This Amaretto Sunrise is the perfect easy brunch cocktail! It's low ABV, deliciously sweet and nutty, and so simple to make. Think of it like a tequila sunrise's Italian cousin! It's just as stunning but with a cozy almond twist.
You’ll love this Amaretto Sunrise
It's low ABV. With amaretto as the main spirit, this cocktail is lighter than your typical brunch drink, making it perfect for day drinking without overdoing it.
It's deliciously sweet and nutty. The almond flavor from the amaretto paired with fresh orange juice is absolutely dreamy. It's sweet without being cloying, and the grenadine adds just the right amount of fruity depth.
It's easy to make as a batched cocktail. Hosting brunch for a crowd? This recipe scales up beautifully. You can pre-mix the amaretto and orange juice, then add the grenadine when you're ready to serve for that gorgeous sunrise effect.
Ingredients
Amaretto. I love using Disaronno for this, but any quality amaretto will work. The almond liqueur is what gives this drink its signature nutty sweetness.
Orange Juice. Fresh-squeezed is always best! If you can't juice your own oranges, grab fresh-squeezed from your grocery store or use Simply Orange.
Grenadine. This is what creates that beautiful sunrise gradient. I prefer Rose's Grenadine, but any brand works. Don't skip this – it's what makes the drink Instagram-worthy!
How to make an Amaretto Sunrise
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz amaretto and 4 oz orange juice to the glass and stir gently.
- Slowly pour ½ oz grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom, creating that gorgeous sunrise effect.
Substitutions and variations
Fruit Juices. While orange juice is traditional, you can experiment with other citrus juices. Grapefruit juice gives it a tart twist, or try pineapple juice for a tropical vibe. Blood orange juice makes it extra stunning!
Sparkling Wine. Want to fancy it up? Top your amaretto sunrise with a splash of prosecco or champagne for some bubbles. It makes it feel extra special for celebrations.
Garnish ideas
- Maraschino Cherry
- Orange Slice
- Dried orange wheel
- Fresh cherry and orange slice combo
How to make a big batch of this Amaretto Sunrise
For a pitcher serving 8 people, combine 2 cups amaretto with 4 cups of orange juice in a large pitcher. Keep chilled in the fridge. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the amaretto-orange mixture, then add the grenadine to each individual glass for that signature sunrise look. Trust me, you'll want to add the grenadine separately – it's what makes this drink so special!
FAQs
What is in an amaretto sunrise?
An amaretto sunrise is made with amaretto (an almond-flavored liqueur), fresh orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It's a simple three-ingredient cocktail that's beautiful and delicious.
What kind of alcohol is amaretto?
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur with a sweet almond flavor. Despite tasting like almonds, it's actually made from apricot pits. It typically has an ABV of around 21-28%, making it lower in alcohol than spirits like vodka or tequila.
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Amaretto Sunrise
This Amaretto Sunrise is the perfect easy brunch cocktail! It's low ABV, deliciously sweet and nutty, and so simple to make. Think of it like a tequila sunrise's Italian cousin! It's just as stunning but with a cozy almond twist.
Ingredients
- 2 oz amaretto
- 4 oz orange juice
- ½ oz grenadine
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz amaretto and 4 oz orange juice to the glass and stir gently.
- Slowly pour ½ oz grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom, creating that gorgeous sunrise effect.
Notes
Substitutions and variations
Fruit Juices. While orange juice is traditional, you can experiment with other citrus juices. Grapefruit juice gives it a tart twist, or try pineapple juice for a tropical vibe. Blood orange juice makes it extra stunning!
Sparkling Wine. Want to fancy it up? Top your amaretto sunrise with a splash of prosecco or champagne for some bubbles. It makes it feel extra special for celebrations.
Garnish ideas
- Maraschino Cherry
- Orange Slice
- Dried orange wheel
- Fresh cherry and orange slice combo
How to make a big batch of this Amaretto Sunrise
For a pitcher serving 8 people, combine 2 cups of amaretto with 4 cups of orange juice in a large pitcher. Keep chilled in the fridge. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the amaretto-orange mixture, then add the grenadine to each individual glass for that signature sunrise look. Trust me, you'll want to add the grenadine separately – it's what makes this drink so special!
FAQs
What is in an amaretto sunrise?
An amaretto sunrise is made with amaretto (an almond-flavored liqueur), fresh orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It's a simple three-ingredient cocktail that's beautiful and delicious.
What kind of alcohol is amaretto?
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur with a sweet almond flavor. Despite tasting like almonds, it's actually made from apricot pits. It typically has an ABV of around 21-28%, making it lower in alcohol than spirits like vodka or tequila.
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