Feeling like changing up our drinks with some fresh flavors? Us too.
Amaro Meletti is a favorite, sure, but sometimes we need alternatives (a sweet, herbal Italian amaro traditionally flavored with anise and citrus).
From budget-friendly bottles to those secret bartender picks, we've got it all covered.
We've tasted and tested a bunch, so you don't have to. Ready to spice up your drinks with new flavors?
7 Easy Substitutes for Amaro Meletti
While Amaro Meletti is a fantastic choice for flavoring your drinks, there are plenty of other options out there that can provide similar taste profiles. Here are some great substitutes to try:
1 - Averna Amaro
The swap: we've been loving Averna Amaro. It's similar to Amaro Meletti, with a sweet and herbal taste.
You get caramel notes plus a hint of citrus (with underlying orange peel and vanilla). This one's smooth and rich.
Pro tip: use Averna Amaro in your cocktails with a 1:1 substitute ratio. We made an Averna Negroni, and it was spot on.
You can find more info on this Averna substitutes guide and Amaro Montenegro swaps for cocktails.
Try mixing it with tonic or just ice. It's versatile and easy.
We're impressed with its depth and balance.
2 - Nonino Amaro
The flavor of Nonino Amaro reminds us of taking a sip of bittersweet heaven (aged in small oak casks, giving it a dry, honeyed finish). It has a strong herbal profile with a hint of spice and a touch of honey-like sweetness.
A key feature is its balance between bitter and sweet. A bit more floral than Meletti, Nonino adds a unique twist to your drinks.
We swapped it in with a 1:1 ratio and made an amazing Nonino spritz. Want more tips on Nonino substitutes?
Check out this detailed guide on Amaro Nonino alternatives.
Mix with soda or blend into cocktails. It's versatile and delicious.
3 - Ramazzotti Amaro
Ramazzotti Amaro is a solid and straightforward option (a historic Italian amaro built on bitter orange and gentian botanicals). It's a bit sweeter than Meletti, with a clear, herbal kick.
We really enjoyed its hint of orange zest and the subtle bitterness that lingers.
Perfect for those who want a milder taste. Use it in equal parts as you would Amaro Meletti.
We found it ideal for spritzes and easy to mix with soda.
Try it with ice for a smooth, refreshing drink. Ramazzotti brings balance without overwhelming the palate.
4 - Aperol
While you're looking to switch things up, Aperol is a fantastic choice. It's less bitter and more on the sweet side compared to Meletti, with strong notes of orange and a hint of herbs (built on bitter and sweet orange peels with light herbal botanicals).
We've found it to be much lighter and more refreshing. Perfect for a summer drink.
Use a 1:1 ratio in cocktails like a spritz or mix with soda.
Trust us, it's a crowd-pleaser.
We had a blast making an Aperol spritz during our last barbecue. For more insights, check out this Aperol substitutes guide.
5 - Campari
When we're seeking a bright twist, Campari is our go-to. It's got that intense red color and a bold, bittersweet taste.
Campari is bitterer than Meletti, with a sharp kick and notes of orange peel, herbs, and spices (driven by bitter orange and gentian). It's less sweet, making it perfect for cocktails needing a bitter backbone.
We recommend a 1:1 ratio swap. Made an irresistible Negroni with it.
Its distinct flavor stands out.
For similar options, check out our Campari substitutes guide.
Mix with soda or tonic. It's versatile and loved in our drinks.
6 - Sweet Vermouth
One of our favorite substitutes is Sweet Vermouth (a fortified wine aromatized with botanicals like wormwood and clove). It has that rich, fortified wine vibe with a hint of spice and a touch of caramel sweetness.
Sub this for Amaro Meletti in equal parts.
We love it in a Negroni-it's smooth and balanced. You'll notice a gentle herbal note, which adds complexity to cocktails without overpowering them.
Sweet Vermouth cuts through with its distinct taste, making your drink refined yet approachable.
7 - Angostura Bitters
Last on our list, Angostura Bitters brings a punch of flavor. It's got those deep, strong, aromatic notes.
Perfect for adding complexity to drinks like Old Fashioneds.
Think earthy spices and a hint of clove (with concentrated botanicals like gentian, cardamom, and clove). We love the bittersweet kick it adds.
Use Angostura Bitters sparingly-just a few dashes will do.
Try it with soda or mix it into your cocktails. Curious about more options?
Check out this Angostura Bitters substitutes guide. It's a handy resource for finding the right flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Averna Amaro shares a rich, sweet flavor with Amaro Meletti but has a slightly stronger herbal and citrusy profile, making it a great substitute for cocktails requiring a bit more complexity.
Yes, Nonino Amaro offers a smoother, lighter taste compared to Amaro Meletti, with a unique fruity note. It's a great option for drinks where you want a less intense herbal flavor.
Aperol is lighter and more citrus-forward, offering a sweet and tangy profile that contrasts with the rich bitterness of Amaro Meletti. It's a good choice when you want a more refreshing drink.
Yes, Campari's bitterness makes it a great substitute in a Negroni, though it's more intense than Amaro Meletti. It will add a more pronounced herbal kick to the drink.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
