Cocktail bitters are concentrated flavor extracts made by infusing herbs, spices, roots, and other botanicals in alcohol. They play an essential role in mixology by enhancing the flavor profile and adding depth and complexity to cocktails.
Bitters balance sweet, bright, and spicy flavors while binding them into something more cohesive. Though they may taste quite bitter on their own, bitters don’t overpower in a mixed drink. Rather, they pull everything together in the way that salt enhances food.
The “holy trinity” of cocktail bitters found behind most bars consists of Angostura, Peychaud’s, and orange. However, there are many other types like grapefruit, tiki, cherry bark vanilla, celery, and more that mixologists use to create unique flavor combinations.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Bitters "Triple Play" Variety Pack
A must-have cocktail bitters variety 3-pack including 4 oz Angostura aromatic bitters, 5 oz Regan’s orange bitters and 5 oz Peychaud’s New Orleans-style bitters.
The Bitters “Triple Play” Variety Pack brings together three popular cocktail bitters brands to add complex flavors to cocktails, spirits and even some foods. This variety pack includes:
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters (4 oz) – The classic aromatic bitters made from a secret blend of herbs and spices since 1824. Adds depth and complexity across cocktails.
- Regan’s Orange Bitters (5 oz) – Subtly sweet orange bitters balanced with warm spices like cinnamon and clove from renowned cocktail expert Gary Regan. Brightens and enhances many cocktails.
- Peychaud’s New Orleans-Style Bitters (5 oz) – The iconic crimson bitters essential for Sazeracs and whiskey cocktails. Features vibrant cherry and anise flavors. A New Orleans tradition since the 1800s.
With just a few dashes, these high quality bitters amplify and balance flavors in countless cocktails. An essential kit for home mixologists looking to take their drink-making skills to the next level.
Fee Brothers Bar Cocktail Bitters Variety Pack (6 flavors)
A must-have assortment of six 4oz bottles of Fee Brothers premium cocktail bitters, including West Indies Orange, Peach, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mint and Old Fashioned flavors. Made in Rochester, NY since 1863.
Elevate your home bar with the Fee Brothers Bar Cocktail Bitters Variety Pack. This all-star assortment includes six 4oz bottles of Fee Brothers’ top bitters flavors:
- West Indies Orange Bitters – Bright, citrusy orange notes balanced with warm spices
- Peach Bitters – Sweet stone fruit flavor with subtle tartness
- Lemon Bitters – Zesty, sour lemon bitters to lift and balance cocktails
- Grapefruit Bitters – Ruby red grapefruit meets anise, great for paloma cocktails
- Mint Bitters – Cool, herbal mint bitters add intrigue to any drink
- Old Fashioned Bitters – The classic aromatic bitters for spirit-forward cocktails
Crafted in Rochester, NY by America’s premier cocktail bitters maker since 1863, each bottle delivers bold, quality flavor to amplify your favorite cocktails. A must-have kit for amateur and pro mixologists alike.
Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters (5oz)
A must-have 5oz bottle of sweet and bitter orange bitters from cocktail experts Fee Brothers. Adds bright citrus flavor and aromatic depth to cocktails, soda water and more. Handcrafted in Rochester, NY since 1863.
Elevate your home bar with a bottle of Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters. These premium bitters balance sweet orange essence with bitter orange peel for a complex yet approachable flavor.
- Made with bitter orange grown in the West Indies and Fee Brothers’ secret blend of spices
- Lovely citrus aroma with a sweet yet tart orange marmalade taste
- Enhances flavor of cocktails, soda water, gin and tonics
- Produced by America’s premier cocktail bitters maker since 1863
Just a few dashes of these quality orange bitters are enough to make any drink more interesting. Essential for amateur and pro mixologists alike.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters
A must-have Woodford Reserve gift set with five 10mL bottles of their exceptional bourbon barrel aged cocktail bitters to amplify classic cocktails.
