Sip Into Vacation Mode with An Amaretto Sour (and a Margarita!) Inspired by Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses originally featured on Deal Sharing Aunt!

There’s something magical about the first sip of a cold cocktail on vacation. The sun kissing your skin, the music in the background, and a sense that, at least for a little while, life has hit pause on all the chaos. That feeling was exactly what I wanted to capture while writing Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses, the second book in my Taryn O’Kelly mystery series.

Taryn and her boyfriend, Alex, take a much-needed getaway cruise, hoping to leave stress and danger behind. Of course, in true cozy mystery fashion, murder isn’t far behind. But before the bodies start stacking up, there’s a peaceful, perfect moment: a sunny afternoon, a speakeasy-themed lounge, and two drinks that set the tone for relaxation.

In one of my favorite scenes, Taryn orders an Amaretto Sour:

The lounge was decorated like a 1920s speakeasy, and light jazz was playing over the sound system. Our bartender was dressed like a flapper girl, her long dark hair pinned back with a feathered clip.

I ordered an amaretto sour, Alex a margarita on the rocks without salt, and a plate of nachos to share.

We took our drinks and snacks to the outdoor seating. I could not get over how wonderful the sun felt on my skin, and how beautiful the flowers and the palm trees were.

“Thank you for bringing me here,” I said. I didn’t want this moment to end. “It’s so peaceful and stress-free.”

That moment of pure peace and gratitude is one I think we all crave, whether we’re on a cruise ship or curled up at home with a good book.

Today, I’m sharing Taryn’s drink of choice. A simple, satisfying Amaretto Sour you can whip up anytime you need a mental getaway. And, because great moments are even better when shared, I’m also including Alex’s order: a classic Margarita on the rocks.

Taryn’s Vacation-Ready Amaretto Sour

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ ounces Amaretto liqueur
• ¾ ounce Irish whiskey
• 1 ounce Natalie’s Margarita Mix

No margarita mix on hand? No problem! You can substitute:

• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon water

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the Amaretto, Irish whiskey, and margarita mix (or the lime juice/maple syrup/water combo).
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rock glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime or a maraschino cherry, if you like.

Alex’s Classic Margarita on the Rocks (No Salt!)

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces tequila
• 1 ounce triple sec
• 1 ounce margarita mix (or substitute 1 ounce fresh lime juice + 1 teaspoon maple syrup + 1 teaspoon water)

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Add the tequila and margarita mix.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.

(And if you like your margaritas salty, feel free to rim your glass with salt before pouring!)

Why did I choose these cocktails?

The Amaretto Sour is one of those drinks that’s deceptively simple but feels luxurious, just like Taryn’s unexpected escape. The sweetness of the Amaretto, the slight bite of the whiskey, and the citrus zing from the margarita mix (or fresh lime) come together in a way that’s relaxing yet lively, much like the cruise that kicks off all the action in Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses.

Alex’s margarita, on the other hand, is clean, classic, and a little bolder, perfect for a character who is Taryn’s steady anchor in an unpredictable world.

Together, these two cocktails capture a perfect vacation afternoon: a little sweetness, a little kick, and someone you love to share it with.

Whether you’re solving mysteries together or simply savoring the sunshine, the right drink (and the right company) can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memory worth holding onto.

Make It a Cozy Reading Night

If you’re planning a weekend staycation or just a cozy night at home, why not go full Taryn-and-Alex mode?

• Make a batch of nachos to snack on.
• Play some light jazz in the background.
• Pour yourself an Amaretto Sour or a Margarita (or one of each if you’re feeling adventurous!).
• Curl up with your favorite cozy mystery (or grab Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses if you’re ready for murder on the high seas).

In no time, you’ll be transported to sunny skies, sparkling oceans, and a mystery you can savor sip by sip.

Ready to sip into vacation mode? 🍹
Try these book-inspired Amaretto Sour and Margarita recipes, then cozy up with a laugh-filled excerpt from Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses.
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“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” — Mark Black

As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!