Amaro substitute
Best substitute
Averna
Use the same amount as the amaro you are replacing
Close match
The best substitutes for amaro are Averna, Montenegro, Cynar, or Campari, depending on the specific amaro and recipe.
Other amaro substitutes
Ranked, with the exact amount to use
Substitutes for Amaro with ratios
2Montenegro
Close matchWhat changes
- Best for
- cocktails, aperitifs, cooking, desserts
Slightly sweeter, orange-forward flavor
3Cynar
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- cocktails, after-dinner drinks, cooking
More vegetal, artichoke-forward flavor
4Campari
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- cocktails, aperitifs, cooking
More bitter, less sweet than most amari
5Fernet-Branca
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- cocktails, after-dinner drinks, cooking
More bitter and minty, less sweet
6Aperol
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- aperitifs, light cocktails, cooking
Lighter and sweeter, good for aperitifs
7Jägermeister
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- cocktails, after-dinner drinks, cooking
Similar herbal complexity, different flavor profile
8Benedictine
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- cocktails, desserts, cooking
Sweeter, honey-forward flavor
What is Amaro?
Amaro is Italian herbal liqueur with complex bittersweet flavor, made from herbs, roots, and spices.
Cooking tips
- Amaro adds complex bittersweet flavor to cocktails and cooking
- Use sparingly in cooking as it's quite potent
- Pairs well with citrus, herbs, and warm spices
- Great for after-dinner drinks and digestifs
- Can be used in desserts and baked goods
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
- Different amari have different sweetness levels - adjust recipes accordingly
- Works well in marinades, glazes, and sauces
Frequently asked questions
What is amaro?
Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur made from a blend of herbs, roots, and spices. It has a complex bittersweet flavor that's perfect for cocktails and cooking.
What's the difference between different types of amaro?
Different amari have varying levels of sweetness, bitterness, and herbal complexity. Averna is balanced, Montenegro is sweeter with citrus, Cynar is more bitter with artichoke notes, and Campari is very bitter with citrus.
Can I use Averna instead of any amaro?
Averna is the most versatile amaro substitute and can work in most recipes. However, for specific cocktails or dishes, you might want to choose a substitute that matches the original amaro's sweetness and bitterness level.
What's the best amaro substitute for cocktails?
For cocktails, Averna is the most versatile substitute. For specific cocktails like the Paper Plane, Montenegro works well. For bitter cocktails, Cynar or Campari are good choices.
Can I use amaro in cooking?
Yes, amaro can be used in cooking, but use it sparingly as it's quite potent. It works well in desserts, sauces, marinades, and glazes.
How do I choose the right amaro substitute?
Consider the sweetness level, bitterness, and herbal complexity of the original amaro. Averna is balanced, Montenegro is sweeter, Cynar is more bitter, and Campari is very bitter with citrus notes.
Related topics
Specific situations for Amaro
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