Elevate your home bar with the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters Dram Set. This gift set includes five 10mL bottles of Woodford Reserve’s small-batch bitters, each bursting with dynamic flavor:
- Orange Bitters – Sweet orange and warm spices
- Spiced Cherry Bitters – Tart cherry and baking spices
- Sorghum & Sassafras Bitters – Earthy sorghum molasses and sassafras
- Aromatic Bitters – The Woodford Reserve signature bitters blend
- Chocolate Bitters – Luxurious dark chocolate and vanilla
Expertly crafted at the Woodford Reserve distillery, these bitters are aged to perfection in retired bourbon barrels. Just a few dashes in your favorite cocktails or even seltzer water brings forward vibrant, high-quality flavor. An exceptional introduction to Woodford Reserve’s bitters line.
Strongwater Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer
A handcrafted old fashioned syrup by Strongwater with organic demarara sugar, tart cherries, orange zest, spices and bitters to easily make 32 perfect old fashioned cocktails. Just add your choice of bourbon, rye or whiskey.
Enjoy an expertly-crafted old fashioned cocktail anytime with the Strongwater Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer. This premium syrup contains:
- Organic demerara sugar for depth and balancing sweetness
- Tart organic cherries and orange zest for fruit-forward flavor
- Aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom and clove
- Perfectly-balanced aromatic bitters
With just a pour of the mixer and your preferred brown liquor over ice, you’ll have a balanced, smooth and aromatic old fashioned cocktail. The 32-drink yield means your home bar will stay well-stocked for crafting cocktails on demand for any occasion.
Fee Brothers Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters
A 5oz bottle of classic aromatic bitters from Fee Brothers, made with Angostura bark and other spices and citrus oils since 1863. Essential for Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and more.
Bring timeless flavor to your home bar with Fee Brothers Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters. Crafted in Rochester, NY since 1863, this 5oz bottle delivers bold, aromatic bitters flavor made from:
- Angostura Bark – Provides a distinctive bitter bite
- Warm Spices – Well-balanced notes of cinnamon, clove and more
- Citrus Oils – Bright, fresh citrus tones
Just a few dashes in any spirit-forward cocktail like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned makes all the difference, adding depth, complexity and balancing sweetness. An essential ingredient for classic cocktails from one of America’s premier cocktail bitters makers.
Strongwater Original Cocktail Bitters Sampler (5 flavors)
An award-winning assortment of five 0.5oz bottles of Strongwater’s expertly crafted cocktail bitters, including Cherry, Orange, Aromatic, Black Walnut and Lavender flavors. Handmade in small batches in Colorado.
Take your cocktail game to new heights with the Strongwater Original Cocktail Bitters Sampler. This must-have set includes five 0.5oz dropper bottles of Strongwater’s signature bitters flavors:
- Cherry Bitters – Sweet cherry balanced by warm spices like clove and cinnamon
- Orange Bitters – Bright, citrusy orange bitters with subtle herbal complexity
- Aromatic Bitters – A harmonious blend of potent spices like cardamom, vanilla and citrus
- Black Walnut Bitters – Deep, earthy walnut bitters lend intrigue to any cocktail
- Lavender Bitters – Ethereal floral lavender bitters to calm and balance drinks
Expertly hand-crafted in small batches in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, each gluten-free bitters bottle delivers bold, authentic flavor to amplify your favorite cocktails. For amateur and pro mixologists alike.
Angostura Aromatic Bitters (16 oz) - Pack of 2
Angostura aromatic bitters add complexity and accentuate flavors in cocktails. This pack contains two 16 oz bottles of the iconic Angostura brand’s aromatic bitters, featuring their distinctive oversized label and yellow cap.
Angostura’s aromatic bitters are a staple ingredient behind bars around the world. Often used in small amounts, these bitters enhance and bring together the flavors of cocktails through their complex blend of gentian, spices and other botanicals. This two-pack offers great value for the home mixologist or entertainer looking to keep their supply well-stocked.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Iconic Angostura brand with distinctive oversized label and yellow cap
- Complex blend of gentian, spices and botanicals adds depth of flavor
- Enhances and brings together flavors in cocktails
- Used in many classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and more
- Two 16 oz bottles offer great value and ensure ample supply
With a history going back nearly 200 years, Angostura’s aromatic bitters have stood the test of time. This two-pack provides an essential component for crafting perfect cocktails at home.
