7 Substitutes for Kina Lillet That Bring the Zing

If you’ve found yourself standing in the middle of a cocktail recipe, only to realize Kina Lillet isn’t in your bar cart, you’re not alone.

This iconic, slightly bitter aperitif has been discontinued for decades, so getting your hands on it nowadays is virtually impossible.

The good news? Plenty of modern substitutes are up to the challenge of recreating that same layered, citrus-forward flavor that made Kina Lillet famous.

Whether you’re whipping up a Vesper, a Corpse Reviver #2, or another cocktail asking for Kina Lillet’s charm, there’s no need to halt your mixology session.

To help keep your drinks balanced and brimming with flavor, we’ve rounded up a mix of liquors, fortified wines, and aperitifs that can work well in place of Kina Lillet.

Each of these options brings its own twist to cocktails, so feel free to experiment to see which one earns a permanent spot in your bar.

7 Easy Substitutes for Kina Lillet

1. Lillet Blanc – A Classic Stand-In

Lillet Blanc is the modern version of Kina Lillet, making it the most natural substitute. Though it’s not as bitter as the original formula, it still has that citrusy, floral sweetness and fortified wine structure you’re looking for. Lillet Blanc pairs beautifully with both gin and vodka in classic cocktails while still holding its own as a sipping aperitif with a twist of orange.

To mimic Kina Lillet’s subtle bitterness, you can add a dash of orange bitters to your drink when using Lillet Blanc. Use a 1-to-1 swap in recipes calling for Kina Lillet, and it won’t miss a beat. For more ideas on versatile aperitifs, check out Lillet Blanc substitutes to expand your options.

2. Cocchi Americano – The Bitter Edge

Cocchi Americano is often crowned as the closest flavor match to the original Kina Lillet. It’s a fortified wine with a pronounced bitter bite and bright citrus notes, thanks to gentian root and fruit zest in the mix. The bold, herbaceous vibe of Cocchi Americano makes it a strong candidate for cocktails that call for a “quinquina” like Kina Lillet.

Because of its bitterness, Cocchi Americano works particularly well in bitter-forward cocktails like a Vesper Martini. Use it as a 1-to-1 substitute, but if you prefer your cocktails slightly less assertive, consider cutting it with a splash of simple syrup. Learn more about this staple and other options at Cocchi substitutes to find a taste match that suits you.

3. Dry Vermouth – The Restocking Savior

Dry vermouth won’t perfectly replicate Kina Lillet’s distinctive flavor profile, but it’s armed with enough brightness and complexity to step up in a pinch. As a fortified wine, it has the necessary structure to hold its own in cocktails, especially when paired with fruit-forward or bitter ingredients to give it a boost.

For a closer match, try adding a small splash of orange liqueur or Aperol along with dry vermouth. Use the combined liquids in a 1-to-1 ratio to replicate Kina Lillet’s character. Dry vermouth is especially great in gin-based cocktails or spritzes. For more versatile swaps, check out vermouth substitutes to see other options that can fit your needs.

4. St-Germain – The Floral Twist

St-Germain may take the flavor in a slightly more floral direction, but its combination of elderflower and citrus notes makes it a flavorful stand-in for Kina Lillet. It lacks the bitterness of a quinquina, so it works best in cocktails that lean toward refreshing and lightly sweet profiles.

For each tablespoon of Kina Lillet, use about ¾ tablespoon of St-Germain to keep from overpowering your drink. You can always balance the sweetness by adding a splash of fresh lemon or grapefruit juice to bring out its more citrus-inspired notes. Curious about floral additions to cocktails? Explore St-Germain substitutes to keep your drinks lively.

5. Amaro Nonino – Bitter with Depth

Amaro Nonino’s bitter complexity and herbaceous character make it a richer substitute for Kina Lillet, perfect for cocktails with darker spirits or as a twist on aperitif-style drinks. It adds a deeper flavor profile, thanks to its roots in Italian bitter liqueur traditions, alongside just enough citrus sweetness to balance it all out.

Use about ¾ the amount of Amaro Nonino as Kina Lillet, as its bitterness and weightier body can quickly dominate a drink. It shines in stirred cocktails and anything that calls for a fortified wine with bitter depth. Want more on amaro swaps? Check out amaro substitutes to explore your options further.

6. White Port – A Seamless Substitution

White port isn’t a traditional quinquina, but its crisp, sweet, and lightly herbal profile makes it a surprisingly good swap for Kina Lillet in certain recipes. It doesn’t offer the same bitterness, which means it works best in simpler, lighter cocktails or when paired with bitter liqueurs for balance.

Swap lime or orange juice into the drink when using white port as a substitute to add a touch of acidity and zing. Use a 1-to-1 ratio for most cocktail recipes. If you’re keen on exploring port’s potential, swing by port substitutes for extra ideas to elevate your drinks.

7. Suze – The Wild Card Pick

For those who like to push flavor boundaries, Suze brings something fun to the mix. Crafted from gentian root, Suze is unapologetically bitter and aromatic, delivering a punchy herbal kick. It’s not sweet like Kina Lillet, but in the right cocktail, its bold bitterness creates a satisfying contrast that works beautifully.

Since Suze is more potent, start with half the amount called for in recipes and incrementally add more based on taste. Pair it with a touch of honey or simple syrup if you want to offset the bitterness. See how Suze holds up next to other options at Suze substitutes for even more cocktail inspiration.

Mastering mixology means knowing how to pivot when a specific ingredient is out of reach. Each of these substitutes has its own character, letting you create cocktails that are as exciting as they are flavorful. Whether you stick with the classics like Lillet Blanc or try a wildcard like Suze, there’s always room to shake up your drink selection in new and surprising ways!