{"id":9589,"date":"2024-07-24T12:00:29","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T11:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.themixer.com\/en-uk\/?p=9589"},"modified":"2026-05-13T23:18:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:18:42","slug":"best-bitters-for-old-fashioned","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.themixer.com\/en-uk\/learn\/best-bitters-for-old-fashioned\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Bitters for an Old Fashioned: Expert Insights & Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Old Fashioned<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0has been a go-to cocktail for bourbon lovers since the early 1800s. This classic clinker is easy to make with a simple combination of bourbon, sugar, and bitters. In this guide, we\u00a0<\/span>take a look<\/span>\u00a0at the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>best bitters for Old Fashioned cocktails<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, why they matter, and how you can use them to add a bit of oomph<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0to your mixed drinks at home.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What do bitters do in an Old Fashioned?<\/h2>\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

Flavour complexity and balance<\/h3>\n

If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0wondering\u00a0<\/span>why to use bitters in an\u00a0Old Fashioned<\/span><\/b>,<\/span>\u00a0think of them as the magic touch that transforms it from simple to extraordinary. They add depth through layers of\u00a0flavours, from spicy and herbal to citrusy and floral, and help balance how sweet or alcoholic the drink tastes.\u00a0<\/span>That\u2019s\u00a0why\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0important to think about how the bitters you choose will mingle w<\/span>ith the\u00a0bourbon\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0using.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, Angostura bitters add a robust, spicy kick, while orange bitters give a zesty brightness. The key is to find bitters that will balance and boost the overall flavour profile of your cocktail.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ABCs of Bitters<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Bitters for Beginners<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Ingredients and quality<\/h3>\n

The ingredients in bitters can make or break your recipe, as they help give complexity to your drink and avoid the risk of it tasting flat. The perfect\u00a0Old Fashioned\u00a0drink uses bitters made with natural herbs, spices, roots, and botanicals, ensuring a purer and more nuanced\u00a0flavour.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid bitters with artificial\u00a0flavours\u00a0or additives. The\u00a0<\/span>best bitters for an\u00a0Old Fashioned\u00a0cocktail\u00a0<\/span><\/b>are small-batch or artisanal bitters, which often feature higher-quality ingredients and traditional methods of production. These bitters not only taste better but also add a touch of authenticity to your cocktail. Remember: the better the ingredients, the better the drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best bitters for an Old Fashioned<\/h2>\n

Angostura bitters<\/h3>\n

\"Top<\/p>\n

Tasting notes:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0aromatic with hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Angostura bitters are a classic choice for their warm, spicy\u00a0flavour\u00a0that complements the sweetness of sugar and the richness of bourbon. We recommend using them when you want a traditional, spirit-forward Old Fashioned with a smooth, aromatic finish.\u00a0They work especially well with bourbons or whiskeys that have caramel, vanilla, oak, or baking-spice notes, like\u00a0<\/span>Wild Turkey<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0The\u00a0<\/span>best Angostura bitters for an Old Fashioned<\/span><\/b>\u00a0are the ones that enhance those\u00a0flavours\u00a0without overpowering the base spirit.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Orange bitters<\/h3>\n

\"To<\/p>\n

Tasting notes:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0bright, citrusy with a bitter orange peel finish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Orange bitters add a refreshing zest that brightens the overall\u00a0flavour\u00a0of the Old Fashioned, especially if\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0using a slightly sweeter bourbon. An\u00a0<\/span>Old Fashioned with orange bitters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0makes a lighter, livelier serve than a deep, spice-led classic, and they pair especially well with softer bourbons or whiskeys that already show notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, or orange peel. The\u00a0<\/span>best orange bitters for Old Fashioned<\/span><\/b>\u00a0drinks are the ones that sharpen the whiskey\u2019s profile without tipping the cocktail into anything too perfumed, giving it a fresh and modern feel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Manhattan vs Old Fashioned: Differences and Similarities<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aromatic bitters<\/h3>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Tasting notes:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>warm, spiced, and aromatic, with notes of clove, cinnamon, and baking spice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Aromatic bitters are the go-to when you want a classic, full-flavored Old Fashioned with plenty of depth and a smooth, balanced finish. They work especially well with bourbons and whiskeys that show caramel, vanilla, oak, or rye spice, and the\u00a0<\/span>best aromatic bitters for your Old Fashioned<\/span><\/b>\u00a0are the ones that lift those notes without stealing the spotlight.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A bottle reference:\u00a0Scrappy\u2019s\u00a0Cardamom Bitters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0is\u00a0a great example\u00a0of how to take the drink in a more exotic direction, adding spicy depth with a touch of citrus and mint for a bold,\u00a0fragrant\u00a0and unexpected Old Fashioned.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cherry bitters<\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Tasting notes:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0cherry-forward with hints of anise, floral\u00a0spice\u00a0and a softly sweet finish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Cherry bitters are\u00a0a great choice\u00a0when you want an Old Fashioned with a little more fruit and fragrance without losing that whiskey-first feel. They work especially well with bourbons and whiskeys that already lean into vanilla, caramel, baking spice, or dried-fruit notes.\u00a0An\u00a0<\/span>Old Fashioned with cherry bitters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0tends to feel smoother, rounder and more playful than a classic aromatic version.<\/span><\/p>\n

A bottle reference:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Peychaud\u2019s Bitters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0is a handy place to start, since its cherry, anise and floral notes create a lighter, brighter spin than a heavy,\u00a0jammy\u00a0bitters.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chocolate bitters<\/h3>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Tasting notes:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0rich chocolate with hints of coffee, vanilla, and warm spice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Chocolate bitters are a great pick when you want an Old Fashioned to feel deeper, richer and a little more indulgent. They work especially well with bourbons and whiskeys that already show notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, or roasted coffee.\u00a0An\u00a0<\/span>Old Fashioned with chocolate bitters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0tends to come out smooth, rounded and slightly dessert-like without losing its whiskey backbone.<\/span><\/p>\n

A bottle reference<\/span><\/b>:<\/span>\u00a0Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0is a solid place to start, since it brings cocoa depth and a touch of warm spice that makes chocolate bitters feel bold rather than sugary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Black walnut bitters\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Tasting notes:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0nutty and earthy, with hints of warm spice, dark\u00a0chocolate\u00a0and a lingering toasted finish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Black walnut bitters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0are\u00a0a great choice\u00a0when you want an Old Fashioned to feel a little more autumnal than the classic version. They work especially well with bourbons and whiskeys that already show caramel, vanilla, oak, maple, or rye-spice notes, since the nutty bitterness adds richness without crowding the base spirit. The result is a smoother, darker, more\u00a0savoury\u00a0Old Fashioned with a cozy, slow-sipping feel.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Old Fashioned variations to try<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

The Old Fashioned is a highly adaptable cocktail recipe that can be tailored and tweaked to suit a variety of taste preferences. Here are a few of our favourite spin-offs to try at home:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n