Dashfire Spiced Apple Bitters (100ml)
Dashfire’s spiced apple bitters feature a complex blend of apple, cinnamon, clove and other spices to create a unique, full-flavored bitters perfect for fall cocktails. The 100ml glass bottle comes with a dropper top for easily adding dashes.
Crafted in small batches in Minnesota, Dashfire’s spiced apple bitters balance sweet apple and tart fruit notes with warming cinnamon, clove and spice. Complex yet approachable, a few dashes in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan provides a depth and character perfect for autumnal sipping.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Complex apple and spice blend for seasonal cocktails
- Balances sweet apple with cinnamon, clove and spice
- Full-flavored profile enhances fall cocktails
- Glass bottle with dropper for easily adding dashes
- Small batch bitters handcrafted in Minnesota
Capture the flavors of the season with Dashfire’s Spiced Apple Bitters – an essential component for crafting creative autumnal cocktails at home.
Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters (5 oz)
Fee Brothers’ Aztec Chocolate bitters offer a sweet chocolate flavor with hints of spice and heat. The 5 oz bottle provides a unique addition for creative cocktails, especially rum, tequila and whiskey drinks.
Drawing inspiration from ancient Aztec traditions, Fee Brothers blends premium cacao with aromatic peppers and spices to produce their Aztec Chocolate bitters. With over 150 years of experience, Fee Brothers creates small batch bitters that expand and enhance cocktail flavors.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Sweet chocolate flavor with spice and heat
- Ancient Aztec-inspired recipe using cacao, peppers and spices
- 5 oz bottle provides ample supply
- Enhances rum, tequila and whiskey cocktails
- Made by family-owned Fee Brothers (est. 1863)
Add new dimensions to your home bar repertoire with the rich, enticing flavors of Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters. A dash or two can transform basic spirits into unique, memorable cocktails.
The Secret Language of Bitters: Deciphering Flavors in Craft Cocktails
Bitters have long played an integral yet subtle role in crafting cocktails. Though just a few dashes can transform the complexity of a drink, bitters remain an enigmatic ingredient to many. This article will explore the world of bitters – their history, production, types, and how they creatively contribute to mixology.
We’ll look at how leading bartenders artfully deploy bitters to balance flavors and also examine some traditional and innovative recipes showcasing their magic. With a discerning palate, anyone can conceptualize and taste cocktails with new appreciation for the breadth of flavors unlocked by bitters.
Unveiling the World of Bitters
Bitters have an extensive history intertwined with cocktails. Records show the first published cocktail recipe in 1806 included bitters. Concentrated tinctures made by macerating roots, barks, herbs, spices, and botanicals in high-proof alcohol, bitters were originally consumed for reputed medicinal qualities. Their intense and often unpleasant taste signaled potency.
During Prohibition, bitters escaped bans thanks to their perceived health benefits. Nevertheless, the craft languished and few companies survived. Bitters were relegated as mere accessories until the cocktail renaissance beginning in 2000. With bartenders reviving vintage recipes and experimenting with new flavors, bitters assumed their rightful place as an indispensable ingredient.
Today’s bitters represent diverse botanical blends with distinctive profiles. Through skillful combination with other ingredients, bitters unlock subtle aromas and flavors to enhance cocktails. Let’s explore the major types of bitters and their contributions.
The Role of Bitters in Crafting Cocktails
While alcohol, sweeteners, and diluents constitute the structure of cocktails, bitters add the finishing layer of depth and dimension. Just a few dashes of these highly-concentrated extracts introduce notes that intermingle with the main ingredients.
In cocktails containing just liquor, sugar, and water, bitters bind the stark simplicity. The bitterness balances sweetness, while accent notes round out harsh edges. With more intricate recipes, bitters provide rich enhancement such as highlighting citrus overtones in sours or augmenting spice in tiki drinks.
Additionally, bitters contribute visual appeal by altering the color or producing a crowning layer of foam. Through both taste and presentation, bitters transform basic mixes into crafted cocktails.
