Substitute for Amaretto: 1 Smart Options
The best substitute for amaretto is Almond Extract at a Use 33% ratio. There are 2 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Almond Extract
Use 33%
You can use Almond Extract in place of amaretto when needed. Use 33% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than amaretto, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference.
What are the other substitutes for amaretto?
Hazelnut Liqueur (Frangelico)
1 oz Frangelico per 1 oz amaretto
Similar nutty, sweet profile. Works well in cocktails, desserts, and coffee drinks.
Flavor/texture:Nutty and sweet like amaretto but with a hazelnut character. Slightly more earthy.
Avoid when:Hazelnut flavor instead of almond. Contains alcohol. Tree nut allergen.
Almond Syrup (non-alcoholic)
1 oz almond syrup per 1 oz amaretto
Provides the almond flavor without alcohol. Works in coffee, desserts, and baking.
Flavor/texture:Sweet almond flavor without the complex, slightly bitter notes of amaretto. More straightforward.
Avoid when:Sweeter than amaretto with no alcohol. Reduce sugar elsewhere. Does not provide the depth of a liqueur.
What should you know before substituting amaretto?
Almond Extract is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to amaretto in everyday cooking. Use 33% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Think about what the original contributes, acidity, sweetness, aroma, or depth, before choosing a replacement.
How do you substitute amaretto in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for amaretto and you need an alternative, there are 3 tested substitutes available. Almond Extract is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 33% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role amaretto plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for amaretto depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Almond Extract (Use 33%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Hazelnut Liqueur (Frangelico) (1 oz Frangelico per 1 oz amaretto) is another reliable choice. Similar nutty, sweet profile. Works well in cocktails, desserts, and coffee drinks.
When substituting amaretto, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Amaretto?
Almond Extract is the best place to start for amaretto. Use 33% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Amaretto?
This page lists 1 substitute for amaretto. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.