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Avery Garnett’s Avatar Avery Garnett
29th May 2023 at 16:09
Used montenegro because, as everyone says, it's basically the same as nonino (if not better). Delicious. Bittersweet fruit, some spice from the bourbon, grapefruit notes but there is a little *something* there that makes this absolutely divine. It's not quite a refresher or tutti frutti chew but it's close.
18th May 2023 at 20:21
Beyond delicious. Perfectly balanced, beautiful color, sooo easy to drink.
I always use buffalo trace for bourbon.
Chris Brislawn’s Avatar Chris Brislawn
6th March 2023 at 05:04
Agree that Nonino makes this cocktail, but I didn't try it with rye because the amaro & aperitivo add enough complexity as it is. My wife liked it as written but I had a slight preference for a version made by replacing the Aperol with Martini & Rossi Fiero, a slightly more complex aperitivo than Aperol. Campari or a vermouth di Torino would definitely overpower the Nonino.
21st February 2023 at 02:29
Amaro Nonino really makes this cocktail. Other subs may come close, but there's a remarkable balance and zip that only Nonino delivers.

I put a couple of sage leaves in the shaker, then run purple sage along the rim of a coupe and float that for garnish - a nice savory note that pairs well with the citrus, and the color is a bonus.
13th February 2023 at 20:27
A note on substitutes: Not having Nonino I tried Averna and didn’t like it hardly at all. Now I tried with Montenegro, and it’s excellent, like adult candy. So I confirm what many others already said.
16th January 2023 at 22:56
Easily one of my favorites, biggest con is its too easy to drink
John Hinojos’ Avatar John Hinojos
3rd November 2022 at 00:28
This was a perfect aperitif. Flavourful, nicely bitter, and a good hint of citrus. Great colour. Easy to drink and very enjoyable.
Nathalie O'Flynn’s Avatar Nathalie O'Flynn
29th October 2022 at 17:58
This was tonight's aperitif choice from my Must Try list but didn't do my homework hadn't notice the Amaro lol. Too late to order the Nonino from my supplier who has it so went to the local shop and they had the Averna which is one of the alternatives listed on a list. My cocktail was dark brown though. If I make this again I may reduce the lemon. To be honest am not sure what to make of it as it doesn't taste like any other cocktails ever. My husband did make 2 litte paper planes though.
Nathalie O'Flynn’s Avatar Nathalie O'Flynn
30th October 2022 at 09:52
I just looked into the Nonino and only noticed now that this Amaron is also of a light colour like Aperol, that'll be why the colour didn't match. It may work better getting it rather than using one of the alternatives.
Calvin Grant’s Avatar Calvin Grant
18th October 2022 at 02:40
Loved this as written above. If you like that grapefruit vibe try swapping the Aperol for Amaro Santoni and a grapefruit zest twist.
Frederic D.’s Avatar Frederic D.
26th August 2022 at 22:12
Splendid. I agree with previous commenters that there is a grapefruit-like quality here. I would also add nthat this is absolutely worth purchasing some Aperol. I also tried it with Campari (all other ingredients the same), and the increased bitterness throws the drink out of balance for me.
10th July 2022 at 11:53
Solid. Tried with Campari and Bulleit Rye first and now with Nonino and Wild Turkey 81. Second is better.
Paul MATEJCEK’s Avatar Paul MATEJCEK
9th June 2022 at 00:28
Bulleit (Rye or Bourbon, depending), Campari, Aperol (or Peychaud's Apperitivo), and fresh lemon. It always amazes me how much this concoction tastes like *grapefruit*, of all things. Everyone I've made it for, so far, loves it. It's easy to make, and your friends will think you're a superstar. Just don't tell them the ingredients, unless they are adventurous.
Alexey Bereznikov’s Avatar Alexey Bereznikov
8th June 2022 at 14:43
Amaro is impossible to get where I live, thus subbed with Jagermeister - still very good!
Alexey Bereznikov’s Avatar Alexey Bereznikov
14th August 2023 at 11:23
Well actually I've made it using Nonino since then, for sure Nonino makes the drink. But, still worth trying with Jager if there is no other option.
