Amaro Abano is one of the most beloved Italian digestives, renowned for its bittersweet flavor and unique herbal notes.
But if you’re looking for a similar yet unique taste, there are plenty of great substitutes to choose from.
From other Amari to herbal liqueurs, here are some of the best alternatives to Amaro Abano.
Each has its own subtle flavor and aroma, so you can discover the ideal one for your palate.
From sweet to slightly bitter and herbal aromas, these amaro abano substitutes provide a great way to enjoy a similar taste without compromising on authenticity.
Whether you’re looking for an added depth of flavor in a cocktail or just sipping it neat, these are some of the best alternatives to Amaro Abano.
Experiment and find your favorite!
What is Amaro Abano? What does Amaro Abano taste like?
Amaro Abano is an Italian herbal liqueur made from the rhizomes of Gentian and Cinchona trees.
It has a bittersweet flavor with notes of wood, herbs, citrus fruits, and spices. On the nose, it has aromas of cardamom and clove.
On the palate, there are hints of orange zest, peppermint, and bitter gentian root. The finish is long and pleasantly bitter.
Amaro Abano can be taken neat or as part of a cocktail, such as an Americano or Negroni.
Its complex flavor profile makes it a great addition to many recipes, such as sauces and marinades. Enjoy this unique liqueur for its interesting flavors!
Read more: Best frangelico substitutes
Luxardo Amaro Abano Substitutes You Can You
1. Gammel Dansk – a good amaro Abano substitute
If you’re looking for an alternative to amaro Abano, Gammel Dansk is a great option. The Danish liqueur is made with forty spices and herbs, including coriander, cardamom, and nutmeg.
Its complex flavor profile makes it perfect for cocktails or sipping neat.
Gammel Dansk is also slightly sweeter than other bittersweet liqueurs like amaro Abano, making it a great choice for those who prefer a bit of added sweetness in their drinks.
For the adventurous drinker, experiment with Gammel Dansk by using it in place of amaro Abano in classic Italian-inspired recipes such as Negronis or Americanos.
Or stick to basics and pour over ice or mix with tonic water for a refreshing summer drink. No matter how you decide to serve it, Gammel Dansk is sure to add the perfect amount of flavor and sweetness to your next cocktail.
2. Amaro Nonino
Amaro Nonino is an excellent replacement for Amaro Abano. It provides a complex flavor with notes of sweet orange, bitter herbs, and soft spices like cardamom and vanilla.
The bitterness is well-balanced with notes of honey and cocoa. It is the perfect balance between sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors that make it ideal for cocktails or neat drinking.
3. Try Amaro Ramazzotti to alter amaro abano
Amaro Ramazzotti is another great alternative to Amaro Abano. It has a complex flavor profile with hints of cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and other herbs.
The flavor is slightly bitter but still has a delicate sweetness that makes it appealing. It can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails, as the flavor adds an interesting depth to any drink.
4. Dry Vermouth
To make this variation of the Italian Negroni drink, you will need 30ml of Gin, 20ml of Campari, and 20ml of Dry Vermouth.
Start by pouring all ingredients into a rocks glass loaded with ice cubes. Stir vigorously until everything is well mixed together.
Serve with an orange twist as a garnish to accentuate the flavor profile.
This variation on the classic Negroni is slightly less bitter due to the use of dry vermouth instead of Amaro Abano.
But still has that delightful combination of sweet, sour, and bitterness that makes it such a popular option for summer evenings or anytime refreshment!
5. Substitute chartreuse for Amaro Abano in a classic Negroni
For an interesting twist on the classic Negroni, try substituting chartreuse for Amaro Abano.
Chartreuse is a sweet herbal liqueur made with 130 botanicals and flavored with saffron, giving it a complex flavor profile that pairs nicely with gin and Campari in the classic cocktail.
To make your own Chartreuse Negroni, simply combine equal parts of dry gin, chartreuse, and Campari in an ice-filled old-fashioned glass, stir to combine, and garnish with an orange peel.
This variation is great for those who enjoy bolder flavors or want something different from the more traditional take on a Negroni.
No matter how you make it, the Chartreuse Negroni is sure to be an interesting and tasty new take on the classic cocktail. Give it a try and notice for yourself! Cheers!
6. Jägermeister
For something different and unique, Jägermeister is another great alternative to Amaro Abano. This herbal liqueur offers a complex blend of 56 herbs, spices, and fruits.
It is slightly sweet but also has a pleasingly bitter, herbaceous flavor, making it ideal for sipping neat or in cocktails.
7. Cynar 70 – an excellent amaro Abano replacement
Cynar 70 is a traditional Italian liqueur made from an infusion of 13 herbs and plants. It has a caramel-bitter sweetness, with notes of artichoke, gentian root, and rhubarb.
Its intense bitterness makes it a great substitute for Amaro Abano in cocktails that call for Amari or herbal liqueurs.
In addition to its unique flavor profile, Cynar 70 also adds complexity and depth to drinks like the Negroni and Americano, as well as other classic cocktails such as the Boulevard.
For those looking to experiment with a new twist on their favorite drink, replacing Amaro Abano with Cynar 70 can be an interesting way to change up the flavor profile.
While Cynar 70 may not have the same sweetness as Amaro Abano, it still offers a full-bodied flavor with notes of bitterness and herbal complexity that can add depth to your favorite cocktails.
For more information on Cynar 70 and its uses in cocktails, check out our blog post on the subject here. You can also find recipes for drinks featuring Cynar 70 on our website.
We hope this helps you explore new flavor combinations in your cocktail-making journey!
