Binge drinking is so yesterday, but is either of these alcohol-free Amaretto Sours any good?
15.11.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Using non-alcoholic amaretto by Rebels and Monin syrup, you can fix yourself a nice Virgin Amaretto Sour. But which of the two tastes more authentic? I have a definite favourite.
This mocktail’s one of my favourites because it’s slightly sour and has a pronounced almond aroma. Plus, when you make it yourself, you decide how sweet you want it. For me, this drink’s a true classic to raise a glass on a cosy evening. For this purpose, I usually use Monin’s amaretto syrup, which tastes pretty authentic.
Now it has a competitor: Sweet Amaretti from Rebels, a Swiss start-up that produces non-alcoholic drinks. But can this drink, which is almost double the price, hold a candle to Monin’s syrup?
The recipe
I use aquafaba for my virgin amaretto sour. That’s the liquid you find in canned chickpeas. Alternatively, you can also use egg whites or omit this ingredient altogether. You’ll simply end up with a drink that’s less frothy. In the following recipe, I’ll show you my favourite ratio when mixing a Virgin Amaretto Sour. If you prefer a sweeter or more sour version, simply change the quantities to suit your taste. I’ve not used sugar syrup in this recipe because the virgin amaretto’s already very sweet.
Ingredients for one glass:
- 50 ml virgin amaretto
- 30 ml lemon juice
- 20 ml orange juice
- 20 ml aquafaba
- Ice
Pour the virgin amaretto, lemon juice, orange juice, aquafaba and ice into a shaker and shake vigorously for one minute. Add ice to the glass. Pour the drink over the ice, place a dried lime on top of the foam and – voilà! – your mocktail’s ready to serve.
Which one tastes better?
Rebels isn’t a syrup. I realise this when I make my first drink with it. Comparing both drinks in a shot glass reveals that Rebels is much more liquid than Monin. Although Rebels appeals to me more in terms of colour, it doesn’t hold up in the taste test. Unlike Monin, Rebels has less flavour and an artificial note. It reminds me of cough medicine, and slightly tingles in my throat. As if there were pepper in the drink. The list of ingredients on Rebels Sweet Amaretti reveals that it contains herbs and spice distillates. Sounds nice, but doesn’t change the fact that I’m not convinced by this non-alcoholic amaretto.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Admittedly, neither amaretto alternatives are particularly suitable for pure consumption, which is why I compared the two in a mocktail.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
I’m also not a fan of the taste of Rebels in my virgin amaretto sour. Compared to my amaretto made with Monin, it’s bland and lacking a taste of marzipan or apricot. Instead, it makes the drink more watery and sour than the version made with Monin.
Verdict
This one’s a no-brainer for me. Monin wins the battle and remains my first choice for virgin amaretto sours. In terms of price, Rebels can’t compete with the syrup either. Apart from the appealing design of the bottle, Sweet Amaretti loses to its competitor Monin.
Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler
Painting the walls just before handing over the flat? Making your own kimchi? Soldering a broken raclette oven? There's nothing you can't do yourself. Well, perhaps sometimes, but I'll definitely give it a try.
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