Amaretto Sunset

Photo of Amaretto Sunset cocktail

Overview

The Amaretto Sunset is a deeper, evening-ready variation of the Amaretto Sunrise. Amaretto and triple sec provide a rich, citrus-almond foundation, while cranberry juice and a touch of orange juice create a smooth, dark sunset gradient that’s visually striking and beautifully balanced.

Preparation Method

Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice. Add Amaretto and triple sec. Pour in cranberry juice, then add a splash of orange juice on top. Do not stir. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Ingredients & Ratios

Garnish

Structural Profile and Sensory Characteristics

Structural Breakdown

Flavor Balance and Intensity Breakdown

Sweetness
Acidity
Bitterness
Herbal
Spice
Fruitiness
Smokiness

Organoleptic Profile: Aromatic and Taste Intensity

Amaretto
Sweetness Driver Nutty Modifier Body Builder
Triple Sec
Liqueur Modifier Citrus Sweetener Aromatic Bridge
Cranberry Juice
Tart Fruit Mixer Color Driver Non Citrus Acidifier Freshness Driver
Orange Juice
Citrus Base Sweetener Volume Builder Freshness Lift
Orange
Garnish Aromatic Modifier Visual Accent
Maraschino Cherry
Sweet Garnish Visual Accent Retro Finish Subtle Fruit Aroma

Amaretto Sunset Deep Dive: History, Style, and Use

Serving Style

Served in a tall Collins glass with a dark sunset gradient, deeper and redder than the classic Sunrise. Finished with a bright orange slice and cherry.

Food Pairings

Works beautifully with grilled dishes, cured meats, tropical appetizers, and light desserts.

Origins

Created as a richer, evening-friendly counterpart to the Amaretto Sunrise, enhancing the almond notes with a darker fruity profile.

Best Occasions

Perfect for sunset parties, evening gatherings, or as a smooth after-dinner drink.

Tasting Notes

Almond warmth, layered with citrus brightness, and a mild tart fruitiness. Smooth, slightly sweet, and visually dramatic.

Style & Character

Deeper, moodier, and more elegant than the Sunrise — the alluring “night version” of a tropical classic.

Variations

Swap cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a richer color, or add bitters for extra depth.

Alcohol Strength

14%

⚠️ Alcoholic beverage: not suitable for minors, pregnant individuals, or designated drivers. Please enjoy responsibly.

Ingredient routes close to Amaretto Sunset

Start from the ingredient that shapes this recipe before moving into broader style, method or glassware lists.

Tropical cocktails with Amaretto

Same ingredient inside the Tropical style.

View list 4 cocktails

Layered Amaretto cocktails

Same ingredient prepared with the same method.

View list 3 cocktails

Amaretto cocktails in a Collins Glass

Same ingredient served in the same glassware family.

View list 5 cocktails

More cocktail routes built around Amaretto Sunset

Follow the same category, preparation method or glassware logic to compare drinks that behave like Amaretto Sunset in a specific way.

Tropical cocktails prepared with the layered method

Cocktails in the Tropical category prepared with the layered method.

View list 3 cocktails

Tropical cocktails served in a collins glass

Cocktails in the Tropical category served in a collins glass.

View list 7 cocktails

Layered cocktails served in a collins glass

Cocktails prepared with the layered method and served in a collins glass.

View list 2 cocktails

Tropical layered cocktails served in a collins glass

Cocktails that combine a tropical profile, the layered method, and service in a collins glass.

View list 2 cocktails

Cocktail routes from ingredient pairings

These routes use ingredient pairs that actually appear in Amaretto Sunset and group cocktails with the same pairing logic.

Amaretto + Orange Juice cocktails

Cocktails where Amaretto and Orange Juice appear together in the recipe structure.

View list 8 cocktails

Cranberry Juice + Orange Juice cocktails

Cocktails where Cranberry Juice and Orange Juice appear together in the recipe structure.

View list 7 cocktails

Amaretto + Cranberry Juice cocktails

Cocktails where Amaretto and Cranberry Juice appear together in the recipe structure.

View list 4 cocktails

Cocktails in the same strength range

Amaretto Sunset sits around 14% ABV. Use these routes to compare drinks with a similar drinking weight, then narrow them by style, method or glass.

Layered cocktails

Cocktails prepared with the Layered method that stay within 11–14% ABV.

View list 11 cocktails

Next paths

Keep exploring Amaretto Sunset

Choose the next route by style, method, glass or ingredient.