#CocktailSubstitutes

Amaro Meletti is a classic Italian bittersweet liqueur known for its rich aromatic flavors.

However, it’s not always easy to find, so here are some of the best substitutes to use in its place.

What is Amaro Meletti?

Amaro Meletti is an Italian digestive (after-dinner drink) produced since 1830 in Saronno, Lombardy.

It has a distinctly bitter, woody taste profile derived from botanicals like gentian, chamomile, angelica root, cinchona bark, and other secret herbs [Amaro Meletti].

Read it: Ditch the Luxardo? Top Alternatives for Cocktail Lovers & Bakers!

Some key characteristics of Amaro Meletti include:

• Dark amber color
• Complex floral, herbaceous, and slightly spiced aroma
• Bittersweet yet balanced flavor with notes of dried fruit and citrus zest
• Medium-bodied texture
• Long, soothing finish

• Flavor Profile: It is richly floral and herbal with subtle spiciness, hints of dried fruits, and a zesty arrangement δ Nem stringent and earthy undertone

• Texture: Moderate with a long, gentle, and smooth gasping for air feel.

It’s traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner drink or mixed in cocktails to add depth of flavor. Some classic uses include adding a splash to espresso or serving on the rocks.

Why You May Need a Substitute?

While Amaro Meletti has a devoted following, its distinctiveness and Italian origins mean it’s not widely distributed outside of specialty liquor stores.

Finding a bottle can be challenging depending on your location.

Other reasons you may need a substitute include:

• Running out of Amaro Meletti
• A recipe calling for it that you don’t have on hand
• Wanting to experiment with similar flavors at a lower cost
• Health/dietary restrictions preventing the use of some botanicals
So with those factors in mind, here are some top Amaro Meletti substitutes to keep on your bar cart.

The Best Amaro Meletti Substitutes

1. Averna Amaro

Averna is another classic Sicilian amaro with similar herbal bitterness. It has aromas and flavors of citrus peel, vanilla, and dried herbs [Averna].

Averna makes a great one-for-one substitute in drinks where you’re looking to replicate the full-bodied bittersweet profile of Amaro Meletti.

2. Campari

Campari isn’t technically an amaro but its bitter, herbaceous qualities make it a suitable substitute in a pinch. Like Meletti, it has notes of orange and aromatic botanicals [Campari].

Use Campari in place of Amaro Meletti in cocktails where its brighter red hue and touch more acidity won’t interfere with the recipe.

3. Fernet-Branca

Fernet-Branca is a deeply bitter Italian amaro popular in South America.

While bolder than Meletti, its woodsy, almost medicinal character can stand in when you need an amaro backbone [Fernet-Branca].

Fernet works well diluted in longer drinks but may be too intense for sipping neat or in smaller cocktail portions.

4. Cynar

Produced in Italy from artichokes, Cynar has an umami richness and notes of roasted coffee and dried fruits [Cynar].

Compared to Meletti’s gentler bitterness, Cynar may be slightly weightier and more full-flavored. Use half the amount in recipes if substituting.

5. Ramazzotti

Ramazzotti is a sweet yet herbaceous Italian amaro made with over 30 botanicals including gentian root and orange peel [Ramazzotti].

Its softer bitterness and underlying sweetness create a similar soothing quality to Amaro Meletti, making it an easy swap in most recipes.

6. Jägermeister

Although not Italian, Jägermeister’s blend of 56 herbs and spices imparts an herbal bitterness akin to Amaro Meletti [Jägermeister].

In small doses, Jägermeister’s anise-forward flavors translate well. It works best mixed rather than sipped straight.

7. Nonino Amaro

Produced in Friuli, Nonino has an intense grape brandy base balanced by bitter oranges and other botanicals [Nonino Amaro].

While slightly drier and less sweet than Meletti, Nonino’s layered complexity makes it a serviceable substitute where a premium amaro is called for.

