The bottle is empty and you're halfway through the recipe. Amaretto adds sweetness and almond warmth to desserts, cocktails, and glazes.
Not every substitute brings the same balance of alcohol, sweetness, and nuttiness. Some lean fruitier, others skip the alcohol entirely.
The swap depends on mixing drinks, or finishing a sauce.
These six options cover most situations, from cocktails to tiramisu.
When we run out of amaretto, we use Disaronno, Frangelico, or an almond extract mix to keep the same sweet, nutty finish in cocktails and desserts. The main risk is sweetness swinging too high or too sharp, so we match sweetness + bitterness first, then adjust proof with a splash of base spirit. If the swap tastes "perfumed," we back off extract and add body instead.
6 Best Substitutes for Amaretto to Try
These substitutes range from direct swaps with alcohol to non-alcoholic options that work in baking. Some bring pure almond flavor; others add fruit or hazelnut notes that shift the profile slightly.
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Pick based on what you're making and whether you need the alcohol component.
| # | Substitute | Best For | Ratio | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Disaronno | ✨ Both | 1:1 | Stronger almond, sweeter |
| 2 | Apricot Brandy | ✨ Both | 1:1 | Fruity, less nutty |
| 3 | Almond Extract Mix | 🥧 Baking | ½ teaspoon + 1 tablespoon syrup | No alcohol, sweeter |
| 4 | Frangelico | ✨ Both | 1:1 | Hazelnut flavor, less sweet |
| 5 | Kirsch | ✨ Both | 1:1 | Dry, cherry notes |
| 6 | Almond Syrup | 🥧 Baking | 1:1 | Sweet, no alcohol |
1 - Disaronno
Disaronno delivers a stronger almond punch with more sweetness. The flavor is more concentrated, so it stands out in cocktails and dessert toppings.
Here's what to know:
- Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon of Amaretto
- Flavor notes: Stronger almond flavor, slightly sweeter, more intense
The intensity works well when you want the almond to dominate. If you're also out of Disaronno, quick Amaretto replacements to try covers alternatives ranked by sweetness.
Skip if: You need a non-alcoholic substitute.
In Cocktails
Works for: Bold almond flavor, improves mixed drinks
Skip if: You want a lighter, more subtle almond note
In Desserts
Works for: Glazes, tiramisu, ice cream toppings
Skip if: The recipe is alcohol-free
2 - Apricot Brandy
Apricot brandy brings fruit forward first, then a hint of nuttiness. The sweetness level matches Amaretto, but the flavor leans toward stone fruit.
It works in recipes where a fruity note fits-think cocktails with citrus or baked goods with other fruit flavors. The almond taste is secondary here.
Out of apricot brandy too? Brandy alternatives to try covers picks with similar warmth.
- Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon of Amaretto
- Best for: Cocktails with citrus, fruit-based desserts
- Flavor notes: Fruity note, less nutty, slightly sweeter
- Texture: Smooth, same consistency as Amaretto
Skip if: You want pure almond flavor without fruit interference.
3 - Almond Extract Mix
Almond extract combined with sugar syrup gives you the almond aroma without alcohol. The extract is potent, so half a teaspoon goes further than you'd expect.
Mix it with simple syrup to match Amaretto's sweetness and liquid consistency. This swap works best in baking where the alcohol's depth isn't essential.
Don't have almond extract either? Almond Extract alternatives to try ranks non-alcoholic options.
4 - Frangelico
Frangelico swaps hazelnut for almond but keeps the nutty warmth. The flavor is smoother, less sweet, and brings a roasted quality that works in desserts and coffee drinks.
The alcohol content is similar, so it performs the same way in recipes that need liquid. If Frangelico isn't available either, replacements similar to Frangelico lists nut-based liqueurs that deliver comparable richness.
- Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon of Amaretto
- Flavor notes: Hazelnut flavor, less sweet, smooth finish
Skip if: You need pure almond flavor or the recipe already features hazelnuts.
| Use | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktails | 1:1 | Brings nutty warmth |
| Desserts | 1:1 | Less sweet, roasted flavor |
| Coffee drinks | 1:1 | Smooth, complements espresso |
5 - Kirsch
Kirsch is drier and brings cherry flavor instead of almond. The alcohol level matches, but the sweetness drops significantly.
This works best in recipes that can handle a tart edge-think chocolate desserts or cocktails where you want fruit without syrupy sweetness. The cherry note is subtle, not candy-like.
