Bitters

Discover the Best Bitters: Top Brands, Cocktail Tricks, and Where to Find Great Deals

What Are Bitters and Why They Matter

Bitters are concentrated flavor extracts—tiny bottles with mighty power. Think of them as the spice rack for cocktails: a dash or two can transform a drink from flat to fascinating. Originally used for medicinal purposes, bitters now play starring roles in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, and they sneak into modern recipes for added depth. Curious how a few drops can reshape flavor? That’s the magic of bitters: intense, complex, and designed to be used sparingly.

The Main Types of Bitters and How to Use Them

Not all bitters are created equal. Some add warmth, others brightness, and a few bring vegetal or spicy notes. Knowing the main categories helps you match a bitter to a recipe or a meal.

Aromatic Bitters

Aromatic bitters are the “all-purpose” option—rich, spicy, and slightly sweet. They’re what bartenders reach for when they want to add complexity without changing the drink’s character. A dash or two in an Old Fashioned or a dash over a citrus peel makes a world of difference.

Citrus and Orange Bitters

Citrus bitters brighten cocktails with zesty oils and bitter peel notes. They’re perfect in gin or vodka cocktails where you want to emphasize freshness. Try them in a gin and tonic or a classic Martini to lift the aromatics without adding sugar.

Savory and Herbal Bitters

Herbal bitters can range from celery to green chartreuse-style blends. These are excellent in savory cocktails (think Bloody Mary riffs) or in low-proof aperitif mixes. They’re a smart choice when you want herbal backbone rather than sweet citrus.

Specialty Bitters (Chocolate, Coffee, Spiced)

Specialty bitters—like chocolate, coffee, or cardamom—are for when you want a specific flavor highlight. A few drops in a dessert cocktail or stirred drink can act like a garnish made of flavor, not just appearance.

Top Bitters Brands to Know

When shopping or comparing, certain names pop up again and again. These brands are widely available, respected by bartenders, and offer consistent results whether you’re crafting a classic or inventing your own drink.

Angostura Bitters

Angostura is the iconic aromatic bitters—those small cylindrical bottles with the oversized label. A staple in Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, a 4 oz bottle lasts a long time because you only use very small amounts. It’s a foundational bottle for any at-home bar.

Peychaud’s Bitters

Peychaud’s is lighter and more floral than Angostura, with a slightly sweeter profile. It’s the classic choice for the Sazerac. Keep a 4 oz bottle on hand if you love New Orleans-style cocktails or want a softer aromatic touch.

Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6

Regans’ Orange Bitters are a go-to for citrus complexity. They’re a favorite for Martinis and gin cocktails. A 4 oz bottle is typical and great for experimenting with citrus-forward recipes.

Fee Brothers

Fee Brothers makes a broad range of flavored bitters—chocolate, cherry, peach, and more. Their selection is handy when you need a particular note to pop in a cocktail. Bottle sizes usually hover around 3.5 to 4 oz, perfect for trying new flavors without committing to huge quantities.

Bittermens and Scrappy’s

Bittermens and Scrappy’s focus on artisan, bold flavors. Think grapefruit, Xocolatl mole, and other craft-driven options. These brands are great for bartenders and adventurous home mixologists who like to experiment.

Aperitif Bitters (Campari, Aperol)

Campari and Aperol are technically bitter liqueurs rather than concentrated bitters, but they deserve a mention because they’re staples in bitter-driven cocktails like the Negroni or the Aperol Spritz. They’re used in larger quantities—usually measured in ounces—so keep that in mind when comparing value.

How to Choose the Right Bitters for Your Bar

Picking a bottle depends on what you drink most and how often you entertain. Ask yourself: Do you mainly make whiskey cocktails? Do you prefer gin and vermouth? Or are you experimenting with modern mixes? Your answers point to the right bitters.

Start with Aromatic and Orange

If you’re building your first set, grab an aromatic (like Angostura) and an orange bitters. These two are versatile and cover a huge swath of classic cocktails. They also complement each other nicely in layered recipes.

Size and Frequency Matter

Bitters are sold in small bottles—commonly 3.5 to 4 oz for many brands, while aperitif liqueurs come in 25.4 oz or 16.9 oz bottles. If you cocktail weekly, a 4 oz bitters bottle will last months. If you host often and dabble in larger quantities like aperitif liqueurs, consider bigger bottles for better value.

Alcohol Content and Flavor Concentration

Most bitters have high alcohol content, which helps with preservation and extraction. That means a little goes a long way. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, start with fewer dashes and adjust.

