5 Best Substitutes for Amer Picon in Cocktails

We were making cocktails the other day and realized we were out of Amer Picon. Total bummer, right? Amer Picon has that bittersweet orange flavor that takes certain drinks to the next level (a traditional French bitter apéritif flavored with bitter orange and gentian).

We had to think fast. No one wants to give up on a good drink just because one ingredient is missing.

That's where substitutes come in handy. Trust us, we've tried and tested a bunch of swaps to make sure nothing misses the mark.

Some options bring out the classic citrusy vibe. Others lean toward herbal and slightly bitter flavors that still work. Turns out, there's more than one way to keep your cocktails tasting amazing.

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5 Quick Substitutes for Amer Picon

Here are our top 5 picks for substitutes that work just as well as Amer Picon in cocktails.

1 - Torani Amer

Torani Amer does the trick when you need a stand-in for Amer Picon. Swap it 1:1 in any cocktail recipe. It's got that same orange-bitter flavor with a slightly stronger herbal kick (notes of gentian and bitter orange).

We tried it in a classic Americano, and it blended beautifully. The bitterness is a touch more pronounced, so it shines in strong, spirit-forward drinks.

If you're after balance, add a splash of orange juice or a hint of simple syrup.

Torani Amer may not be identical, but it's close enough to keep your drinks tasting spot-on with minimal effort.

2 - Amaro CioCiaro

Amaro CioCiaro steps in nicely when we're out of Amer Picon. Use it 1:1 as a direct substitute. It has a similar bittersweet orange profile with a richer, spiced finish (with notes of candied orange peel and cinnamon).

We've tried it in a Boulevardier, and it added an extra layer of depth. It leans slightly sweeter than Amer Picon, so it works great with bold or citrusy cocktails.

If the drink feels too sweet, a dash of bitters balances things out.

Amaro CioCiaro offers a flavorful twist while staying close to the original taste; see Amaro Nonino swaps for similarly spiced cocktails.

3 - Aperol

Aperol works well when we need to replace Amer Picon in drinks (an Italian apéritif flavored with bitter orange and gentian).

We've tested it in a French 75, and it added a citrusy sweetness that stood out. Aperol's mild profile makes it better for refreshing and fruity cocktails.

If you want more depth, combine it with a touch of bitters or a stronger liqueur.

For more options, check out this guide on substitutes for Aperol. It's packed with ideas for similar swaps.

4 - Campari

Campari comes pretty close if you're out of Amer Picon (a Milanese bitter liqueur made from herbs, citrus peels, and spices).

We tried it in a classic cocktail, and it brought a stronger bitterness that worked well. Campari pairs best with simple syrups or sweet vermouth to balance the sharp notes.

Adding a splash of orange liqueur can also brighten up the flavor.

For even more ideas, check out this list of Campari alternatives. It's full of great options to keep your drink recipes on track.

5 - Angostura Orange Bitters

Angostura Orange Bitters works in a pinch if you have no Amer Picon (a concentrated aromatic bitters made from citrus peels and spices).

We've added it to an Old Fashioned, and it gave the drink a bright, orangey kick. Because it's stronger, it's best mixed with a sweeter ingredient to balance the sharpness.

You can pair it with a splash of orange liqueur or simple syrup for smoother results.

If you're curious about more ideas, check out this guide on Angostura Bitters replacements. It's packed with helpful alternatives.