Amaro Nonino is an Italian bitter liqueur with notes of orange, caramel, and vanilla, best known as the star of the Paper Plane cocktail. Here’s what it tastes like, how to drink it, and the best substitutes.
The first time I tasted Amaro Nonino it was in a Paper Plane at a cocktail bar, and I spent the rest of the night trying to figure out what made that drink taste so impossibly good. The mystery ingredient turned out to be this grappa-based amaro from northern Italy, and I immediately hunted down a bottle (aka, told my husband Alex to figure out how to get it!).
Amaro Nonino is harder to find that other amaros like Aperol or Campari, and it costs about twice as much. But in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it. Here’s everything you need to know about this Italian amaro and why it’s worth finding.
What is Amaro Nonino Quintessentia?
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is an Italian amaro or bitter liqueur (amaro means “bitter” in Italian). It was invented in 1992 by a distiller named Antonio Nonino in Friuli, Italy, based on an old family recipe. It’s unique because it’s made using grappa, infusing it with herbs, fruits and botanicals. The bittersweet liqueur has flavor notes of gentian, citrus and caramel.
Other Italian amari that are distributed by the Campari Group are easy to find, like Campari, Aperol, Averna, and Cynar. But Amaro Nonino is relatively difficult to find, and it’s more expensive than the other amari.
What Does Amaro Nonino Taste Like?
Amaro Nonino is equally bitter and sweet, with notes of orange, honey, vanilla, licorice, allspice, mango, pepper, and cocoa. It’s got a unique flavor that’s worth seeking out, less sweet than other amari but still easy to drink. It’s at its best served on the rocks as an aperitif or in the popular Paper Plane cocktail. It’s similar to brown amari like Meletti and Cynar, but has a unique flavor due to the grappa.
How much alcohol is in Amaro Nonino? It is 35% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a relatively high alcohol content for an amaro. For example, Aperol is the lowest alcohol at 11% ABV, Campari is 24% ABV, and Fernet-Branca is the highest at 40 to 45% ABV (the same level as whiskey, rum, vodka and gin).
Are there any Amaro Nonino substitutes? Substitute another dark, herbal and sweet amaro like Amaro Averna, Amaro Meletti, Amaro Tosolin, or Cynar. Oddly enough, the German liqueur Jagermeister is has a similar flavor and works great as a substitute.
Why I Like It
Amaro Nonino is such a balanced amaro: it’s not as sweet as many and even easier to drink, in our opinion. It’s a fun splurge for the cocktail connoisseur. We love it in a Paper Plane or mixed with soda water. Even better, try the cocktails below.
How Much Does It Cost?
Compared to other liquors, Amaro Nonino is expensive. A 750 ml bottle costs about $50.
Storage Tip: Keep the bottle sealed in a cool, dark place (no refrigeration required). Like most liqueurs, an open bottle keeps its best flavor for about 6 months to 1 year, though it stays safe to drink long after.
Most Popular Amaro Nonino Cocktails
Amaro Nonino is great sipped straight or on the rocks, or you can mix it up into drinks. Don’t want to follow a recipe? Mix it with soda water to create a make-shift spritzer. Or, check out these favorite Amaro Nonino cocktails:
The top Amaro Nonino cocktail? The Paper Plane! This must-make drink is a brilliant study in balance and contrast. It’s bitter, sweet and tangy all at once, hitting a magical synergy between the bourbon, Amaro Nonino, and Aperol.
Ingredients: Amaro Nonino, Aperol, Bourbon whiskey, lemon juice
This drink is another great way to enjoy the flavors of Amaro Nonino! It's bubbly, bittersweet, and absolutely refreshing. Cousin of the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz, using Amaro Nonino makes it a glowing golden brown with citrus, licorice and bittersweet notes.
Ingredients: Amaro Nonino, Prosecco, soda water
Swap in Amaro Nonino for a unique spin on the Black Manhattan! This classy drink swaps out sweet vermouth for this special amaro. It’s strong and boozy, like any good Manhattan, but with cocoa and licorice notes on the finish. This one’s one of a kind.
Ingredients: Amaro Nonino, bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters
This intriguing spin on the Negroni features Amaro Nonino, with hints of cocoa, citrus, licorice, and an herbal bitter finish. It makes a mellow Negroni that’s more interesting to drink, in our opinion! It's a riff on the classic Negroni, a classic cocktail invented in the 1920’s in Italy.
Ingredients: Amaro Nonino, gin, and sweet vermouth
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