Classic Cocktails and the Bitters That Make Them Sing

Want to make your drinks taste like they came from a quality bar? Adding the correct bitters is often the final touch that makes a simple recipe sing. Here are some reliable pairings.

Old Fashioned — Aromatic Bitters

The Old Fashioned is all about balance: sugar, whiskey, and aromatic bitters. Use 2 oz of bourbon or rye, 1 sugar cube or 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of aromatic bitters. Stir with ice and garnish with an orange twist.

Manhattan — Aromatic or Peychaud’s

For a Manhattan, combine 2 oz rye or bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of aromatic or Peychaud’s bitters for a lighter finish. Stir and strain into a chilled glass—this is old-school elegance with minimal fuss.

Negroni — Aperitif Liqueur + Optional Orange Bitters

Negroni is equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Add a fresh orange peel and, if you want a citrusy boost, 1 dash of orange bitters. Serve over a large ice cube for slow dilution and maximal flavor.

Sazerac — Peychaud’s for Authenticity

The Sazerac calls for rye, a sugar cube, Peychaud’s bitters, and an absinthe rinse. Peychaud’s carries the delicate floral notes that make a Sazerac unique. Use 2 oz rye, 1 sugar cube, 3 dashes Peychaud’s, and rinse the glass with a small amount of absinthe.

Using Bitters Beyond Cocktails: Food and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Bitters aren’t just for booze. They add complexity in cooking and can spoof the botanical notes of spirits in non-alcoholic drinks.

Culinary Uses

Try a dash of bitters in sauces, marinades, or a pan reduction for meats—particularly in beef or game dishes where you want depth. Bitters pair well with citrus glazes and can tame sweetness in desserts like chocolate tarts or caramel sauces.

Non-Alcoholic Applications

Mix a dash of aromatic or citrus bitters into sparkling water, iced tea, or mocktails for complexity. Because you use so little, the small alcohol content in bitters usually isn’t noticeable in non-alcoholic presentations—but always check the product label if you need to be strictly alcohol-free.

DIY Bitters: Easy Recipes to Try at Home

Making bitters is surprisingly accessible. All you need are botanicals, a high-proof neutral spirit, and patience. Start small—a 4 oz bottle-sized batch is perfect for experimentation.

Simple Citrus Bitters

Peel 2 large oranges (avoid pith), add 1 tablespoon dried gentian root or gentian powder, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, and cover with 6 oz high-proof neutral spirit. Steep for 1 to 2 weeks, shaking daily, then strain and bottle. Use 1 to 2 dashes per drink.

Aromatic House Bitters

Combine 1 tablespoon cinnamon chips, 1 tablespoon cardamom pods, 1 tablespoon angostura-style bittering agents like gentian, and 6 oz neutral spirit. Steep similarly, taste often, and stop when the flavor fits your preference. If too intense, dilute slightly with more neutral spirit.

How to Store Bitters and Their Shelf Life

Good news: bitters last a long time. Because they’re high in alcohol and low in water, they resist spoilage. Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and they’ll stay stable for years.

Practical Tips

Store bitters upright to avoid leakages and wipe the neck before capping to prevent stickiness. If you notice a change in aroma or cloudiness, it’s probably time to replace the bottle—but that’s rare with proper storage.

Where to Find the Best Deals and Compare Prices

Bitters are sold at liquor stores, specialty shops, and online. Since many bottles are small, price comparisons matter. Look for bundle deals, multi-packs, or sampler sets if you want to try several flavors without breaking the bank.

Using Comparison Sites

Comparison sites can save time by showing prices across retailers and highlighting discounts. They’re especially handy when you’re choosing between brands or hunting for a specific specialty bitter that might be stocked unevenly across sellers. Always check bottle size—4 oz bitters cost more per ounce than a 25.4 oz Campari, but the use case differs.

Final Thoughts: Building a Bitters-Forward Toolkit

Bitters elevate drinks and dishes in ways that are subtle but unmistakable. If you’re starting, buy a reliable aromatic bitters and an orange bitters. From there, add one or two specialty flavors that suit your taste—perhaps chocolate for dessert cocktails or celery for savory mixes. Use small bottles as tasting opportunities, experiment boldly, and remember: a dash can be the difference between okay and unforgettable.

Ready to take your home bar to the next level? Keep your selection lean but thoughtful, and don’t be afraid to swap and experiment—bitters invite creativity and reward curiosity.