Bitters

Where to Buy Bitters in the UK: Best Stores, Brands and Buying Tips

What are bitters and why bartenders love them?

If you’ve ever wondered why a dash of something mysterious can transform a drink, you’re thinking about bitters. Bitters are highly concentrated herbal infusions—think of them as the seasoning for cocktails. Just a few drops or dashes in an Old Fashioned, Negroni, or a classic Martini brings balance, aroma, and depth. They’re small in volume but punch well above their weight, the culinary equivalent of a pinch of salt.

Bitters in a nutshell

Bitters are typically sold in small bottles—often between about 2 fl oz and 7 fl oz—and are used in tiny quantities. They’re made by steeping botanicals, roots, barks and citrus in high-strength spirit or glycerine, producing an intensely flavored extract designed to be used sparingly. Whether you prefer aromatic Angostura, floral citrus or bold herbal blends, bitters are an easy way to upgrade your home bartending game.

Types of bitters you’ll find in UK shops

Bitters come in many styles. Aromatic bitters like Angostura are kitchen-shelf essentials, while citrus bitters brighten gin and vodka cocktails. There are also specialty bitters—chocolate, coffee, and cocktail-specific blends like Peychaud’s or Regans’—each tailored to different mixes.

Common categories

- Aromatic bitters (classic, versatile) - Citrus bitters (orange, lemon, grapefruit) - Herbal and spiced bitters (sage, cardamom, gentian) - Cocktail-specific blends (Peychaud’s for Sazerac, orange bitters for Negroni twists) - Novelty and dessert bitters (chocolate, coffee, cherry)

Top UK stores that stock bitters

Looking for bitters? You’ve got a wide range of retailers to choose from in the UK—from everyday supermarkets to specialist shops and online marketplaces. Each type of store offers different advantages: convenience, price, rare bottles, or expert selection.

Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose

Major supermarkets frequently stock everyday bitters like Angostura and a handful of citrus or orange bitters. Tesco and Sainsbury’s tend to carry the basics and seasonal cocktail kits; Waitrose often has a slightly wider premium selection. If convenience and one-stop shopping are priorities, supermarkets are a great first stop.

Online grocers and marketplaces: Ocado, Amazon UK

Shopping online opens up more variety. Ocado typically lists a broader range of cocktail ingredients and the occasional premium bitters. Amazon UK can be useful for niche and international brands—just check seller reviews and product sizes carefully. Online shops often run deals where you can grab a smaller bottle to experiment with, without committing to a full-size bottle.

Specialist alcohol retailers: Majestic, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt

If you’re hunting for rare or boutique bitters, specialist retailers are where you’ll strike gold. Majestic and The Whisky Exchange carry curated ranges and hard-to-find brands. Master of Malt often has tasting notes and user reviews that help you pick a bottle that suits your preferred cocktail style.

High-street and discount stores: Co-op, Lidl, Aldi

Co-op can be handy for last-minute ingredients, while Lidl and Aldi occasionally feature seasonal cocktail ranges that include bitters or aperitif-style bottles during promotional weeks. These stores are useful for casual buyers who want functional, budget-friendly bottles.

Independent bottle shops and off-licenses: Oddbins, Bargain Booze

Independent bottle shops and off-licenses often have knowledgeable staff who can make personalised recommendations. Shops such as Oddbins (where available) and Bargain Booze are good places to discover local or craft bitters, and you can sometimes taste-test before you buy in smaller specialty stores.

How to choose the right bitters for your cocktails

Choosing bitters is less about finding the single “best” bottle and more about matching flavors to what you drink often. Ask yourself what base spirit you use the most—whisky, gin, or rum—and start with bitters that complement those flavours.

Match bitters to spirit and style

- Whisky: aromatic bitters like Angostura and spiced blends work beautifully. - Gin: citrus bitters and floral blends enhance botanicals. - Rum: tropical or vanilla-infused bitters play well with molasses notes. - Tequila/mezcal: grapefruit or chili bitters can complement the agave character.

