Amaro substitutes
Amaro substitutes — 8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Averna
Same amount as the amaro
Classic Italian amaro with bittersweet herbal flavor.
The best substitutes for amaro are Averna, Montenegro, Cynar, or Campari, depending on the specific amaro and recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cocktails
Updated 17 Sep 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of amaro | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avernacocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Montenegrococktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Cynarcocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Camparicocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Fernet-Brancacocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Aperolaperitifs | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Jägermeistercocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 8 | Benedictinecocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Averna
similar taste and texture
Classic Italian amaro with bittersweet herbal flavor.
- Best for
- cocktails, after-dinner drinks, cooking, desserts
Most versatile amaro substitute, similar flavor profile.
Montenegro
similar taste and texture
Italian amaro with orange and herbal notes.
- Best for
- cocktails, aperitifs, cooking, desserts
Slightly sweeter, orange-forward flavor.
Cynar
different taste, similar texture
Artichoke-based Italian amaro with herbal complexity.
- Best for
- cocktails, after-dinner drinks, cooking
More vegetal, artichoke-forward flavor.
Campari
different taste, similar texture
Italian bitter liqueur with herbal and citrus notes.
- Best for
- cocktails, aperitifs, cooking
More bitter, less sweet than most amari.
Fernet-Branca
different taste, similar texture
Italian amaro with minty, herbal flavor.
- Best for
- cocktails, after-dinner drinks, cooking
More bitter and minty, less sweet.
Aperol
different taste, similar texture
Italian aperitif with orange and herbal notes.
- Best for
- aperitifs, light cocktails, cooking
Lighter and sweeter, good for aperitifs.
Jägermeister
different taste, similar texture
German herbal liqueur with complex bitter-sweet flavor.
- Best for
- cocktails, after-dinner drinks, cooking
Similar herbal complexity, different flavor profile.
Benedictine
different taste, similar texture
French herbal liqueur with honey and spice notes.
- Best for
- cocktails, desserts, cooking
Sweeter, honey-forward flavor.
Questions
6 questionsWhat 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 good 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.
Tips for substituting amaro
8 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