Amaretto substitutes
The closest substitute for Amaretto is Frangelico, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Hazelnut instead of almond. In a pinch, use Licor 43.
What to use instead of Amaretto
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
FrangelicoWorks, tastes different Hazelnut instead of almond. Same amount | Same amount | 20% ABV | −1 point |
Licor 43Last resort Vanilla and citrus instead of almond. Same amount | Same amount | 31% ABV | +1 point |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Amaretto, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Alabama Slammer
15ml (½ oz) Amaretto → 15ml (½ oz) Frangelico
About 13% ABV → about 12% ABV−1 point
- Amaretto Espresso Martini
20ml (⅔ oz) Amaretto → 20ml (⅔ oz) Frangelico
About 16% ABV → about 15% ABV−1 point
- Amaretto Sour
45ml (1½ oz) Amaretto → 45ml (1½ oz) Frangelico
About 13% ABV → about 11% ABV−2 points
- French Connection
35ml (1¼ oz) Amaretto → 35ml (1¼ oz) Frangelico
About 27% ABV → about 24% ABV−3 points
- God Father
35ml (1¼ oz) Amaretto → 35ml (1¼ oz) Frangelico
About 27% ABV → about 24% ABV−3 points
- Italian Margarita
22.5ml (¾ oz) Amaretto → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Frangelico
About 11% ABV → about 10% ABV−1 point
- Marzipan Old Fashioned
15ml (½ oz) Amaretto → 15ml (½ oz) Frangelico
About 28% ABV → about 27% ABV−1 point
- Pumpkin Pie
15ml (½ oz) Amaretto → 15ml (½ oz) Frangelico
About 27% ABV → about 24% ABV−3 points
- Salted Caramel Pecan Sour
20ml (⅔ oz) Amaretto → 20ml (⅔ oz) Frangelico
About 15% ABV → about 14% ABV−1 point
- Blow Job
10ml (⅓ oz) Amaretto → 10ml (⅓ oz) Frangelico
Same strength
- Flaming Dr Pepper
15ml (½ oz) Amaretto → 15ml (½ oz) Frangelico
Same strength
- IBA Tiki
15ml (½ oz) Amaretto → 15ml (½ oz) Frangelico
Same strength
- Lunchbox
30ml (1 oz) Amaretto → 30ml (1 oz) Frangelico
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Amaretto | Frangelico |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 21–28% ABV | 20% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet, Almond, Cherry, Vanilla, Caramel | Rich hazelnut, Vanilla, Light chocolate, Nutty sweetness, Hints of coffee |
| Aroma | Marzipan, Almond, Vanilla, Apricot | Toasted hazelnut, Vanilla, Cocoa, Coffee hints, Almond |
| Finish | Sweet, Nutty, Medium length | Nutty, Sweet, Warm, Medium |
Already have one of these?
If you have Disaronno Originale, Lazzaroni Amaretto or Adriatico Roasted Almonds, you don't need a substitute: they are all Amaretto. How they differ
What is Amaretto?
Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with distinctive almond flavor, used in dessert cocktails and as a modifier in spirit-forward drinks.
Got Amaretto? It also replaces
Questions about Amaretto substitutes
What is the best substitute for Amaretto?
Frangelico is the closest substitute for Amaretto, though the drink will taste a little different. Hazelnut instead of almond. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Amaretto in a French Connection?
Frangelico: swap 35ml (1¼ oz) of Amaretto for 35ml (1¼ oz) of Frangelico. It ends up about 24% ABV instead of about 27%.
Which Amaretto brands can I use?
If you have Disaronno Originale, Lazzaroni Amaretto or Adriatico Roasted Almonds, you don't need a substitute: they are all Amaretto. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Frangelico instead of Amaretto change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the French Connection, which goes from about 27% to about 24% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Amaretto?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.