Ingredients
Bitter orange dominates, backed by gentian, rhubarb and a handful of warm spices. The profile lands close to Amaro Nonino's orange-and-caramel register without the grappa base, which is exactly why it turns up as the budget swap in Paper Planes and Bijou variations.
- ✦Bitter orange peel
- ✦Sweet orange
- ✦Gentian root
- ✦Rhubarb
- ✦Cinchona bark
- ✦Cinnamon
- ✦Clove
- ✦Herbs of the Ciociaria
History of the Brand
The Capuano brothers founded their distillery in Alatri, in the Ciociaria region south-east of Rome, in 1873.
"Ciociaro" refers to the people of that area, named for the ciocia, the traditional leather footwear of Lazio's hill country.
The amaro stayed a regional product for most of its life and never developed the national profile of Averna or Montenegro.
Its export career was made almost entirely by American bartenders looking for something to put in a Paper Plane when the Nonino ran out — a reputation the brand has never quite escaped, and one that keeps it in constant demand.
Tasting Characteristics
Bright bitter orange, marmalade, a little cinnamon and clove.
Candied orange peel and caramel, moderate gentian bitterness, warm baking spice.
Medium, citrus-bitter, clean.
Flavor meter
How to serve it
- 01In a Paper Plane in place of Nonino — the single most common use.
- 02Over ice with an orange slice.
- 03Neat after dinner at room temperature.
- 04In a Naked and Famous when you want more orange and less bite.
- 05Split with sweet vermouth in a Manhattan variation.
Where to Get It
Usually sold in a 1-liter bottle at a low price, which is a large part of the appeal. Distribution is decent in the US but spottier than the major brands.
Specialty bottle shops
Look for the 1L bottle at $25–$32 — excellent value per ounce.
Online spirits retailers
Commonly listed under 'Nonino alternatives'.
Italy
Easy to find around Rome and Frosinone, harder elsewhere.
Affiliate buying links coming soon.
Amaro Ciociaro FAQ
What is Amaro Ciociaro?
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An orange-forward amaro made since 1873 by Distilleria Ciociara F.lli Capuano in Alatri, Lazio, bottled at 30% ABV and usually sold in 1-liter bottles.
Is Amaro Ciociaro a good Nonino substitute?
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It is the standard one. Ciociaro shares Nonino's orange-and-caramel register at roughly half the price, though it lacks the grappa base's silkiness and length.
What does Amaro Ciociaro taste like?
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Candied bitter orange and marmalade with caramel sweetness, warm cinnamon and clove, and moderate gentian bitterness on a medium-light body.
Can I use Amaro Ciociaro in a Paper Plane?
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Yes — equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Ciociaro and lemon juice, shaken and served up. It is the most common swap when Nonino is unavailable.
How much does Amaro Ciociaro cost?
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Typically $25–$32 for a full liter, which makes it one of the best-value cocktail amari on the shelf.