11th August 2023 at 22:19
hilarious
2nd June 2022 at 03:30
With Fred Jerbis Amaro, this is pretty amazing.
Dominic Dirupo’s Avatar Dominic Dirupo
21st May 2022 at 23:29
Made with bourbon and Montenegro. The lemon juice and aperol almost give it a grapefruit tang. Very moreish
26th April 2022 at 10:00
Great cocktail! Tastes like a boozy orange. I put a bit more lemon juice and all the original ingredients.
John McTague’s Avatar John McTague
15th April 2022 at 18:56
I've made this with both Amaro Nonino and Amaro Nonino. Maybe I have a terrible palate, but the difference between the two resulting drinks is minor. As I don't use Nonino for much else, I'll probably stick to Montenegro in future and save some money, as Carol Smith suggests. Will definitely try this with rye next time too.
Brian  Arthur’s Avatar Brian Arthur
13th April 2022 at 21:54
I usually make this with Evan Williams white label (Bottled in Bond). It is an inexpensive bourbon that I buy by the half US gallon and it is my go-to cocktail bourbon. The Maker's 46 definitely ups it by half a star. I think Maker's 46 cask strength would be even better, but you are then getting into Single Malt price range. Sam, himself called for a short, gentle shake, and I have been stirring recently.
John Tovey’s Avatar John Tovey
10th April 2022 at 19:36
The drink that brought me here several years ago still a top 3 favourite. Agree with some others; rye over bourbon for me. Such a pleasure to make this for someone who has never had it - a proper crowd pleaser.
27th March 2022 at 01:48
I make this at home very frequently. It is one of my favorites. However, I found that it is better with Rye Whiskey rather than bourbon. Basically every bartender who knows how to make them also agrees and tends to make them that way.
11th March 2022 at 18:32
Made this with Amaro CioCiaro and it worked pretty well, a little less bright but still tasty. I also once experimented and swapped the Aperol with Cynar, suited my taste but felt kind of moody.
Zachary Taylor’s Avatar Zachary Taylor
9th March 2022 at 02:31
Made this with Cocchi Americano Rosa, orange twist. Otherwise as prescribed. Dangerously delicious drink.
Carol Smith’s Avatar Carol Smith
6th March 2022 at 22:47
I've made with both Montenegro and Nonino, and both work. Given the $ of Nonino, would probably opt for Montenegro or similar amaro substitute going forward. I like making tall versions of equal parts cocktails, with 1 oz each ingredient vs. 3/4. Held back 1/8th oz on the lemon as I find citrus can be overdone in cocktails. Glorious, multilayered.
Luca Viviani’s Avatar Luca Viviani
28th November 2021 at 12:01
An excellent drink, highly recommended. I was lucky to have Amaro Nonino at hand, it adds spicyness to the bourbon which can be quite spicy by itself.
11th September 2021 at 20:19
Just a beautifully balanced drink. Goes down too easy!
Eva S.’s Avatar Eva S.
1st August 2021 at 20:27
Did not have Nonino, so tried it with Montenegro. Quite good! Will have to obtain some Nonino to see if there is a big difference.
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Anonymous

25th June 2021 at 17:44
I didn't have any Nonino handy so substituted 2 parts Montenegro/1 part Ferrand triple sec to get closer to the more orangey profile of Nonino. This works.
Daniel Freed’s Avatar Daniel Freed
12th May 2021 at 22:51
Love this
12th April 2021 at 14:09
This is a killer good cocktail. My favorite of the "modern classics" and one of the only cocktails I know that actually works with its 4 equal parts ratio. (most of the others with that base structure benefit from some tinkering with the ratios.) This is a must try, and one you should have in your go-to repertoire.
CHRIS ELLIOTT’s Avatar CHRIS ELLIOTT
11th January 2021 at 01:50
i didnt have Amaro Nonino , and used yellow Chartreuse instead. I also followed Jason's advice & reduced the lemon juice. Worked well.