This Smoked Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour leans into balance—sweet almond notes from amaretto, tart lemon, and deep cherry flavor with a subtle hint of smoke. By lightly smoking the cherries (or cherry syrup) instead of relying purely on sweetness, the drink gains complexity without becoming heavy.
Vanilla rounds everything out, adding warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with amaretto’s natural nuttiness. The result is a cocktail that feels elevated but still approachable, perfect for backyard hangs, holiday spreads, or a slow evening by the smoker.
If you’re already running a smoker for ribs or chicken, this drink fits right into that rhythm. A quick cold-smoke step transforms simple ingredients into something that feels crafted and intentional.
Ingredients
- 2 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz smoked cherry juice
- 0.5 oz agave
- 0.25 oz pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
- ice
Instructions
- If smoking the cherry juice, place it uncovered in a shallow pan and cold-smoke with cherry or apple wood for 20–30 minutes; chill before using
- Add amaretto, lemon juice, smoked cherry juice, agave, vanilla, and egg white to a shaker
- Dry shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to build foam
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or serve up in a coupe
- Garnish with cherries and a lemon peel, expressing the oils over the glass
This cocktail shines when served ice-cold with a dense foam cap. If you want a deeper smoke presence, lightly smoke the finished drink under a glass dome for 10–15 seconds just before serving. It pairs especially well with smoked nuts, dark chocolate, or anything coming off the pit with a little char.