Out of Amaro Nonino, one case
Amaro Nonino substitute for paper plane cocktail
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Averna
Same amount as the Amaro Nonino
The best Amaro Nonino substitutes for Paper Plane are Averna (1:1 ratio), Montenegro (1:1 ratio), and Cynar (1:1 ratio). Averna provides the most similar flavor profile, while Montenegro adds citrus notes that complement the cocktail.
- Best for —
- Most authentic Paper Plane experience
One casethe full Amaro Nonino card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Amaro Nonino |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AvernaMost authentic Paper Plane experience | Same amount |
| 2 | MontenegroWhen you want more citrus notes in your Paper Plane | Same amount |
| 3 | CynarWhen you want similar bitterness with unique herbal notes | Same amount |
| 4 | Fernet-BrancaWhen you want a more intense, bitter Paper Plane | ¾ × the amount |
| 5 | Aperol + Angostura bittersWhen you want a lighter, more accessible Paper Plane | Same amount |
Averna
Classic Italian amaro with similar bittersweet herbal complexity
- Best for
- Most authentic Paper Plane experience
- Alcohol content
- 29% ABV
- Cocktail result
- Maintains the cocktail's balance with authentic amaro character
- Why it works
- Similar flavor profile, widely available, authentic Italian amaro
- Watch out
- Slightly more bitter, different herbal complexity
Montenegro
Italian amaro with orange and herbal notes, slightly sweeter
- Best for
- When you want more citrus notes in your Paper Plane
- Alcohol content
- 23% ABV
- Cocktail result
- Adds citrus complexity that complements the lemon juice
- Why it works
- Orange-forward flavor, sweeter finish, complex herbal notes
- Watch out
- Different base flavor, less complex than Amaro Nonino
Cynar
Artichoke-based Italian amaro with similar bitterness level
- Best for
- When you want similar bitterness with unique herbal notes
- Alcohol content
- 16.5% ABV
- Cocktail result
- Provides interesting vegetal complexity to the cocktail
- Why it works
- Similar bitterness, complex herbal notes, unique flavor
- Watch out
- Different base flavor (artichoke), may be harder to find
Fernet-Branca
Italian amaro with minty, herbal flavor and high bitterness
- Best for
- When you want a more intense, bitter Paper Plane
- Alcohol content
- 39% ABV
- Cocktail result
- Creates a more intense, bitter version of the cocktail
- Why it works
- High bitterness, complex herbal notes, widely available
- Watch out
- Much more bitter, different flavor profile, may overpower
Aperol + Angostura bitters
Aperol enhanced with bitters for more complexity
- Best for
- When you want a lighter, more accessible Paper Plane
- Alcohol content
- 11% ABV + bitters
- Cocktail result
- Creates a lighter, more approachable version
- Why it works
- Readily available, approachable flavor, easy to make
- Watch out
- Different flavor profile, less authentic
| Substitute | Alcohol content | Cocktail result | Why it works | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Averna | 29% ABV | Maintains the cocktail's balance with authentic amaro character | Similar flavor profile, widely available, authentic Italian amaro | Slightly more bitter, different herbal complexity |
| Montenegro | 23% ABV | Adds citrus complexity that complements the lemon juice | Orange-forward flavor, sweeter finish, complex herbal notes | Different base flavor, less complex than Amaro Nonino |
| Cynar | 16.5% ABV | Provides interesting vegetal complexity to the cocktail | Similar bitterness, complex herbal notes, unique flavor | Different base flavor (artichoke), may be harder to find |
| Fernet-Branca | 39% ABV | Creates a more intense, bitter version of the cocktail | High bitterness, complex herbal notes, widely available | Much more bitter, different flavor profile, may overpower |
| Aperol + Angostura bitters | 11% ABV + bitters | Creates a lighter, more approachable version | Readily available, approachable flavor, easy to make | Different flavor profile, less authentic |
The longer answer
About this case
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail that relies heavily on Amaro Nonino for its distinctive bittersweet herbal flavor. When Amaro Nonino isn't available, choosing the right substitute is crucial to maintain the cocktail's balance and character.