8. Underberg

With a similar bitterness but a slightly sweeter and more herbal flavor profile, Underberg can stand in for Amaro Meletti [Underberg].

Its classic German roots make it a unique substitute, though the sweeter character may throw off some drink recipes.

What are some cocktail recipes that specifically use Amaro Meletti?
Here are a few cocktail recipes that specifically call for Amaro Meletti:

Boulevardier
• 1.5 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Amaro Meletti
• Garnish with orange slice

Meletti Negroni
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Amaro Meletti
• Garnish with orange slice

Milano-Torino
• 1.5 oz Italian vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica)
• 1.5 oz Amaro Meletti
• Orange twist for garnish

Florentine 74
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 1/2 oz Amaro Meletti
• Prosecco for topping

Apertivo Spritz
• 2 oz Amaro Meletti
• 4 oz prosecco or dry white wine
• Soda water
• Orange slice for garnish

Meletti Old Fashioned

• 2 oz bourbon or rye
• 1/2 oz Amaro Meletti
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist and Luxardo cherry

So in summary, Amaro Meletti pairs especially well in Negronis, Boulevardiers, and as an ingredient in spritz cocktails. Its bitter notes stand up nicely to spirits while also adding lovely aromatic complexities.

Substitutes in cocktails: How to use them basically

When Amaro Meletti is replaced in cocktails, one of the most important factors is the taste of a replace.

Here are some tips for successful substitutions:

1:1 Ratio:

The majority of the substitutes can be replaced with Amaro Meletti in their original proportions. For example, if a recipe has called for 1 oz of the ingredient known as Amaro Meletti, the best matches that you can use in replacement would be 1 oz of the Amaro Averna or Amaro Nonino.

 Taste and Adjust:

After preparation taste the cocktail you have prepared. And if it requires more sweetness or bitterness, one adds more of the substitute as per the required amount.

Experiment:

It should not be a problem to experiment with this or that combination in an attempt to come up with the taste that can be considered the best.

Key Takeaways

In summary, the best substitutes for Amaro Meletti emphasize its signature bitter, woody, and floral flavor notes while varying slightly in sweetness, acidity, or botanical complexity:

• Averna is the closest one-for-one substitute
• Campari, Ramazzotti, and Jägermeister work well in most cocktails
• Cynar and Fernet provide amaro depth but are slightly bolder
• Nonino and Underberg offer premium, herbaceous alternatives

While no replacement is exact, these amaros and liqueurs offer suitable options to replicate Amaro Meletti’s aromatic qualities in a pinch. Experiment to find your preferred substitute.

FAQ

Can I use other liqueurs like Amaretto or triple sec?

While creamy amaretto or sweet triple sec add flavor, their profiles don’t match the defining bitterness of amaro. Stick to true Italian Amari, herb-based liqueurs, or dry vermouth for the closest substitutes.

What recipes work best with Amaro Meletti substitutes?

Classics like the Boulevardier, and Negroni variations, or sipping Amaro-spiked espresso are ideal. In cocktails, 1/2-1oz of substitute per drink usually delivers a similar character.

How should I store opened amari and liqueurs?

Keep in a cool, dark place and consume within 1-2 years once opened. The alcohol content preserves flavor longer than liqueurs with lower ABV. Refrigeration is optional but helps maintain quality.

Can I use Amari in cooking?

In moderation, amari like Averna add complexity to braised meats and winter stews. Add a splash to pan sauces too. Their herbs also infuse simple syrups or cocktails beautifully when omitted before serving.

What brands distribute nationally in the US?

Popular options with wide availability include Amaro Montenegro, Averna, Campari, Cynar, Fernet Branca, Jägermeister, Lucano, Nonino, Ramazzotti, and Zucca Rabarbaro. Specialty stores offer more niche amari.

I hope this comprehensive guide on amaro omelet substitutes provided you with valuable information and options for replacing it in drinks. Let me know if you have any other questions!