Out of Amaro, one case
Vegan amaro substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Averna
Same amount as the amaro
The best vegan amaro substitutes are Averna (naturally vegan), Montenegro (naturally vegan), Cynar (naturally vegan), and homemade vegan amaro (1:1 ratio). Most traditional amari are naturally vegan, but check labels for animal-derived ingredients.
- 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 | Homemade vegan amaroCustomization, cost-effectiveness, experimentation | Same amount |
Averna
Classic Italian amaro that's naturally vegan
- Best for
- Most cocktails, when you want balanced flavor
- Alcohol content
- 29% ABV
- Vegan status
- Naturally vegan
- Why it works
- Naturally vegan, balanced flavor, widely available
- Watch out
- May lack complexity of premium amari
Montenegro
Italian amaro with orange and herbal notes, naturally vegan
- Best for
- When you want more citrus notes, lighter cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 23% ABV
- Vegan status
- Naturally vegan
- Why it works
- Naturally vegan, orange-forward flavor, sweeter finish
- Watch out
- Different base flavor, less complex than some amari
Cynar
Artichoke-based Italian amaro that's naturally vegan
- Best for
- When you want similar bitterness, complex cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 16.5% ABV
- Vegan status
- Naturally vegan
- Why it works
- Naturally vegan, similar bitterness, complex herbal notes
- Watch out
- Different base flavor (artichoke), may be harder to find
Campari
Italian bitter liqueur that's naturally vegan
- Best for
- When you want more bitterness, citrus-forward cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 25% ABV
- Vegan status
- Naturally vegan
- Why it works
- Naturally vegan, citrus notes, good bitterness
- Watch out
- More bitter, different sweetness level
Fernet-Branca
Italian amaro with minty, herbal flavor, naturally vegan
- Best for
- When you want more bitterness, complex herbal cocktails
- Alcohol content
- 39% ABV
- Vegan status
- Naturally vegan
- Why it works
- Naturally vegan, high bitterness, complex herbal notes
- Watch out
- Much more bitter, different flavor profile
Homemade vegan amaro
DIY amaro made with herbs, citrus, and vegan simple syrup
- Best for
- Customization, cost-effectiveness, experimentation
- Alcohol content
- Variable
- Vegan status
- 100% vegan
- Why it works
- 100% vegan, customizable, authentic flavor, cost-effective
- Watch out
- Time-consuming, requires ingredients and equipment
| Substitute | Alcohol content | Vegan status | Why it works | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Averna | 29% ABV | Naturally vegan | Naturally vegan, balanced flavor, widely available | May lack complexity of premium amari |
| Montenegro | 23% ABV | Naturally vegan | Naturally vegan, orange-forward flavor, sweeter finish | Different base flavor, less complex than some amari |
| Cynar | 16.5% ABV | Naturally vegan | Naturally vegan, similar bitterness, complex herbal notes | Different base flavor (artichoke), may be harder to find |
| Campari | 25% ABV | Naturally vegan | Naturally vegan, citrus notes, good bitterness | More bitter, different sweetness level |
| Fernet-Branca | 39% ABV | Naturally vegan | Naturally vegan, high bitterness, complex herbal notes | Much more bitter, different flavor profile |
| Homemade vegan amaro | Variable | 100% vegan | 100% vegan, customizable, authentic flavor, cost-effective | Time-consuming, requires ingredients and equipment |
The longer answer
About this case
Most traditional amari are naturally vegan, but some may contain animal-derived ingredients or be processed in ways that aren't vegan-friendly. When you need a guaranteed vegan amaro substitute, several excellent options can provide similar flavor profiles. Understanding the vegan status of different amari helps you choose the best option for your dietary needs.
How it behaves in this recipe
Most traditional amari are naturally vegan, but some may contain animal-derived ingredients or be processed in ways that aren't vegan-friendly. The best vegan substitutes either provide similar complexity (like Averna) or offer complementary flavor profiles (like Montenegro) that work well in various cocktail applications. Understanding the vegan status of different amari helps you choose the right one for your dietary needs.
Notes on amaro
Vegan amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur made without animal-derived ingredients
- Common ingredients
- Herbs, roots, spices, alcohol, sugar, water
- Non vegan ingredients
- Honey, milk products, gelatin, isinglass, carmine
- Alcohol content
- 16-40% ABV depending on brand
- Flavor profile
- Bittersweet with herbal notes, citrus, and warm spices
- 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
- 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 homemade
- When you want 100% vegan guarantee
- For customization and experimentation
- For cost-effectiveness
- When you want to avoid commercial processing
- 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
- Homemade
- 1-2 weeks in refrigerator, 6 months with alcohol
- General
- Store all amari in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight
Questions
5 questionsWhat amaro can I substitute for vegan cocktails?
The best vegan amaro substitutes are Averna (naturally vegan), Montenegro (naturally vegan), Cynar (naturally vegan), and homemade vegan amaro (100% vegan). Most traditional amari are naturally vegan, but check labels for animal-derived ingredients.
Is Averna vegan?
Yes, Averna is naturally vegan. It's made with herbs, roots, spices, alcohol, and sugar, with no animal-derived ingredients. It's a safe choice for vegan cocktails and cooking.
Can I use Montenegro in vegan cocktails?
Yes, Montenegro is naturally vegan and works well in vegan cocktails. It provides orange-forward flavor and sweetness that complements many cocktail recipes.
What's the difference between vegan amaro substitutes?
Each vegan amaro substitute creates a different flavor profile. Averna provides balanced herbal complexity, Montenegro adds citrus notes, Cynar adds extra bitterness, and homemade versions can be customized. Choose based on your preference for sweetness and complexity.
Can I make my own vegan amaro?
Yes, you can make homemade vegan amaro using herbs, citrus, and vegan simple syrup. This ensures 100% vegan status and allows for customization. However, it requires time and ingredients to achieve the desired flavor profile.