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11 Cocktail Bitters To Use for Old Fashioneds and More

I am a big fan of cocktails, and my favorite kind of liquor is whiskey/scotch. As I have experimented with different types of whiskey/scotch cocktails, I noticed that many required the use of bitters.

Bottle of Angostura Aromatic Bitters.

I love the complexities that different bitters can bring to a drink. Bitters are essential in many classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Sazerac. They also add a little flavor to sparkling water or build flavor in punches.

Bitters are necessary for any home bar, and I’m constantly searching for the best bitters out there. There are many bitters on the market, and deciding which ones to buy can be tricky.

I have tried a lot of different bitters, and I’ve compiled a list of the best bitters I’ve used.

While creating this list, I learned a lot about the different types of bitters and cocktails you can make with them. Each of them is of the highest quality, and many of them have a unique twist.


Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Angostura aromatic bitters are one of the most famous bitters on the market.

You can find it in practically every liquor store and bar in America. It’s a fantastic all-purpose bitter and goes well in many different cocktails.

I like to use it in whiskey drinks like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.

Angostura is the perfect bitters for classic cocktails. If you want to get a traditional flavor and match well with classic cocktails, Angostura is the best bitter for you.


Jack Rudy Aromatic Bitters

Jack Rudy Aromatic Bitters are unique because they are made with cherries soaked in rye whiskey.

The soaking gives the bitters a slightly sweet flavor that can add a unique twist to your cocktails.

I like to use them in cocktails that already have a sweet component, such as the Sazerac.

They also add a little flavor to sparkling water or build flavor in punches. I have several friends that love Jack Rudy bitters because of the cherries.

If you are looking for a bitter with a fruity flavor and love cherries, Jack Rudy is the best choice. They also make great cocktail cherries!

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Peychaud’s Aromatic Cocktail Bitters

Peychaud’s bitters are another trendy option and are often used in the Sazerac cocktail.

They have a strong anise flavor that can be too much for some people.

I like to use them sparingly, but they are great for adding a unique flavor to your cocktails.

If you are a fan of licorice and enjoy drinks like Jagermeister, then Peychaud’s Aromatic Cocktail Bitters is the best bitters for you. Each dash includes a strong licorice flavor.


Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters

Dale Degroff is a mixology legend, and his bitters are some of the best on the market.

They are made with all-natural ingredients and have a strong flavor. I like to use them in cocktails that need a little extra bite, such as the Manhattan.

They are also great for adding a little flavor to rum cocktails or building the perfect punch. Dale DeGroff’s take on bitters is different than many others.

He combines complex flavors, including the pimento allspice berry, star anise, and other herbs, to create bitters unlike any other.


Amargo Chuncho Bitters

Amargo Chuncho bitters are made with Peruvian ingredients and have a unique flavor.

They are great for adding a little bit of spice to your cocktails. I like to use them in cocktails that need a little extra kick, such as a Pisco Sour.

Pisco Sour originated in Peru, and some bartenders believe you can’t make an authentic Pisco Sour without using Amargo Chuncho bitters.

They are also great for adding a little flavor to tequila drinks or building the perfect punch.

If you love Pisco Sours and want to make a truly authentic one, Amargo Chuncho is the best bitters for you.


Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6

Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6 are the perfect bitters for adding a little citrus flavor to your cocktails.

I like to use them in gin drinks, such as Martinis. They are also great for adding flavor to vodka drinks or building the perfect gin punch.

Regan’s Orange is the best bitters for you if you love citrusy cocktails. It has a deep orange flavor with strong notes of spicy cinnamon and cloves.

Regan’s Orange is also an excellent bitter to use if you are making fall-themed drinks. I also like using it to add a kick to mulled wine.

In my opinion, this is one of the unique bitters on this list. It has a specific use and is not as versatile as some other bitters, but its unique flavor makes it the perfect addition to cocktails.

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Scrappy’s Celery Bitters

Scrappy’s Celery bitters are great for adding a vegetal flavor to your cocktails.

I like to use them in drinks that need a little green, such as the Bloody Mary. They are also great for adding a little flavor to vodka drinks.

Scrappy’s uses a recipe over 100 years old, and you can taste the celery seed and citrus. It is a beautiful recipe.

If you love Bloody Marys or other savory breakfast cocktails, Scrappy’s Celery Bitters is the best bitters for you.


Bittermen’s Hopped Grapefruit Bitters

Bittermen’s Hopped Grapefruit bitters are a great way to add a slight bitterness and grapefruit flavor to your cocktails.

I like to use them in gin drinks, such as the Aviation. They also add a little flavor to vodka or tequila drinks.

Bittermen’s Hopped Grapefruit Bitters takes the essence of grapefruit and combines it with the flavor of hops.

The result is a unique bitter that adds a depth of flavor and citrus twist, unlike any other bitter you have tried.

I highly recommend mixing it with silver rums, tequilas, and mezcal. You can also use it in any cocktail that you add citrus to. I like using it to spice up my gin and tonics.


Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters

Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili bitters are a great way to add a little spice to your cocktails.

I like using them in drinks that need extra heat, such as the Moscow Mule. They also add a little flavor to tequila or mezcal drinks.

Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili bitters are made with smoked chilies, adding a smoky flavor to cocktails.

I highly recommend using them in any cocktail you usually use hot sauce. They are also great for making Margaritas and Bloody Marys.

Your life will change the first time you make a margarita or bloody mary with these bitters. You will not want to go back to just using tobacco.

If you love spicy cocktails, Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters is the ideal bitters and is the ultimate addition to savory and sweet cocktails.


The Bitter Truth Grapefruit Bitters

The Bitter Truth Grapefruit bitters are a great way to add a little grapefruit flavor to your cocktails.

I like to use them in gin drinks, such as a classic gin fizz. They also add a little flavor to vodka or tequila drinks.

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The Bitter Truth Grapefruit bitters have a strong grapefruit flavor with a bit of a bitter edge.

I highly recommend using them in any citrusy cocktail. They are also great for making Margaritas and Palomas.

The Bitter Truth brings the zing of grapefruit. It has notes of herbs, vegetal tones, and a dry hop finish. Simply put, these bitters remind you of the perfect summer day.

If you love grapefruit-flavored cocktails, The Bitter Truth Grapefruit bitters are the best bitters for you. It adds a tart and juicy flavor to cocktails that will make your taste.


Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Cocktail Bitters

Fee Brothers West Indian Orange bitters are a great way to add a little orange flavor to your cocktails.

I like to use them in rum drinks, such as a Mai Tai. They also add a little flavor to vodka or gin drinks.

Fee Brothers West Indian Orange bitters have a robust orange flavor with a bit of a bitter edge. I highly recommend using them in any citrusy cocktail.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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