{"id":11336,"date":"2024-07-24T12:00:15","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T16:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.themixer.com\/en-us\/?p=11336"},"modified":"2025-11-18T23:34:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T03:34:08","slug":"best-bitters-for-old-fashioned","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/best-bitters-for-old-fashioned\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Bitters for Your Old Fashioned Cocktail: Expert Recommendations"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Old Fashioned has 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. <\/span>In this guide, we take a look at the best bitters for Old Fashioned cocktails, why it matters, and how you can use it to add a bit of oomph<\/em> to your mixed drinks at home. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What to look for in the best bitters<\/h2>\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

Flavor complexity and balance<\/h3>\n

Bitters are the magic touch that transforms an Old Fashioned<\/a> from simple to extraordinary. It imparts layers of flavors, from spicy and herbal to citrusy and floral, complementing the subtle sweet elements of the drink. That\u2019s why it’s important to think about how the bitters you choose will mingle with the <\/span>bourbon<\/span><\/a> you\u2019re using. <\/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 flavor profile of your cocktail.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ABCs of Bitters<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Bitters for Beginners<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ingredients and quality<\/h3>\n

The ingredients in bitters can make or break your <\/span>Old Fashioned<\/span>. The best bitters are made with natural herbs, spices, roots, and botanicals, ensuring a purer and more nuanced flavor.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid bitters with artificial flavors or additives. Instead, look for 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>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bitter is Better:<\/span><\/b> How to Use Bitters in Cocktails<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

5 Top Bitters for Old Fashioned<\/h2>\n

1. Angostura Bitters<\/h3>\n

\"Top<\/p>\n

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

Angostura Bitters is a classic choice for its warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of sugar and the richness of bourbon.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Orange bitters<\/h3>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

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

Orange bitters add a refreshing zest that brightens the overall flavor of the Old Fashioned, especially if you\u2019re using a slightly sweeter bourbon.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Manhattan Drink vs Old Fashioned Cocktail (What is the Difference?)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Peychaud\u2019s Bitters<\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Tasting notes<\/span><\/b>: Anise and cherry forward with a sweet, floral undertone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Peychaud\u2019s Bitters brings a unique, slightly sweet spiciness that pairs well with the vanilla and caramel notes in bourbon.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters<\/h3>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Tasting notes: <\/span><\/b>Rich chocolate with hints of coffee and vanilla.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters adds a decadent, dessert-like twist to your Old Fashioned, enhancing the cocktail with deep cocoa flavors that complement the sweetness and complexity of bourbon.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Go pro<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned Cocktail<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Scrappy\u2019s Cardamom Bitters<\/h3>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Tasting notes<\/span><\/b>: Bold cardamom with a touch of citrus and mint.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scrappy\u2019s Cardamom Bitters adds an exotic, spicy note giving more depth and a touch of intrigue to a traditional Old Fashioned.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Old Fashioned variations to try\u00a0<\/span><\/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 favorite spin-offs to try at home:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n