whiskey) - 3/4 oz. Then I follow another recipe more similar to the original recipe that adds a barspoon of demerara sugar - although I put more like a 1/4 oz. And as I have less whiskey, I put a scant 3/4 oz of lemon juice in. It really is a delicious autumnal drink!