Popular bitters brands to look for

Some names regularly crop up in bars and shops across the UK. Angostura is the universally recognized aromatic brand, Peychaud’s is synonymous with the Sazerac, and Fee Brothers offers a wide range of quirky flavors. The Bitter Truth and Regans’ are favourites with cocktail enthusiasts for their depth and balance.

Brands and typical bottle sizes

- Angostura Aromatic Bitters — about 6.8 fl oz (common house bottle size) - Peychaud’s — around 6.8 fl oz - Fee Brothers — typically 4 fl oz for specialty flavors - The Bitter Truth — often sold in 4 fl oz or 6.8 fl oz bottles - Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 — commonly 4 fl oz

Comparing prices and value across stores

Prices vary. Supermarkets often have competitive prices on staple brands, while specialist shops can be pricier for rare or artisan bitters. Online marketplaces may show a wide price spread, which is where comparison tools and price trackers shine—helping you spot a genuine deal rather than a marketing price.

When a higher price is worth it

Pay a bit more for: craft or small-batch bitters with unique botanicals, limited editions, or when the bottle is used for special cocktails. For everyday mixing, a mid-range aromatic and an orange or citrus bottle will cover most needs without breaking the bank.

Buying tips: size, usage and saving money

Because bitters are potent, a small bottle lasts a long time. If you’re experimenting, start with a 4 fl oz bottle to explore different flavor profiles before upgrading to larger sizes for favourite varieties. Look for multipacks or cocktail kits when shopping online—these can spread the cost and introduce you to several flavors at once.

How much bitters will you use?

If you mix 2 to 4 cocktails a week, a 4 fl oz bottle can easily last several months. Serious home bartenders who entertain often may prefer larger bottles or buy multiple varieties to build a toolkit of flavors. Buying in small sizes reduces waste and keeps your bitters fresh.

Storing bitters and shelf life

Good news: bitters are remarkably shelf-stable thanks to their high alcohol content. Store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and you’ll extend their flavour life considerably. Unlike perishable mixers, bitters don’t need refrigeration.

How long do bitters last?

Properly stored, bitters can remain usable for several years. Over time, delicate aromatics may mellow, but the functional bitterness and many flavor components will remain. If a bottle smells off or has visible sediment that seems unusual for the brand, exercise caution—but most bottles will remain fine for long-term use.

Recipes that let bitters shine

Want to try bitters in your next drink? Here are simple recipes to showcase the power of bitters using imperial measures so you can pour straight away.

Old Fashioned

2 fl oz bourbon or rye, 1 teaspoon simple syrup, 2 dashes aromatic bitters. Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, garnish with orange twist.

Negroni

1 fl oz gin, 1 fl oz Campari, 1 fl oz sweet vermouth, 1 dash orange bitters (optional). Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.

Sazerac

2 fl oz rye whisky, 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon sugar syrup, 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters. Rinse a chilled tumbler with a little absinthe, muddle the sugar with bitters, add whisky, stir with ice and strain into the prepared glass. Express lemon peel over the drink.

Buying online vs in-store: pros and cons

Online shopping offers selection and reviews; in-store gives immediate access, no waiting, and the chance to ask staff for recommendations. If you want a rare bottle, start with specialist online retailers or dedicated shops; for everyday use, local supermarkets and off-licenses provide quick convenience.

How to spot a good online deal

Compare unit price per fl oz rather than just the headline price. Look at customer reviews for tasting notes and check whether the listing includes the exact bottle size. Bundles and seasonal sales are a smart way to try multiple bitters without paying full price for each one.

Final thoughts: building your bitters toolkit

Think of bitters as the spice rack for cocktails. Start with two or three versatile bottles—an aromatic, a citrus, and perhaps a specialty blend—and build from there based on the cocktails you make most often. Explore both supermarket basics and specialist shops to balance price and variety. With a small investment, bitters will reward you many times over by elevating simple drinks into memorable cocktails.

Happy mixing—and don’t be afraid to experiment. A dash or two is all it takes to discover new flavor combinations you’ll keep coming back to.