True to its name, amaretto means “a little bitter,” yet the Amaretto Coke pours as one of the sweetest, most comforting highballs you can make, famous for recalling the flavor of Dr Pepper. Toasty, marzipan-like amaretto softens the cola’s sharp bubbles, two gentle turns of the bar spoon keep the fizz alive, and a lemon slice pressed into the glass brightens the almond and trims the sweetness. It’s worth pouring one over ice tonight and tasting how two familiar flavors become something nostalgic and new.
Recipe and How to Make It
Ingredients
Recipe no.157
- Amaretto — 1 + 1/2 oz (45ml)
- Cola — Full
- Lemon slice
- Full = fill the glass to about 80–90%
Directions
Prepare one lemon slice. Chill the cola well in advance.
Add ice and amaretto to the glass, then gently pour in the cola so it doesn’t foam up.
Stir slowly and lightly. When mixing carbonated drinks, one or two slow turns of the bar spoon, lifting the ice up and down, is enough to blend everything. Finally, push the lemon slice into the glass with the bar spoon, and it’s ready.
・Technique ｜ Stir
・Glass ｜ Collins Glass / Tumbler Glass
・ABV ｜ Around 6–7%
・Best Enjoyed ｜ Daytime
About the Amaretto Coke
Flavor and Character
Amaretto is a classic Italian liqueur whose name comes from “amaro,” meaning bitter, so it literally means “a little bitter.” Often made with apricot kernels or almonds, it has a toasty, marzipan-like aroma that pairs naturally with cola’s caramel and spice notes.
Amaretto’s sweetness softens the cola’s sharp bubbles, and a lemon slice adds a bright, fresh edge that keeps it from tasting too sweet. At around 6–7% ABV, it’s light, smooth and close to a dessert in a glass.
I’d serve it to anyone who loves sweet drinks, because the almond and cola together taste comforting and familiar from the very first sip.
Points, Twists & Food Pairings
Tips for Making It
- Stirring it like a regular cocktail (a common mistake) — Many people stir an Amaretto Coke hard, as they would a cocktail without bubbles. Strong stirring knocks out the carbonation, so the drink turns flat and syrupy. Give it just one or two slow turns, lifting the ice up and down.
- Use ice-cold, classic cola — Cold cola holds its bubbles longer and melts the ice more slowly, so the drink stays crisp. A full-sugar classic cola has the caramel and spice notes that blend best with amaretto’s toasty almond aroma.
- Press the lemon slice into the glass — The lemon is what keeps this sweet drink balanced. I’d always push the slice down with a bar spoon, because its fresh juice and peel oils lift the almond and cut the sweetness from the very first sip.
Twists
- Lemon Twist Amaretto Coke — Instead of a slice, express a strip of lemon peel over the glass and drop it in. The bright citrus oils float on top, giving every sip a fresh, aromatic lift and a stylish bar-style look.
- Cherry Amaretto Coke — Swap the cola for cherry cola and garnish with a cocktail cherry. Cherry and almond are natural partners, creating a fruity, nostalgic flavor that’s even closer to the famous Dr Pepper-like taste.
Food Pairings
- Pepperoni pizza — The salty, spicy pepperoni and rich cheese are balanced by the drink’s sweetness, while the bubbles refresh the palate after each greasy, savory bite.
- BBQ pork ribs — Smoky, sweet barbecue sauce echoes cola’s caramel notes, and the amaretto’s almond aroma adds a toasty depth that matches the grilled meat beautifully.
- Almond biscotti — These crunchy Italian cookies share amaretto’s almond flavor, and dipping them into the sweet, fizzy drink creates a fun, dessert-style pairing.
Recipe Video
- Recipe Video ｜ Jun Taruoka Channel Home
