Out of Amaro, one case
Amaro substitute for cocktails
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Averna
Same amount as the amaro
The best amaro substitutes for cocktails are Averna (most versatile), Montenegro (sweeter with citrus), Cynar (more bitter), and Campari (very bitter with citrus). Choose based on the cocktail's sweetness and bitterness requirements.
- Best for —
- Most cocktails, when you want balanced flavor
One casethe full amaro card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of amaro |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AvernaMost cocktails, when you want balanced flavor | Same amount |
| 2 | MontenegroWhen you want more citrus notes, lighter cocktails | Same amount |
| 3 | CynarWhen you want similar bitterness, complex cocktails | Same amount |
| 4 | CampariWhen you want more bitterness, citrus-forward cocktails | Same amount |
| 5 | Fernet-BrancaWhen you want more bitterness, complex herbal cocktails | Same amount |
| 6 | AperolLight cocktails, aperitifs, when you want more orange | Same amount |
Averna
Classic Italian amaro with balanced bittersweet herbal flavor
- Best for
- Most cocktails, when you want balanced flavor
- Alcohol content
- 29% ABV
- Why it works
- Balanced flavor, widely available, authentic Italian amaro
- Watch out
- May lack complexity of premium amari
Montenegro
Italian amaro with orange and herbal notes, slightly sweeter
- Best for
- When you want more citrus notes, lighter cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 23% ABV
- Why it works
- Orange-forward flavor, sweeter finish, complex herbal notes
- Watch out
- Different base flavor, less complex than some amari
Cynar
Artichoke-based Italian amaro with similar bitterness level
- Best for
- When you want similar bitterness, complex cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 16.5% ABV
- Why it works
- Similar bitterness, complex herbal notes, unique flavor
- Watch out
- Different base flavor (artichoke), may be harder to find
Campari
Italian bitter liqueur with herbal and citrus notes
- Best for
- When you want more bitterness, citrus-forward cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 25% ABV
- Why it works
- Citrus notes, good bitterness, widely available
- Watch out
- More bitter, different sweetness level
Fernet-Branca
Italian amaro with minty, herbal flavor and high bitterness
- Best for
- When you want more bitterness, complex herbal cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 39% ABV
- Why it works
- High bitterness, complex herbal notes, widely available
- Watch out
- Much more bitter, different flavor profile
Aperol
Italian aperitif with orange and herbal notes
- Best for
- Light cocktails, aperitifs, when you want more orange
- Alcohol content
- 11% ABV
- Why it works
- Orange-forward flavor, lighter, widely available
- Watch out
- Less complex, different alcohol content
| Substitute | Alcohol content | Why it works | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Averna | 29% ABV | Balanced flavor, widely available, authentic Italian amaro | May lack complexity of premium amari |
| Montenegro | 23% ABV | Orange-forward flavor, sweeter finish, complex herbal notes | Different base flavor, less complex than some amari |
| Cynar | 16.5% ABV | Similar bitterness, complex herbal notes, unique flavor | Different base flavor (artichoke), may be harder to find |
| Campari | 25% ABV | Citrus notes, good bitterness, widely available | More bitter, different sweetness level |
| Fernet-Branca | 39% ABV | High bitterness, complex herbal notes, widely available | Much more bitter, different flavor profile |
| Aperol | 11% ABV | Orange-forward flavor, lighter, widely available | Less complex, different alcohol content |
The longer answer
About this case
Amaro is an essential ingredient in many classic and modern cocktails, providing complex bittersweet flavor and herbal complexity. When specific amari aren't available, several excellent substitutes can create delicious cocktails. Understanding the characteristics of each substitute helps you choose the best option for your specific cocktail needs.
How it behaves in this recipe
Amaro is an essential ingredient in many cocktails, providing complex bittersweet flavor and herbal complexity. The best substitutes either provide similar complexity (like Averna) or offer complementary flavor profiles (like Montenegro) that work well in various cocktail applications. Understanding the characteristics of each substitute helps you choose the right one for your specific cocktail needs.
Notes on amaro
Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur with complex bittersweet flavor made from herbs, roots, and spices
- Alcohol content
- 16-40% ABV depending on brand
- Flavor profile
- Bittersweet with herbal notes, citrus, and warm spices
- Color
- Rich amber-brown color
- Origin
- Traditional Italian digestif and aperitif
- Black ManhattanAverna or CynarBoth provide the herbal complexity needed for this whiskey cocktail
- Amaro sourMontenegro or AvernaMontenegro's sweetness works well in sour cocktails
- Amaro spritzAverna or MontenegroBoth work well in spritz-style cocktails with sparkling wine
- Amaro old fashionedAverna or CynarBoth provide the herbal complexity for this classic preparation
- Italian muleMontenegro or AvernaMontenegro for sweetness, Averna for complexity
- Paper planeAverna or MontenegroAverna provides complexity, Montenegro adds citrus notes
- Dessert glazes and syrups
- Marinades for meats and vegetables
- Bittersweet sauces and reductions
- Herb-infused oils and vinegars
- After-dinner digestifs and aperitifs
- Choose Averna
- When you want balanced flavor
- For most cocktail applications
- When you want authentic Italian amaro
- In traditional preparations
- Choose Montenegro
- When you want more citrus notes
- For lighter, more approachable cocktails
- When you prefer sweeter finishes
- In summer cocktails and spritzes
- Choose Cynar
- When you want similar bitterness
- For complex, herbal cocktails
- When you want unique artichoke notes
- In traditional Italian aperitifs
- Choose Campari
- When you want more bitterness
- For citrus-forward cocktails
- When you want a different flavor profile
- In classic Italian cocktails
- Averna
- Indefinite when stored properly in cool, dark place
- Montenegro
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Cynar
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Campari
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Fernet Branca
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Aperol
- Indefinite when stored properly
- General
- Store all amari in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight
Questions
5 questionsWhat amaro can I substitute in cocktails?
The best amaro substitutes for cocktails are Averna (most versatile), Montenegro (sweeter with citrus), Cynar (more bitter), and Campari (very bitter with citrus). Choose based on the cocktail's sweetness and bitterness requirements.
Is Averna a good substitute for amaro in cocktails?
Yes, Averna is an excellent substitute for amaro in cocktails. It provides balanced herbal complexity that works well in most cocktail applications. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
Can I use Montenegro instead of amaro in cocktails?
Yes, Montenegro works well as an amaro substitute in cocktails, especially if you want more citrus notes. It's slightly sweeter than other amari, which can create a more approachable version of many cocktails.
What's the difference between amaro substitutes in cocktails?
Each amaro substitute creates a different flavor profile in cocktails. Averna provides balanced herbal complexity, Montenegro adds citrus notes, Cynar adds extra bitterness, and Campari is very bitter with citrus. Choose based on your preference for sweetness and complexity.
Can I use amaro substitutes in cooking?
Yes, amaro substitutes work well in cooking applications like marinades, glazes, and sauces. The alcohol content and bittersweet flavor profile make them suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Adjust quantities based on the substitute's intensity.