Amaro Meletti is a delicious and complex liqueur that’s been made in Italy. It’s made with a secret blend of herbs and spices, including anise, saffron, and cinnamon, and has a bittersweet flavor that’s perfect for sipping after dinner or using in cocktails.
But what if you can’t find Amaro Meletti at your local liquor store? Or what if you want to experiment with other liqueurs that have a similar flavor profile? Fortunately, there are several substitutes for Amaro Meletti that you can try. In this post, we’ll explore the 7 best substitutes for Amaro Meletti and explain why they’re worth trying.
What is Amaro Meletti?
Herbal liqueur and Italian amaro Amaro Meletti comes from the region of Marche. Orange peel, anise, cloves, saffron, violets, and caramelized sugar are only some of the local and foreign fruits and botanicals used to flavor it.
The finished beverage has a rich, amber or caramel hue. The scent is fruity, herbal, and spicy all at once. This amaro is thick and syrupy, with a hint of herbal bitterness to set it apart. Although it is most often enjoyed neat or on the rocks as a digestif, it is also a welcome addition to cocktails and lengthy drinks.
Best Amaro Meletti Substitutes
1. Averna
Averna is a Sicilian liqueur that’s been made since 1868. It’s made with a blend of herbs and roots, including licorice, citrus, and vanilla. Averna has a dark brown color and a rich, sweet flavor with notes of caramel, chocolate, and coffee. It also has a slight bitterness that makes it a great substitute for Amaro Meletti.
Averna is a versatile liqueur that can be used in many different cocktails. It’s a great substitute for Amaro Meletti in drinks like the Paper Plane, which also contains bourbon, Aperol, and lemon juice. Averna can also be used in drinks that call for Amaro Nonino, another Italian liqueur that has a similar flavor profile.
2. Nonino Quintessentia Amaro
Nonino Quintessentia Amaro is another Italian liqueur that’s made with a blend of herbs and spices. It’s produced by the Nonino family, who have been making grappa and other spirits in Friuli since 1897. Quintessentia Amaro is made with a blend of herbs, roots, and citrus fruits, including bitter orange, gentian, and saffron.
Quintessentia Amaro has a dark brown color and a complex flavor profile with notes of orange, cinnamon, and clove. It also has a slightly bitter finish that makes it a great substitute for Amaro Meletti. Quintessentia Amaro is a great choice for cocktails that call for Amaro Meletti, such as the Meletti Manhattan, which also contains rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.
3. Cynar
Cynar is an Italian liqueur that’s made with artichokes and a blend of herbs and spices. It has a dark brown color and a bittersweet flavor with notes of artichoke, caramel, and vanilla. Cynar is a great substitute for Amaro Meletti because it has a similar bitterness and sweetness.
Cynar is a versatile liqueur that can be used in many different cocktails. It’s a great substitute for Amaro Meletti in drinks like the Black Manhattan, which also contains bourbon and Averna. Cynar can also be used in drinks that call for other Italian amari, such as Campari or Aperol.
4. Amaro Lucano
Amaro Lucano is a southern Italian liqueur that’s been made since 1894. It’s made with a blend of herbs and spices, including sweet and bitter oranges, gentian, and cinnamon. Amaro Lucano has a dark brown color and a sweet, spicy flavor with notes of citrus and vanilla. It also has a slightly bitter finish that makes it a great substitute for Amaro Meletti.
Amaro Lucano is a great substitute for Amaro Meletti in cocktails that call for a bittersweet liqueur. It’s a great choice for drinks like the Negroni or the Boulevardier, which also contain gin or whiskey and sweet vermouth. Amaro Lucano can also be used in drinks that call for other Italian amari, such as Aperol or Campari.
5. Amaro Montenegro
Amaro Montenegro is a classic Italian liqueur that’s been made since 1885. It’s made with a blend of 40 herbs and spices, including orange peel, coriander, and marjoram. Amaro Montenegro has a dark amber color and a complex, bittersweet flavor with notes of orange, vanilla, and anise.
Amaro Montenegro is a great substitute for Amaro Meletti in cocktails that call for a bittersweet liqueur. It’s a great choice for drinks like the Paper Plane, which also contains bourbon, Aperol, and lemon juice. Amaro Montenegro can also be used in drinks that call for other Italian amari, such as Campari or Aperol.
6. Ramazzotti
Ramazzotti is an Italian liqueur that’s been made since 1815. It’s made with a blend of herbs and spices, including bitter orange, cinnamon, and cardamom. Ramazzotti has a dark brown color and a sweet, spicy flavor with notes of orange, cinnamon, and vanilla. It also has a slightly bitter finish that makes it a great substitute for Amaro Meletti.
Ramazzotti is a great substitute for Amaro Meletti in cocktails that call for a bittersweet liqueur. It’s a great choice for drinks like the Meletti Manhattan, which also contains rye whiskey and sweet vermouth. Ramazzotti can also be used in drinks that call for other Italian amari, such as Campari or Aperol.
7. Braulio Amaro Alpino
Braulio Amaro Alpino is an Italian liqueur that’s made in the Alpine region of Lombardy. It’s made with a blend of herbs and roots, including gentian, juniper, and peppermint. Braulio Amaro Alpino has a dark green color and a complex, bittersweet flavor with notes of pine, juniper, and mint.
Braulio Amaro Alpino is a great substitute for Amaro Meletti in cocktails that call for a bittersweet liqueur. It’s a great choice for drinks like the Negroni or the Boulevardier, which also contain gin or whiskey and sweet vermouth. Braulio Amaro Alpino can also be used in drinks that call for other Italian amari, such as Aperol or Campari.
Conclusion
There are many substitutes for Amaro Meletti that you can try in cocktails or on their own. Averna, Nonino Quintessentia Amaro, Cynar, Amaro Lucano, Amaro Montenegro, Ramazzotti, and Braulio Amaro Alpino all have complex flavor profiles and a bittersweet finish that makes them great substitutes for Amaro Meletti.
When using a substitute for Amaro Meletti in a cocktail, keep in mind that the drink may have a slightly different flavor profile than if you had used Amaro Meletti. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be delicious in its own right! Experiment with different substitutes and see which one works best for you. Cheers!
