Out of Amaretto, one case
Amaretto substitute for cooking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Almond extract + simple syrup
Per 1 oz amaretto
¼ tsp almond extract + 1 oz simple syrup
The best amaretto substitutes for cooking are almond extract with simple syrup, orgeat syrup, or Frangelico. For savory dishes, use almond extract with broth or wine. For sweet dishes, use orgeat syrup or almond extract with simple syrup.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- savory dishes
One casethe full amaretto card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 oz amaretto | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almond extract + simple syrupsavory dishes | ¼ tsp almond extract + 1 oz simple syrupWorks | Works |
| 2 | Orgeat syrupsavory dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Frangelicosavory dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Almond extract + brothsavory dishes | ¼ tsp almond extract + 1 oz brothWorks | Works |
| 5 | Almond extract + winesavory dishes | ¼ tsp almond extract + 1 oz wineWorks | Works |
| 6 | Ground almonds + sugar + liquidbaking | 2 tbsp ground almonds + 1 tbsp sugar + 1 oz liquidTweak it | Tweak it |
Almond extract + simple syrup
similar taste and texture
Good combination for cooking that provides authentic almond flavor with the right sweetness. Works well in both savory and sweet dishes.
- Best for
- savory dishes, sweet dishes, marinades, glazes, sauces, when you want authentic almond flavor
Mix equal parts sugar and water for simple syrup. Use pure almond extract, not imitation. This combination works in almost any cooking application.
Orgeat syrup
similar taste, different texture
Sweet almond syrup that provides similar flavor and sweetness to amaretto. Works well in both savory and sweet cooking applications.
- Best for
- savory dishes, sweet dishes, marinades, glazes, sauces, when you want authentic almond flavor
May need to reduce other liquids slightly due to thickness. Provides authentic almond flavor good for cooking.
Frangelico
different taste, similar texture
Hazelnut liqueur with similar sweetness and alcohol content. Provides nutty flavor that works well in many cooking applications.
- Best for
- savory dishes, sweet dishes, marinades, glazes, sauces, when you want nutty flavor
Hazelnut instead of almond flavor, but similar sweetness. Works especially well with pork, chicken, and chocolate dishes.
Almond extract + broth
similar taste and texture
Savory alternative good for meat dishes and marinades. Provides almond flavor without sweetness for savory applications.
- Best for
- savory dishes, marinades, meat dishes, when you want almond flavor without sweetness
Use chicken or vegetable broth. Provides almond flavor without sweetness. Good for savory cooking applications.
Almond extract + wine
similar taste and texture
Wine-based alternative that provides almond flavor with alcohol content. Good for deglazing and sauce making.
- Best for
- savory dishes, sauces, deglazing, when you want alcohol content, sophisticated cooking
Use dry white wine for best results. Provides almond flavor with alcohol for cooking applications.
Ground almonds + sugar + liquid
similar taste, different texture
Natural combination that adds both flavor and texture to cooked dishes. Good for when you want authentic almond presence.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, when you want texture and flavor, nutty dishes, homemade cooking
Adds texture to dishes. Use blanched almonds for best results. May need to adjust liquid content slightly.
How it behaves in this recipe
When cooking with amaretto substitutes, it's important to consider both the dish type and desired flavor profile. Amaretto provides both almond flavor and sweetness, so substitutes need to replicate both aspects appropriately for the cooking application. The recommended combinations work because they provide authentic almond flavor while maintaining the proper balance for different types of cooking.
Tips for substituting amaretto
8 tips- For savory cooking, amaretto adds depth and complexity to meat dishes, especially pork and chicken
- Use amaretto substitutes in marinades for pork or chicken dishes for enhanced flavor
- In sweet cooking, amaretto substitutes work well in desserts, cakes, and pastries
- For sauces and glazes, amaretto substitutes add sweetness and almond flavor
- Amaretto substitutes pair well with chocolate, coffee, and vanilla flavors in cooking
- For non-alcoholic cooking, use almond extract combinations to maintain authentic flavor
- Store cooked dishes with amaretto substitutes in the refrigerator for proper food safety
- Adjust sweetness levels since some substitutes may be sweeter than amaretto
Notes on amaretto
- Hazelnut liqueur can provide a nutty alternative in chocolate-based dishes
- Coffee liqueur can work in coffee-flavored dishes as a complementary flavor
- Vanilla extract with almond extract can provide a different but pleasant flavor profile
- Orange liqueur can add a citrus twist to amaretto-flavored dishes
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best amaretto substitute for cooking?
For cooking, the best amaretto substitute is almond extract with simple syrup (¼ tsp extract + 1 oz syrup per 1 oz amaretto) for sweet dishes, or almond extract with broth for savory dishes.
Can I use amaretto substitutes in savory dishes?
Yes, amaretto substitutes work well in savory dishes. Use almond extract with broth or wine for savory applications, or orgeat syrup for dishes that can handle sweetness.
How do I substitute amaretto in marinades?
For marinades, use almond extract with simple syrup for sweet marinades, or almond extract with broth for savory marinades. The ratio is ¼ tsp almond extract plus 1 oz liquid per 1 oz amaretto.
Can I use orgeat syrup instead of amaretto in cooking?
Yes, orgeat syrup works well as an amaretto substitute in cooking. Use a 1:1 ratio, but you may need to reduce other liquids slightly since orgeat is thicker than amaretto.
What's a good non-alcoholic amaretto substitute for cooking?
For non-alcoholic cooking, use almond extract with simple syrup for sweet dishes, or almond extract with broth for savory dishes. This provides authentic almond flavor without alcohol content.