Types of Bitters and Their Flavor Profiles
Myriad varieties of bitters now exist, ranging from venerable brands long essential to mixology to startups experimenting with new essences. While their flavor profiles span the spectrum, several main types comprise the building blocks.
Aromatic Bitters
Spicy, complex blends often based on gentian root or angostura bark, aromatic bitters deliver a signature mix of bitterness, sweetness, and botanical notes. They harmonize with brown spirits like whiskey and rum while contrasting sweet ingredients.
The eponymous Angostura brand remains a staple in bars worldwide. Bold and warming with cinnamon, clove, and citrus tones, it defines old fashioneds, manhattans, and other classics. Smaller brands like Fee Brothers, Scrappy’s, and Dashfire offer their aromatic interpretations.
Orange Bitters
Bright citrus bitters add zesty top notes to cocktails. Their fruit-forward profile accentuates gin and vodka while aligning with rum’s tropical nature. A splash of orange bitters balances tart and sweet flavors.
Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 has become an industry standard. A burst of fresh oranges with cardamom and other spices, it excels in martinis adding vibrancy. Smaller producers like Bittermens, Scrappy’s, and Hella also craft orange bitters spinning from traditional to innovative.
Cocoa Bitters
The rich, warming essence of chocolate makes cocoa bitters a versatile option. Their indulgent flavor adapts equally well into spiritous or creamy cocktails.
Angostura’s own Cocoa Bitters lead the niche with a smooth, bittersweet profile redolent of dark chocolate. Fee Brothers and Scrappy’s chocolate offerings present further takes on the decadent theme. A dash of cocoa bitters turns a simple drink into a sophisticated experience.
Amaro Di Angostura Bitters
Drawing on an Italian tradition of herbal liqueurs called amari, Amaro Di Angostura Bitters represent the newest addition to the brand’s repertoire. Complex layers of botanicals create a distinct bitter profile.
Their versatility shines blending equally well into stirred spiritous cocktails as tropical rum drinks. On their own, they make a fine digestif. As Angostura’s first product beyond their iconic aromatic and orange bitters, Amaro Di Angostura opens new dimensions for mixology exploration.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles with Bitters
While each style of bitters contributes unique flavors, part of their magic comes through enhancing the profiles of other ingredients.
As concentrated tinctures, bitters introduce subtle background notes that draw out primary flavors in bold new directions. For example, dashes of cocoa bitters play up subtle chocolate tones in bourbons. Orange bitters accentuate citric top notes in gin botanicals.
Rather than covering up main flavors, bitters amplify the nuances already present. They ultimately allow the true nature of spirits, juices, syrups to shine brighter.
Traditional Recipes Featuring Bitters
Pre-Prohibition cocktails stand as classics for good reason. Bitters played a starring role in many vintage recipes still popular today. Exploring traditional drinks offers lessons on how best to deploy different bitters.
Classic Cocktails
The old fashioned remains a testament to the power of bitters transforming liquor and sugar into a balanced, complex delight. Originally a mix of whiskey, water, sugar, and bitters, the basic template allows endless riffing from different spirits to fruit garnishes.
Few cocktails can rival a well-crafted Sazerac for showcasing how bitters tie together strong flavors. The anise and spice notes of absinthe and aromatic bitters bridge the gap between rye whiskey and sugar into a smooth symphony.
While bitters serve mainly as seasoning in most drinks, the vodka martini presents an exception. Dashes of orange bitters make up one-third the recipe for a reason – their bursting citrus aroma provides the entire flavor profile.
Innovative Concoctions
Forward-thinking mixologists have also pushed boundaries on applying bitters. Drinks like the bitter French combine aromatic bitters with dry vermouth as the base spirit – essentially a martini with bitters in the starring role. The Toronto adds Fernet-Branca, an intensely bitter Italian amaro, with rye whiskey and sugar for a bracing yet balanced cocktail. Other novel recipes highlight creative pairings between specific bitters and ingredients.
While such drinks may challenge conventional palates, they expand the lexicon on how to perceive and utilize bitters. The essential bitters canon continues growing as more bartenders experiment with unorthodox combinations.
