Averna is a type of Italian amaro or bitter herbal liqueur. It’s made with a blend of herbs, roots, and citrus peel, and it has a deep, complex flavor that’s ideal for sipping on its own or utilizing in cocktails.
If you’re out of Averna (or you can’t find it at your local liquor store), don’t worry! There are plenty of Averna substitutes that will work just as well in your favorite recipes.
Read more: Disaronno substitute
Best Averna substitutes in details
1. Punt e Mes
Punt e Mes is an Italian amaro that is similar to Averna in terms of flavor and use. It has a slightly sweeter taste than Averna, making it a great alternative for those who want a slightly bolder drink without sacrificing sweetness.
As with any ingredient, it’s best to adjust your recipe accordingly when using Punt e Mes as a substitute for Averna.
Whether you’re using it as an ingredient in cocktails or simply enjoying it on its own, this versatile and flavorful amaro will surely impress your guests!
So the next time you search for an alternative to Averna, reach for Punt e Mes and enjoy all the deliciousness it offers.
2. Campari
Campari is a classic Italian liqueur that has gained widespread popularity over the years. With its bold flavor and rich amber color, it is often used as the base of many popular cocktails.
This makes it an ideal substitute for other bitter liqueurs, such as Averna, which have a similarly rich flavor profile and deep caramel color.
Furthermore, Campari’s unique blend of herbs and spices means that it pairs well with a wide variety of other spirits, making it both versatile and delicious.
Whether you’re trying to craft a classic Negroni or looking for an inventive new cocktail recipe, Campari is sure to impress your guests!
So next time you’re in the mood for an aperitif that’s sure to tantalize the taste buds, look no further than this iconic Italian liqueur. Cheers!
3. Cynar
Cynar is another Italian amaro that’s made with artichoke leaves.
Similar to averna in both color and flavor profile and its rich, bitter notes balance perfectly with fruity flavors like cranberry or orange liqueur, while its oily texture helps add a smooth mouthfeel that is appealing to drinkers of any palate.
Additionally, cynar is another Italian liqueur that adds richness to cocktails of all kinds.
Whether you’re looking for something new or simply want an alternative to the typical averna, Cynar is definitely worth trying!
4. Angostura bitters
Angostura bitters are one of the most commonly used ingredients in cocktail making.
With a rich, complex flavor profile that is reminiscent of Averna, these bitters are incredibly versatile and can be utilized in all sorts of different cocktails to great effect.
But what makes angostura bitters truly unique is their ability to balance sweetness and acidity. Because of this, they make an excellent substitute for Averna in any cocktail recipe.
And with so many delicious and creative cocktails out there, it’s no wonder that angostura bitters have become a standard ingredient for home bartenders everywhere.
Whether you’re new to the world of cocktail making or a seasoned pro, these bitters are sure to become both your go-to ingredient and your secret weapon!
So the next time you visit your local bar or grab a bottle at the liquor store, don’t forget to add angostura bitters – they just might take your drinks to the next level!
5. Amaretto
Amaretto is a classic Italian liqueur that has been enjoyed for centuries.
Made from a combination of almonds, sugar, and other natural ingredients, this sweet, nutty drink has a rich, complex flavor that sets it apart from other spirit-based beverages.
Because of its unique flavor profile and versatility in the kitchen, amaretto also makes for a fantastic substitute for Averna.
Averna is another popular liqueur made in Italy, but it tends to be more bitter than amaretto and can be overpowering when added to certain dishes.
Thus, rather than opt for the more traditional choice, ambitious chefs should consider using amaretto to bring some extra depth of flavor to their cuisine.
Whether you’re making cocktails or preparing an impressive multicourse meal, amaretto is always a great choice!
6. Frangelico
As any bartender knows, a good liqueur can take a cocktail from bland to bursting with flavor. And when it comes to Italian liqueurs, there are few that can compete with the rich, complex notes of Frangelico.
