Amaro Nonino substitutes
The closest substitute for Amaro Nonino is Cynar, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Earthier. Averna, Amaro Montenegro and Ramazzotti also work. In a pinch, use Fernet-Branca.
What to use instead of Amaro Nonino
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
CynarWorks, tastes different Earthier. Same amount | Same amount | 16.5–35% ABV | −3 points |
AvernaWorks, tastes different Darker, with more cola and liquorice. Same amount | Same amount | 29% ABV | −1 point |
Amaro MontenegroWorks, tastes different Lighter, sweeter and more floral. Same amount | Same amount | 23% ABV | −2 points |
RamazzottiWorks, tastes different Darker, with cola and spice. Same amount | Same amount | 30% ABV | −1 point |
Fernet-BrancaLast resort Far more intense, so use half. Use half the amount | Use half the amount | 39–43% ABV | About the same |
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 Amaro Nonino, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Paper Plane
22.5ml (¾ oz) Amaro Nonino → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Cynar
About 16% ABV → about 13% ABV−3 points
How they compare
| Property | Amaro Nonino | Cynar |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 35% ABV | 16.5–35% ABV |
| Taste | Bittersweet orange, Herbal, Elegant, Smooth | Bitter herbs, Caramel, Coffee, Earthy |
| Aroma | Orange, Herbs, Vanilla, Caramel, Gentle bitter | Herbs, Caramel, Coffee, Bitter |
| Finish | Medium, Citrus, Clean bitter, Refined | Bitter, Long, Herbal |
| Property | Amaro Nonino | Averna |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 35% ABV | 29% ABV |
| Taste | Bittersweet orange, Herbal, Elegant, Smooth | Bittersweet, Orange peel, Mocha, Liquorice, Gentian |
| Aroma | Orange, Herbs, Vanilla, Caramel, Gentle bitter | Cola, Bitter orange, Herbs, Liquorice |
| Finish | Medium, Citrus, Clean bitter, Refined | Medium, Gentle bitterness, Orange zest, Cola |
Bottles like Amaro Nonino
Montenegro and Meletti are made in the same style as Amaro Nonino, so they swap in at the same amount.
What is Amaro Nonino?
Amaro Nonino is an elegant Italian amaro with citrus and herbal notes, made by the famous grappa-producing Nonino family. Essential for the Paper Plane cocktail.
Got Amaro Nonino? It also replaces
Questions about Amaro Nonino substitutes
What is the best substitute for Amaro Nonino?
Cynar is the closest substitute for Amaro Nonino, though the drink will taste a little different. Earthier. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Amaro Nonino in a Paper Plane?
Cynar: swap 22.5ml (¾ oz) of Amaro Nonino for 22.5ml (¾ oz) of Cynar. It ends up about 13% ABV instead of about 16%.
How much Fernet-Branca do I use instead of Amaro Nonino?
Use half the amount: 30 ml (1 oz) of Amaro Nonino becomes 15 ml of Fernet-Branca.
What else tastes like Amaro Nonino?
Montenegro and Meletti are made in the same style as Amaro Nonino, so they swap in at the same amount. Expect small differences in bitterness and sweetness.
Does Cynar instead of Amaro Nonino change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Paper Plane, which goes from about 16% to about 13% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Amaro Nonino?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.