How it behaves in this recipe
The Paper Plane cocktail is specifically designed around Amaro Nonino's unique bittersweet herbal profile. When substituting, it's important to choose an amaro that can provide similar complexity and balance. Averna is the closest substitute, while Montenegro offers a different but complementary flavor profile. The key is maintaining the cocktail's balance between sweet, bitter, and citrus elements.
Notes on Amaro Nonino
Modern classic cocktail made with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice
How to make it
- Ingredients
- 1 oz bourbon, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz Amaro Nonino, 1 oz lemon juice
- Preparation
- Shake with ice, double strain into chilled coupe glass
- Flavor profile
- Bittersweet, herbal, citrusy, and well-balanced
- Origin
- Created by Sam Ross in 2008 at Milk & Honey bar
| Substitute | Modifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Averna | None needed - use 1:1 ratio | Most authentic substitute, maintains original balance |
| Montenegro | None needed - use 1:1 ratio | Adds citrus complexity that complements lemon juice |
| Cynar | None needed - use 1:1 ratio | Provides unique vegetal complexity |
| Fernet-Branca | Reduce to ¾ oz, increase lemon juice to 1¼ oz | Fernet is more intense, so reduce amount and increase citrus |
| Aperol + Angostura bitters | Add 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters to 1 oz Aperol | Enhance Aperol with bitters for more complexity |
- Original
- Bittersweet, herbal, citrusy, well-balanced, complex
- With Averna
- Similar to original, slightly more bitter, authentic amaro character
- With Montenegro
- More citrus-forward, sweeter finish, orange notes
- With Cynar
- More vegetal, artichoke notes, similar bitterness
- With Fernet
- More intense, minty, very bitter, complex herbal notes
- With Aperol
- Lighter, more approachable, less complex
- Choose Averna
- When you want the most authentic Paper Plane experience
- For traditional amaro flavor profile
- When you want similar complexity to Amaro Nonino
- For the most balanced cocktail
- Choose Montenegro
- When you want more citrus notes
- For a sweeter, more approachable cocktail
- When you prefer orange-forward flavors
- For summer variations of the Paper Plane
- Choose Cynar
- When you want unique herbal complexity
- For a more vegetal, interesting flavor profile
- When you want similar bitterness level
- For experimentation with different amari
- Choose Fernet
- When you want a more intense, bitter cocktail
- For a more complex, herbal experience
- When you want to experiment with different flavors
- For a more challenging, sophisticated drink
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for Amaro Nonino in Paper Plane?
Averna is the best substitute for Amaro Nonino in Paper Plane cocktails. It has the most similar bittersweet herbal flavor profile and maintains the cocktail's authentic character. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
Can I use Montenegro instead of Amaro Nonino in Paper Plane?
Yes, Montenegro works well in Paper Plane cocktails. It's slightly sweeter and more citrus-forward than Amaro Nonino, which can actually complement the lemon juice nicely. Use a 1:1 ratio.
How do I adjust the Paper Plane recipe with different substitutes?
Most substitutes work with a 1:1 ratio, but Fernet-Branca is more intense so reduce it to 0.75 oz and increase lemon juice to 1.25 oz. For Aperol + bitters, add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters to 1 oz Aperol.
Will the Paper Plane taste different with substitutes?
Yes, each substitute will create a slightly different flavor profile. Averna is most similar to the original, Montenegro adds citrus notes, Cynar provides vegetal complexity, and Fernet creates a more intense, bitter version. All can be delicious in their own way.
Can I make a Paper Plane without any amaro?
While you can make a cocktail with bourbon, Aperol, and lemon juice, it won't be a true Paper Plane without the amaro component. The amaro provides essential bittersweet herbal complexity that defines the cocktail. Consider using Aperol + bitters as a last resort.