This delicious beverage has rich flavors of hazelnuts and chocolate, making it an excellent replacement for other nut-based liqueurs such as Averna.
In addition to its bold taste, Frangelico is also ideal for creating layered drinks that look as good as they taste.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking to add some flair to your at-home bar collection, Frangelico is a versatile and reliable choice that you simply won’t regret.
So why not give this delicious liqueur a try the next time you want to savor the flavors of Italy? With Frangelico in hand, you’ll never taste anything quite like it!
7. Galliano
When it comes to liqueurs, few drinks can match the flavor and versatility of Galliano.
This Italian liqueur is made from a combination of vanilla and various herbs and spices, giving it a sweet, creamy taste that is perfect for adding depth and complexity to cocktails and other drinks.
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to Averna or simply need something that will enhance the flavors of your favorite cocktail, Galliano is a versatile ingredient that will not disappoint.
For those who are new to using liqueurs in their drinks, this delicious Italian liqueur is the perfect place to start! With its distinctive flavor and wide range of uses, Galliano is sure to add a touch of sophistication to any drink.
So what are you waiting for? Try mixing up some Galliano today!
8. Nardini Tagliatella
This Italian liqueur is made with 30 different herbs and spices, including cardamom, cloves, juniper berries, iris root, liquorice root, orange peel, star anise, sugar cane, vanilla beans, saffron, cinnamon, coriander seed, nutmeg, white pepper.
It has a sweet and bitter flavor with Notes of chocolate and coffee.
Read more: Best Hazelnut Liqueur alternatives
FAQ’s on Averna substitute
Q1. Is Averna similar to Amaretto?
While there are many similarities between Averna and Amaretto, these two liqueurs have some important differences as well. Both are premium spirits that are typically enjoyed in mixed drinks or on their own, but amaretto is slightly sweeter and nuttier in flavor, while Averna has a richer and deeper flavor profile.
Additionally, while both liqueurs can be made using crushed almonds, Averna also incorporates caramelized sugar into its recipe, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to its complex flavors. Ultimately, whether you prefer the earthy taste of Averna or the hints of nuts in amaretto is largely a matter of personal taste.
Whatever your preference may be, though, both liqueurs are sure to please your palate and add a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Q2. Is Averna the same as amaro?
Although Averna and amaro are both popular digestifs, they are not the same thing. Amaro is a general term that describes a broad category of herbal liqueurs that generally share similar flavor profiles. These liqueurs may be made using different production methods and contain different herbs and spices.
On the other hand, Averna is a specific type of amaro that is produced by first infusing traditional herbs, roots, and spices with distilled alcohol and then adding additional ingredients like caramelized sugar or figs. Because of its unique flavor profile, rich color, and sweet-yet-earthy notes, Averna has become a favorite among professional chefs and culinary experts worldwide.
So while both Averna and amaro are delicious after-dinner drinks that help to aid digestion and promote relaxation, they are very different in terms of their production methods and flavor profiles. Therefore, it can be said that Averna is not the same as amaro.
Q3. Can you use Angostura bitters instead of Campari?
The answer to this query is based on what you are looking for in a bittering agent. Angostura bitters are hugely popular for their classic cinnamon-almond flavor, making them an excellent addition to a number of cocktails, from Old Fashioneds to Manhattans.
However, Campari has a distinctively fruity and herbal profile that will add complexity to your drinks in a way that Angostura bitters cannot match.
For this reason, it is often recommended that you use Campari as the bitter element in an amaro cocktail or even as an ingredient in your own homemade amaro blend.
That said, if you are simply looking for something with a rich and complex flavor profile that complements other ingredients, then Angostura bitters may be just what you need.
Ultimately, whether or not you can use Angostura bitters instead of Campari depends on the specific drink that you are making and the characteristics you want to bring out in it. So experiment with different ratios and explore all of the potential combinations! After all, the only method to know for sure is to try it out yourself.