Substitutes for Amaretto: 10 Best Alternatives + FAQs!

Amaretto is a classic Italian liqueur created from the pits of almonds. It’s usually offered as a simple drink. On the other hand, some individuals utilize it as the main ingredient in sauces and toppings.

Amaretto is an excellent addition to Italian sweets and baked products. If you don’t have any amaretto in your kitchen, there’s no need to postpone your supper because there are various substitutions you may use.

• Chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, almond syrup, Hazelnut liqueur, marzipan, Anisette, Orgeat, Cherry liqueur, Coconut liqueur, and Apricot pit liqueur are all great alternatives for amaretto. 

Continue reading to learn more!

The amaretto alternatives listed below work well in various recipes, so use them as needed. If you’re going to substitute something else for the amaretto, make sure to alter the remainder of the recipe.

The majority of the alternatives listed below may be used as amaretto alternatives. Nonetheless, you should taste your substitute to ensure that it is as sweet and intense as amaretto if it is not stronger.

1. Chocolate Liqueur 

Chocolate liqueur can be used in place of amaretto in many recipes, from sweets to baked goods.

You may drink it plain, and it will go well with your Italian dinner at the start or end. If you want to utilize this option, be careful to do it in moderation because it might vary in flavor and alcohol content.

2. Coffee Liqueur

Coffee liqueur may not be the best choice for foods with a strong coffee flavor, but it may easily replace amaretto in sweets like tiramisu.

The caffeine content and alcohol level may differ depending on the liqueur brand you pick.

Like amaretto, you can drink this liqueur at the starting or end of your meal, depending on your tastes

3. Almond Syrup

Because amaretto is created from almond pits, the almond syrup is the finest non-alcoholic substitute. Almond syrup is too sugary to be sipped pure; therefore, you might not be willing to consume it.

On the other hand, this syrup can be used in cocktails, desserts, and baked goods. Because almond syrup has no alcohol, you may be allowed to use more in your recipe. If you’re worried about the quantity of sugar in this syrup, you may omit the additional sugar called for in the preparation.

4. Hazelnut Liqueur 

Hazelnut liqueur is comparable to amaretto in color and flavor. It includes alcohol, and you may drink it straight or mix it into other cocktails or recipes, just like any other liqueur.

You may use the same amount of hazelnut liqueur as you would amaretto, and the taste of your finished dish will not be affected. This liqueur is available in a variety of flavors.

5. Marzipan

In baked goods, marzipan is a fantastic substitute for amaretto. Crumbled marzipan can be used as a topping or filler in various delicacies.

Because marzipan does not contain alcohol, it is ideal for children’s cuisine. If you use marzipan instead of amaretto, you’ll need to put extra liquid into the mixture to achieve the same consistency.

6. Anisette

If you’re finding a way to use a substitute in place of amaretto in a dish, anisette could be the finest choice. However, because this liqueur is stronger than others, you may want to use less of it, depending on your preferences. Because anisette comes in many sweetness levels, it’s a good idea to sample it before using it.

7. Orgeat

Orgeat is an almond-based Italian drink that includes rose petals and orange blossom water, and a substantial amount of sugar. This syrup may be substituted for amaretto in various applications, including drinks and sweets.

Because orgeat comes in various brands, taste the syrup before using it. If it’s richer than you thought, don’t add more sugar to the recipe.

8. Cherry Liqueur 

Although cherry liqueur does not have the same flavor as amaretto, it can be substituted. Although most cherry liqueurs have a low alcohol content, you will undoubtedly taste the cherry flavor.

If you enjoy the flavor of cherry, you may use it in the same amount as amaretto, but use an alternative substitution from this list if you don’t.

9. Coconut Liqueur

Coconut liqueur is a good alternative to amaretto if you want something a little more interesting. You may eat it straight or use it in pastries, but it tastes best in cookies with a white frosting like vanilla or even coconut-scented icing.

Coconut liqueur works well in cocktails that are called amaretto, but it adds a unique flavor.

10. Apricot Pit Liqueur 

Because certain amaretto recipes employ apricot pits instead of almonds, the flavor of apricot pit liqueur will be similar to that of almond liqueur. Apricot pit liqueur is also a nice appetizer and a terrific drink to enjoy before your dinner. You won’t understand the difference between the original amaretto and the apricot pit liqueur if you use it in garnishes, sauces, or bakery goods.

Amaretto Substitute Tiramisu

The classic tiramisu recipe asks for a small amount of amaretto in the syrup. If you don’t have amaretto on hand, you can substitute chocolate or coffee liqueur.

Because certain tiramisu recipes use coffee powder topping, the coffee liqueur works even smoother than other replacements. If you want something non-alcoholic, try apricot pit liqueur or almond syrup.

These replacements may be used in the same way as amaretto, but ensure to taste each carefully.

Some alternatives may be overly sweet, in which case you will need to reduce the amount of sugar you use in your dessert. If you want your children to consume the tiramisu, you should use a coffee-free and alcohol-free replacement.

Is Disaronno The Same As Amaretto?

Disaronno is one of Italy’s most well-known amaretto brands, although it is equally popular in other ethnicities. It is served simply as an aperitif drink, but it can also be drizzled over ice cream or baked into desserts.

Please remember that Disaronno also creates other cocktails, and not all of them resemble the classic amaretto formula.

If you wish to try this brand’s amaretto, the drink is named Disaronno Originale, and it is created according to the traditional Italian recipe. Although if you order something else from their menu, you’ll notice that it tastes like amaretto.