Ever sipped an Old Fashioned that just felt… missing something? That perfect balance of sweet, spirit, and spice is crucial. But when you look at the shelf of bitters, it’s easy to feel lost. Which bottle holds the secret to that classic, complex flavor?
Choosing the right bitters is surprisingly tough. Some brands are too strong, others too weak. You want that rich, aromatic depth that ties the whole drink together, not something that overpowers your whiskey. Finding the perfect match for your favorite bourbon or rye can feel like a guessing game.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore the essential types of Old Fashioned bitters, explaining exactly what each one brings to your glass. You will learn to pick the best bottle to elevate your next cocktail from good to unforgettable.
Top Old Fashioned Bitters Recommendations
- Classic cocktail flavoring.
- Used in popular drinks such as the Manhattan and Planter's Punch.
- Made with citrus oils and other spices.
- Created by Fee Brothers of Rochester, New York.
- Size: 5 fl oz.
- Old Fashioned Bitters - Pack of 2
- Comes in 2 glass 5 oz bottles
- Add Memorable Unique Flavor
- Made in Rochester, NY
- Available in Continental USA Only
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixer.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry bitters or orange bourbon bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- A delicious scent of orange lollipops with the taste of sweet and bitter orange marmalade
- It's citrus notes add complexity to everything from a simple gin and tonic to sophisticated martinis
- Crafted by Fee Brothers in Rochester, New York, USA
- It's bright flavour is obtained principally from the skins of oranges grown in the West Indies
- A few dashes add a savory zest to a huge variety of drinks and foods. This highly aromatic product is blended from the finest ingredients from around the world.
- Used in small amounts, our bitters add depth, balance, and complexity to classic cocktails like the old fashioned and innovative creations alike
- A dash of bitters makes it better - Use 1-3 dashes (0.3mL) in your drink of choice, whether it's a whiskey sour or your signature cocktail
- All Fee Brothers bitters and cocktail ingredients are vegan-friendly and gluten-free
- Family-owned since 1864, Fee Brothers has perfected their craft over five generations, offering a wide range of bar essentials including bitters, botanical waters, cocktail mixers, and flavor syrups globally
- Adorable 5-pack gift set featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters
- Includes one each of the following flavors: Orange, Spiced Cherry, Sorghum & Sassafras, Aromatic and Chocolate
- Makes the perfect gift
- Great way to mix + match for unique Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cocktails
The Essential Guide to Choosing Your Old Fashioned Bitters
Old Fashioned bitters are the secret weapon behind a truly great Old Fashioned cocktail. These concentrated flavor extracts add depth, spice, and complexity to your drink. Choosing the right bottle can transform your home bar. This guide will help you select the perfect bitters for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for bitters, look closely at these features. They tell you a lot about the product inside the bottle.
Flavor Profile
- Spice Level: Some bitters focus heavily on cinnamon or clove. Others emphasize citrus or gentian root. Decide what flavors you enjoy most in your whiskey.
- Aromatic vs. Concentrated: Aromatic bitters (like classic Angostura) are complex and balanced. Concentrated bitters might focus strongly on one ingredient, like chocolate or cherry.
- Sweetness Level: While bitters are generally not sweet, some use more sugar in the infusion process. Taste tests often reveal subtle differences.
Bottle and Dispenser
- Dropper System: A good dropper top ensures you add bitters one drop at a time. Precise measurement is vital for cocktails.
- Bottle Material: Dark glass bottles protect the delicate botanicals inside from light damage, which preserves the flavor longer.
Important Materials and Ingredients
Bitters are made by soaking botanicals (herbs, roots, fruit peels) in high-proof alcohol. The quality of these raw materials matters greatly.
The Alcohol Base
Most high-quality bitters use neutral grain spirit or sometimes a specific base spirit like rum or brandy. The alcohol acts as the solvent, pulling the essential oils out of the plants. Higher proof generally means better extraction.
The Botanicals
- Roots and Barks: Gentian root and cinchona bark provide the signature bitterness.
- Spices: Look for real spices like cardamom, star anise, and nutmeg.
- Citrus Zest: Orange and lemon peels contribute bright, fresh notes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bottle better than another? Often, it comes down to how the manufacturer handles the ingredients.
Quality Enhancers
- Long Infusion Time: Allowing the botanicals to steep for many weeks or months deepens the flavor complexity.
- Natural Ingredients: Bitters made only with real spices and fruits taste cleaner and brighter.
- Artisanal Production: Small-batch production often means closer quality control and more hand-selection of ingredients.
Quality Reducers
- Artificial Flavoring: If a label lists “natural and artificial flavors,” the taste might be less authentic.
- Short Steep Time: Rushed production can result in thin, one-dimensional flavors.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your bitters heavily influences your purchase decision.
The Classic Cocktail Maker
If you make Old Fashioneds and Manhattans regularly, stock up on classic aromatic bitters. Brands like Angostura or Peychaud’s are standard staples. These work well in almost any spirit-forward drink.
The Experimental Mixologist
If you like trying new things, explore specialty bitters. Chocolate bitters pair wonderfully with rye whiskey. Cherry or mole bitters add a rich, dessert-like quality. Use these sparingly until you understand how they interact with your chosen spirit.
Tip: Always store your bitters in a cool, dark cabinet. Sunlight degrades the delicate essential oils quickly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Old Fashioned Bitters
Q: What is the main purpose of bitters in an Old Fashioned?
A: Bitters balance the sweetness of the sugar and the strength of the whiskey. They add necessary aromatic complexity.
Q: Are all bitters the same?
A: No, they are very different. They use different herbs and spices, creating distinct flavor profiles, much like different types of tea.
Q: How long do bitters last once opened?
A: Because they contain high alcohol content, bitters last a very long time—often years—if stored correctly away from direct sunlight.
Q: Should I use Angostura or Peychaud’s for a standard Old Fashioned?
A: Angostura is the traditional choice for a standard whiskey Old Fashioned. Peychaud’s is crucial for a Sazerac cocktail.
Q: Can I use bitters in non-alcoholic drinks?
A: Absolutely. A few dashes of aromatic bitters in sparkling water with lemon adds a sophisticated, adult flavor without the alcohol.
Q: What does “aromatic” mean when describing bitters?
A: Aromatic means the bitters contain a complex mix of spices, herbs, and citrus, creating a well-rounded, deep scent and taste.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate my bitters?
A: Refrigeration is not necessary and is often discouraged. Room temperature storage in a dark cabinet is best for preserving the flavor.
Q: What is the difference between bitters and tinctures?
A: Bitters are typically made with a higher concentration of botanicals and are meant to be consumed in small amounts in cocktails. Tinctures can be more varied.
Q: Can I make my own bitters at home?
A: Yes, many people make homemade bitters. You need high-proof alcohol and dried or fresh botanicals to begin the infusion process.
Q: How many dashes of bitters should I use in one cocktail?
A: The standard measurement for an Old Fashioned is two to three dashes. Always start small; you can always add more.