8. Beerenburg
Beerenburg was first created in 1750 by Jan Beerens in Middelburg, Netherlands.
It is a classic Dutch bitter liqueur, similar to Aromatic Bitters. Beerenburg is made from herbs and spices such as aniseed, fennel, licorice root, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Its unique flavor makes it a popular addition to cocktails and mixed drinks like the Bitter & Twisted or the Amsterdammertje.
In addition to being taken neat or on the rocks, it can also be utilized as an ingredient in food recipes such as bread and desserts.
Whether you use it in your favorite beverage or cooking recipe, Beerenberg gives a unique and flavorful twist to any dish.
To make an Amaro Abano, add 2 parts Beerenburg to 1 part Aperol and a splash of soda water. Garnish with orange slices, and enjoy!
9. Bonal
Bonal is a herbal digestive liqueur made with gentian root, quinine, and other herbs. It has a slightly bitter taste.
Bonal has lower alcohol content than Amaro Abano and offers more complex flavor notes due to its use of multiple herbs. It can also be used in cocktails such as the Negroni or Americano.
In addition to its use as a liqueur, Bonal can be enjoyed on its own over ice with just a twist of orange peel for garnish.
Its smooth texture and slightly bitter finish make it ideal for sipping slowly at the end of the meal or as part of an after-dinner ritual.
Bonal can also be used in place of Amaro Abano in a variety of cocktails, offering drinkers a unique and delicious alternative to the traditional Italian digestif.
With its complex flavor profile and endless possibilities, Bonal is sure to become a favorite with both home mixologists and professional bartenders alike.
10. Angustoro Bitters– Low Alcohol Substitution
Angostura Bitters are a more mellow, low-alcohol alternative to Amaro Abano. Produced from a blend of herbs and spices, Angostura Bitters can add complexity to cocktails without the high alcohol content of Amaro Abano.
While Angostura Bitters don’t offer the same herbal sweetness as Amaro Abano, they do bring notes of clove and allspice to drinks.
Attempt adding a dash or two of Angostura Bitters in place of Amaro Abano in your favorite cocktail recipes for a lighter take on classic flavors.
With its invigorating taste profile and versatility, Angostura bitters can be used as an interesting substitute for those seeking lower-alcohol alternatives.
For a unique flavor experience, mix Angostura Bitters with other liqueurs for a smooth and mellow cocktail.
11. Chinotto- non-alcoholic option for replacing amaro Abano
Chinotto, or bitter orange juice, has a strong flavor that can easily be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for Aamar Abano.
It’s made from the citrus fruit of the same name and contains no alcohol – making it an ideal option for those searching to avoid alcohol.
When substituting Chinotto for Aamar Abano, use half the amount called for in a recipe so as to not overpower the other ingredients.
Chinotto is also slightly sweeter than Amaro Abano, so you may need to adjust any sugar content accordingly.
With its distinctive taste and lack of alcohol, Chinotto is a great way to add complexity and flavor profile to your favorite drinks like cocktails without adding any unnecessary calories or hangovers!
Conclusion on amaro Abano substitute
In conclusion, there are many good substitutes for Amaro Abano. Buse is a great option because it has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same type of drinks as Amaro Abano.
Other options, such as Italian Fernet Branca, Pinck Grappa, and Pirus, are also good alternatives. Each offers its own unique flavors that could pair with different cocktails or drinks depending on what you’re looking for.
No matter which alternative you choose, each will provide an equally delicious experience to help recreate your favorite cocktail or beverage.
FAQs on amaro Abano substitute
Q1. Is amaro similar to vermouth?
Not really. Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur made with various herbs and spices, including gentian, rhubarb, and orange peel. The recipe for any particular brand of amaro can vary greatly, so the flavor profiles tend to differ depending on which brand you buy.
Vermouth, on the other hand, is a fortified wine flavored with botanicals like wormwood, cloves, and cardamom. While both beverages contain herbs and spices, there are distinct differences between them that make them unique in their own right.
If you’re looking for something similar to vermouth but want to try something new, consider using buse instead of amaro abano. Buse is a French-style herbal liqueur made with various botanicals, including artemisia, gentian, orange peel, and more.
The flavor profile is slightly different than other amaros but still has the same herbal and citrusy notes that you’d expect from an Italian-style liqueur. Buse can be used in place of vermouth to make classic cocktails like the Negroni or Manhattan and works just as well in stirred drinks like the Martinez.
If you’re searching for something new to try with traditional Italian flavors, consider using Amaro Abano instead of vermouth in your cocktails. Amaro Abano is a unique blend of herbs, spices, and bitters which give it a sweet yet spicy flavor.
It can be utilized in place of vermouth to make classic cocktails like the Negroni or Manhattan and has a unique flavor profile that stands out from other amaros.
So next time you’re looking for something new to try, consider using buse or Amaro Abano instead of vermouth. These two liqueurs offer a unique twist on traditional Italian flavors and add an extra layer of complexity to your favorite cocktail recipes. Cheers!
Q2. What is the French equivalent of amaro?
The French equivalent of amaro is Buse. Buse is a fortified herbal liqueur that is made with herbs, spices, and citrus peel. It has a sweet yet bitter flavor and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or as a digestif after meals.
Unlike Amaro Abano, which features bitter orange notes, Buse features sweeter notes of orange and lemon combined with aromatic herbs. Buse also contains less alcohol than many other amaros, making it a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the traditional Italian bitters.
In addition to its versatile taste profile, Buse is lower in calories than most other spirits, making it an excellent option for those looking for healthier alternatives to their favorite cocktails. Whether you are trying something new or simply looking for an alternative to Amaro Abano, Buse is sure to be a hit.
