What makes a truly great Old Fashioned? Many people focus on the whiskey or the orange peel, but the secret ingredient often hides in a small, dark bottle: bitters. These potent tinctures are the unsung heroes of classic cocktails. If you have ever stared at a bar shelf crammed with different bitters, feeling overwhelmed by choices, you know the struggle. Should you pick the classic Angostura, or try a spicy Peychaud’s? Picking the wrong bottle can make your carefully crafted drink taste flat or unbalanced.
Understanding bitters is key to mastering your home bar. We cut through the confusion. This guide breaks down the essential types of Old Fashioned bitters, explaining what each one brings to your glass. You will learn how to pair flavors like a seasoned bartender, ensuring every sip of your next cocktail sings. Ready to stop guessing and start crafting perfect Old Fashioneds?
Top Old Fashioned Bitters Recommendations
- Classic cocktail flavoring.
- Used in popular drinks such as the Manhattan and Planter's Punch.
- Made with citrus oils and other spices.
- Created by Fee Brothers of Rochester, New York.
- Size: 5 fl oz.
- Old Fashioned Bitters - Pack of 2
- Comes in 2 glass 5 oz bottles
- Add Memorable Unique Flavor
- Made in Rochester, NY
- Available in Continental USA Only
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixer.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry bitters or orange bourbon bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- A delicious scent of orange lollipops with the taste of sweet and bitter orange marmalade
- It's citrus notes add complexity to everything from a simple gin and tonic to sophisticated martinis
- Crafted by Fee Brothers in Rochester, New York, USA
- It's bright flavour is obtained principally from the skins of oranges grown in the West Indies
- A few dashes add a savory zest to a huge variety of drinks and foods. This highly aromatic product is blended from the finest ingredients from around the world.
- Used in small amounts, our bitters add depth, balance, and complexity to classic cocktails like the old fashioned and innovative creations alike
- A dash of bitters makes it better - Use 1-3 dashes (0.3mL) in your drink of choice, whether it's a whiskey sour or your signature cocktail
- All Fee Brothers bitters and cocktail ingredients are vegan-friendly and gluten-free
- Family-owned since 1864, Fee Brothers has perfected their craft over five generations, offering a wide range of bar essentials including bitters, botanical waters, cocktail mixers, and flavor syrups globally
- Adorable 5-pack gift set featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters
- Includes one each of the following flavors: Orange, Spiced Cherry, Sorghum & Sassafras, Aromatic and Chocolate
- Makes the perfect gift
- Great way to mix + match for unique Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cocktails
The Essential Guide to Buying Old Fashioned Bitters
Old Fashioned bitters are the secret weapon for any great cocktail. They add depth, spice, and complexity to drinks like the classic Old Fashioned, Manhattans, and Sazeracs. Choosing the right bottle can transform your home bar. This guide helps you navigate the world of bitters so you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
Flavor Profile Complexity
- Aromatic Base: Good bitters should have a strong, pleasant smell, usually dominated by spices like clove or cinnamon.
- Balance: The best bitters do not taste overwhelmingly of just one thing (like just orange or just gentian root). They mix flavors smoothly.
- Strength (ABV): Most quality bitters have high alcohol content (often 35% to 45% ABV). This alcohol acts as a preservative and helps carry the flavor compounds.
Bottle Design and Dispenser
- Dropper Top: Look for a bottle with a controlled dropper or a small spout. You only use a few dashes at a time, so accuracy matters.
- Dark Glass: Quality bitters usually come in dark amber or brown bottles. This dark glass protects the delicate ingredients from light damage, which keeps the flavor fresh longer.
Important Ingredients and Materials
Bitters are essentially highly concentrated herbal tinctures. The ingredients matter greatly to the final taste.
The Core Components
- Bittering Agents: These are the most important parts. Gentian root, cinchona bark, and wormwood are common ingredients that give bitters their signature “bitter” note.
- Aromatics and Spices: Think of the warm flavors: nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, and citrus peels (like orange or lemon). These create the aroma.
- The Solvent: High-proof neutral grain spirit (alcohol) is used to extract the flavors from the herbs. This is why the alcohol content is high.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bottle better than another? Often, it comes down to how the product is made.
Quality Boosters
- Small Batch Production: Bitters made in smaller batches often receive more careful attention. The maceration (soaking) time is sometimes adjusted precisely.
- Whole Ingredients: Brands that use fresh or whole dried spices and roots generally produce richer, more complex flavors than those using artificial extracts.
Quality Reducers
- Artificial Flavoring: If a product relies heavily on synthetic flavorings instead of real botanicals, the taste will often seem flat or one-dimensional.
- Excessive Sweetness: While some bitters have a touch of sugar added for balance, overly sweet bitters miss the point of true bittering agents.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use bitters affects which type you should buy. Consider your primary cocktail needs.
Choosing by Cocktail Style
- Classic Angostura Style: If you make many standard cocktails (Old Fashioneds, Manhattans), a standard aromatic bitter is essential. These are versatile workhorses.
- Citrus Bitters: Orange or lemon bitters brighten up Gin and Tonics or lighter rum drinks. They provide a zesty lift.
- Specialty Bitters: Chocolate, mole, or black walnut bitters offer unique twists. Use these sparingly to experiment with dessert-style cocktails or robust whiskey drinks.
A Note on Usage: Remember, bitters are potent. You use them by the dash, not by the ounce. A good bottle lasts a very long time, even with regular use.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Old Fashioned Bitters
Q: What is the main difference between Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters?
A: Angostura bitters are darker, spicier, and have notes of clove and cinnamon. Peychaud’s bitters are much brighter, redder, and have a distinct anise or licorice flavor. Peychaud’s is traditional for the Sazerac cocktail.
Q: Do bitters ever go bad?
A: Because they are very high in alcohol, quality bitters rarely “spoil” like food. However, their flavor can fade or become dull after several years, especially if stored near heat or sunlight.
Q: Can I use bitters in non-alcoholic drinks?
A: Yes! Many people use a dash or two of aromatic bitters in sparkling water with a lemon slice to add complexity to mocktails. The small amount used usually doesn’t significantly increase the alcohol level.
Q: Are bitters healthy?
A: Historically, bitters were used as digestive aids. While they contain herbal extracts, they are primarily used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages. They are not considered a health supplement when used in cocktails.
Q: How many dashes equal one teaspoon?
A: This varies slightly by dropper, but generally, 1 teaspoon equals about 40 to 50 dashes. You will almost always measure them in dashes (2 to 4 dashes per drink).
Q: Should I refrigerate my bitters after opening?
A: No. Refrigeration is usually unnecessary and can sometimes dull the flavor. Keep them stored in a cool, dark cabinet away from the stove or direct sunlight.
Q: What are “Aromatic Bitters”?
A: Aromatic bitters are the most common type, characterized by a broad spice profile. Angostura is the most famous example of an aromatic bitter.
Q: Why are some bitters so expensive?
A: Higher prices often reflect the use of rare, high-quality botanicals, long aging processes, or intensive hand-bottling methods used by smaller, craft producers.
Q: Can I substitute orange bitters for aromatic bitters in an Old Fashioned?
A: You can, but the drink will taste different. Orange bitters lend a citrus focus, while aromatic bitters provide a warmer, spicier backbone. It’s best to use the type the recipe calls for first.
Q: What is the primary role of bitters in a cocktail?
A: Bitters tie the ingredients together. They balance the sweetness and acidity in a drink, adding a necessary layer of bitter complexity that makes the cocktail “pop.”