Unique Contributions of Different Bitters
Thus far we have explored broad styles, but even within categories, each brand of bitters lends their distinctive touch.
Aromatic, Orange, Cocoa, Amaro Di Angostura
The array of aromatic bitters presents a spectrum spanning the spicy intensity of Angostura to more mellow blends with distinct seasoning notes like cardamom, vanilla, grapefruit, and beyond.
While traditional Seville orange peels define brands like Regans’, more exotic citrus like blood orange, Meyer lemon, and yuzu fruit diversify orange bitters’ profiles.
The cocoa and chocolate-focused bitters run the gamut from dark and brooding to creamy and sweet. Each imprints their signature onto cocktails.
As a newcomer, Amaro Di Angostura makes a unique mark among bitters. Drawing inspiration from amari’s herbal liqueur tradition while retaining Angostura’s distinctive house style, it strikes a novel balance.
Even confined to types, bitters showcase enormous range. Their diversity means more tools for bartenders to craft custom flavor profiles.
Exploring Mixology with Bitters
While home enthusiasts can endlessly tinker with bitters, professional bartenders have truly elevated them into an artform. Let’s examine their creative usage along with profiles of noted mixologists dedicated to the craft.
Bartenders and Mixologists Specializing in Bitters
Certain expert bartenders have devoted themselves to unlocking new dimensions through bitters. Just as chefs constantly experiment with herbs and spices in the kitchen, these mixologists endlessly fine-tune recipes by tweaking dashes and types of bitters.
Creative Usage of Bitters
Bartenders like Jim Meehan emphasize fresh ingredients and historical connections while reinventing classic cocktails. In his work, bitters accentuate spirits like whiskey and rum to balance sweeteners and fruit.
Other mixologists like Charlotte Voisey highlight unique botanical and aromatic bitters to add complexity. Rather than just seasoning, bitters transform into the main event within layered, avant garde drinks.
From Tony Abou-Ganim’s specialty house bitters to Julie Reiner’s seasonal combinations, top bartenders demonstrate how bitters can channel a signature style.
Profiles of Expert Mixologists
Behind every great cocktail lies an artist deploying ingredients like instruments. Examining three standout bartenders known for bitters mastery illuminates their philosophy and approach.
Jim Meehan publishes acclaimed books on mixology while managing New York bars PDT and Please Don’t Tell. His elevated classic cocktails shine light on bitters marrying with spirits.
Charlotte Voisey, former Director of Mixology for William Grant & Sons, excels through innovative drinks mixing flavors in novel ways. Her combinations highlight unique bitters like lavender or olive.
Angostura’s Global Cocktailian Daniyel Jones serves as an ambassador exploring bitters potential. From rum tiki drinks to whiskey flights, he champions bitters binding together diverse ingredients.
All demonstrate that a deep well of creativity remains untapped within bitters.
Tasting Cocktails with a Bitter Palate
Becoming an aficionado of bitters starts by paying attention as you taste cocktails. Let
Conceptualizing Cocktails
Before pouring anything, take time to think about flavors. As you scan cocktail recipes, consider what role bitters play in the overall profile rather than just counting dashes.
Imagine how orange bitters balance tart citrus or aromatic bitters tie together herbaceous gin. Building flavor concepts in your mind first develops an analytical tasting approach.
Also pay attention to proportions of sweet, sour, strong, and weak elements. Position where bitters enter that spectrum within each cocktail template from sours to tiki.
Developing a Discerning Palate for Bitters
Tasting deliberately side-by-side cocktails with and without bitters draws out their nuances. As you try recipes containing just liquor, sugar, and water then add bitters, discover how they meld into or transmute flavors.
Start with iconic templates like old fashioneds and manhattans, tasting the bitters’ interplay with whiskey or vermouth. Then move towards more exotic drinks with unique bittering agents like amari or quinquinas.
Allow time to dissect each sensation from initial sip through finish. Consider how bitters balance sweet and strong then linger as an echo. From citrus to spice to chocolate and beyond, catalog flavor notes unlocked by bitters.
Soon you’ll detect intricate layers in any cocktail, appreciating bitters as the magic finishing element binding everything into harmony.