What to expect:
- Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon of Amaretto
- Best for: Chocolate desserts, cocktails with citrus or bitters
- Flavor notes: Dry, cherry fruit notes, less sweet
Skip if: Almond flavor is essential or the recipe needs noticeable sweetness.
6 - Almond Syrup
Non-alcoholic almond syrup mimics the sweetness and flavor without the booze. It works in mocktails, baked goods, and anywhere the alcohol's depth isn't critical.
The flavor is milder than extract-based mixes, so you may need slightly more to match Amaretto's intensity. Missing almond syrup too?
Tested Almonds replacements covers nut-free and allergen-friendly picks.
- Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon of Amaretto
- Best for: Mocktails, baking, non-alcoholic drinks
- Flavor notes: Sweet, almond flavor without alcohol, less intense
Skip if: The recipe needs alcohol for structure or depth-like tiramisu or certain sauces.
Picking the Right Replacement
Most of these swaps work without major recipe changes. If you're making cocktails or dessert toppings, Disaronno or Frangelico come closest.
For baking or alcohol-free options, the almond extract mix or almond syrup deliver reliable results.
Try a small batch first if you're swapping in a recipe you've made before-flavor balance can shift slightly.
- Closest match - Disaronno, stronger almond with similar sweetness
- Easiest grab - Almond syrup, works straight from the bottle
- Alcohol-free option - Almond extract mix, matches flavor without booze
Frequently Asked Questions
Almond extract works on its own in baking, but use only a quarter teaspoon per tablespoon of Amaretto called for. The extract is much more concentrated and lacks the sweetness and liquid volume. For drinks or glazes, you'll need to add sugar syrup or simple syrup to match Amaretto's consistency and sweetness.
Not exactly. Apricot brandy brings fruity sweetness instead of pure almond flavor. It works in cakes, tarts, or cookies where a stone fruit note fits the recipe. If you're baking something almond-focused like biscotti or marzipan treats, stick with an almond-based substitute instead.
They'll work, but the flavor changes slightly. Almond extract mixed with sugar syrup gives you the almond note, but tiramisu relies on alcohol to cut through the richness of mascarpone. Without it, the dessert tastes sweeter and less balanced. If you want that contrast, use a splash of strong coffee in addition to the almond syrup.
Yes, Frangelico works in most cocktails that call for Amaretto. The nutty warmth is similar, though the flavor leans toward hazelnut rather than almond. It pairs well with coffee, chocolate, or cream-based drinks. Avoid it in citrus-heavy cocktails where almond's brighter note fits better.
Kirsch is significantly less sweet than Amaretto. Add one teaspoon of sugar or simple syrup per tablespoon of Kirsch to balance the flavor. Taste as you go-some recipes need more adjustment depending on how sweet the other ingredients are.
6 Best Substitutes for Amaretto
Ingredients
Method
- For a 1:1 substitute with similar almond flavor and sweetness, use Disaronno in cocktails and desserts.
- Use Apricot Brandy as a 1:1 substitute when a fruity note fits your recipe, especially in cocktails with citrus or fruit-based desserts.
- Mix ½ teaspoon almond extract with 1 tablespoon sugar syrup as a non-alcoholic baking substitute to mimic Amaretto's flavor and sweetness.
- Use Frangelico in a 1:1 ratio to substitute Amaretto when you want a hazelnut flavor and less sweetness in cocktails, desserts, and coffee drinks.
- Kirsch is a dry, cherry-flavored alternative used 1:1; add 1 teaspoon sugar per tablespoon if extra sweetness is needed.
- Almond syrup is a sweet, non-alcoholic substitute used in a 1:1 ratio, ideal for mocktails and baking where no alcohol is desired.
- Choose your substitute based on recipe type and desired flavor: Disaronno or Frangelico for cocktails and desserts, almond extract mix or syrup for baking and alcohol-free options.
Notes
- Apricot Brandy: Fruity, less nutty, better for recipes that accept fruit flavors.
- Almond Extract Mix: Non-alcoholic baking substitute, combine extract with sugar syrup.
- Frangelico: Hazelnut flavor, less sweet, suitable for drinks and desserts.
- Kirsch: Dry, cherry notes; add sugar if needed for sweetness.
- Almond Syrup: Sweet and alcohol-free, useful in mocktails and baking. Try small batches first to adjust flavor balance when swapping!
