Out of Amaretto, one case
Amaretto substitute for cocktails
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Orgeat syrup
Same amount as the amaretto
The best amaretto substitutes for cocktails are orgeat syrup, Frangelico, or almond extract with simple syrup. For non-alcoholic cocktails, use orgeat syrup or almond syrup combinations.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- tiki drinks
One casethe full amaretto card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of amaretto | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orgeat syruptiki drinks | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | FrangelicoAmaretto Sours | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Almond extract + simple syrupAmaretto Sours | ¼ tsp almond extract + 1 oz simple syrup per 1 oz amarettoWorks | Works |
| 4 | Disaronnoall cocktail applications | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Almond syrup + vodkawhen you want almond flavor | ¾ oz almond syrup + ¼ oz vodka per 1 oz amarettoTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Amaretto liqueur (homemade)all cocktail applications | Same amountWorks | Works |
Orgeat syrup
similar taste, different texture
Traditional almond syrup used in tiki drinks and cocktails. Provides authentic almond flavor good for cocktail applications.
- Best for
- tiki drinks, Mai Tais, Amaretto Sours, when you want authentic almond flavor, classic cocktails
Slightly thicker than amaretto but similar flavor profile. May need to thin with water for some cocktails. Traditional choice for tiki drinks.
Frangelico
different taste, similar texture
Hazelnut liqueur with similar sweetness and alcohol content. Provides nutty flavor that works well in many cocktails.
- Best for
- Amaretto Sours, coffee cocktails, when you want nutty flavor, chocolate cocktails, dessert drinks
Hazelnut instead of almond flavor, but similar sweetness and alcohol content. Works especially well with coffee and chocolate flavors.
Almond extract + simple syrup
similar taste and texture
Pure almond flavor with sweetness to match amaretto's profile. Good for when you want authentic almond taste in cocktails.
- Best for
- Amaretto Sours, coffee cocktails, when you want pure almond flavor, dessert drinks
Mix equal parts sugar and water for simple syrup. Use pure almond extract, not imitation. Provides authentic almond flavor.
Disaronno
similar taste and texture
Another brand of amaretto liqueur with virtually identical flavor profile. Good substitute for any cocktail application.
- Best for
- all cocktail applications, when you want identical flavor, Amaretto Sours, coffee cocktails
Essentially the same as amaretto, just a different brand. Good 1:1 substitute for any cocktail recipe.
Almond syrup + vodka
similar taste, different texture
Non-alcoholic almond syrup with vodka for alcohol content. Provides almond flavor with proper alcohol level for cocktails.
- Best for
- when you want almond flavor, cocktails, mixed drinks, when orgeat is not available
Adjust vodka amount based on desired alcohol content. Provides almond flavor with alcohol for cocktail applications.
Amaretto liqueur (homemade)
similar taste and texture
Make your own by steeping almonds in vodka with sugar and vanilla. Provides authentic amaretto flavor for cocktails.
- Best for
- all cocktail applications, when you want authentic flavor, custom cocktails, when commercial amaretto is not available
Requires 2-4 weeks to develop full flavor. Use blanched almonds and good quality vodka. Provides authentic amaretto flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
When making cocktails with amaretto substitutes, it's important to consider both flavor and alcohol content. Amaretto provides both almond flavor and alcohol, so substitutes need to replicate both aspects. The recommended combinations work because they provide authentic almond flavor while maintaining the proper alcohol level and sweetness for cocktails.
Tips for substituting amaretto
8 tips- For cocktails, amaretto adds sweetness and almond flavor to mixed drinks and tiki cocktails
- Use orgeat syrup in tiki drinks for authentic almond flavor and traditional cocktail experience
- In Amaretto Sours, substitutes work best when shaken with ice for proper dilution and texture
- For coffee cocktails, amaretto substitutes pair well with coffee liqueur and cream
- Almond extract combinations work well in shaken cocktails where ingredients are thoroughly mixed
- For non-alcoholic cocktails, use orgeat syrup or almond syrup combinations for authentic flavor
- Store cocktail ingredients in the refrigerator for best flavor and consistency
- Adjust sweetness levels since some substitutes may be sweeter than amaretto
Notes on amaretto
- Hazelnut liqueur can provide a nutty alternative in coffee-based cocktails
- Coffee liqueur can work in coffee cocktails as a complementary flavor
- Vanilla liqueur with almond extract can provide a different but pleasant flavor profile
- Orange liqueur can add a citrus twist to amaretto-flavored cocktails
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best amaretto substitute for cocktails?
For cocktails, the best amaretto substitute is orgeat syrup (1:1 ratio) for tiki drinks, or Frangelico for nutty cocktails. Almond extract with simple syrup works well for most cocktail applications.
Can I use orgeat syrup instead of amaretto in cocktails?
Yes, orgeat syrup is an excellent substitute for amaretto in cocktails, especially tiki drinks. Use a 1:1 ratio, though you may need to thin it with water for some cocktails since it's thicker than amaretto.
What's a good non-alcoholic amaretto substitute for cocktails?
For non-alcoholic cocktails, use orgeat syrup or almond syrup combinations. These provide authentic almond flavor without alcohol content, good for mocktails and alcohol-free drinks.
Can I use Frangelico instead of amaretto in cocktails?
Yes, Frangelico works well as an amaretto substitute in cocktails. It provides nutty flavor (hazelnut instead of almond) with similar sweetness and alcohol content. Use a 1:1 ratio.
How do I make an Amaretto Sour without amaretto?
Use orgeat syrup or almond extract with simple syrup as a substitute. Shake with lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) for the classic Amaretto Sour flavor and texture.