What makes an Old Fashioned truly *old fashioned*? It’s not just the whiskey or the sugar cube; it’s that secret, spicy backbone—the bitters! Many people grab the first bottle they see, but choosing the wrong bitters can turn a classic cocktail into a confusing mess. Do you want a sharp, spicy kick, or something deeper and more aromatic? The overwhelming number of choices in the liquor aisle often leads to guesswork, resulting in a drink that just doesn’t hit the spot.
Getting the perfect balance in an Old Fashioned is crucial. If the bitters clash, the whole drink falls apart. We know the frustration of wasting good bourbon on a poorly seasoned cocktail. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what different bitters bring to the table, helping you understand the subtle science behind these essential drops.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which bitters to reach for to elevate your next Old Fashioned from good to legendary. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and start mixing with confidence as we dive deep into the world of bitters for the perfect Old Fashioned.
Top Bitters For Old Fashion 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.
- 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
- You will receive (1) Aromatic, (1) Spiced Cherry, (1) Orange, and (1) Cholocate Woodford Reserve Cocktail Bitters, 2 oz each
- These bitters have been barrel-aged in Woodford Reserve bourbon barrels
- Excellent in an Old Fashioned and other bourbon or whiskey cocktails.
- Carefully crafted to pull out the essential flavors of your favorite cocktail
- Size: 59 ml (2 oz)
- 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
- 1 - 11 oz jar of Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries
- 1 - 2 oz bottle of Woodford Reserve Orange Bitters
- 1 - 16oz bottle of Woodford Old Fashioned Syrup
- Container.type : Bottle
- 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
- Strongwater - Bitters Sample Set - 4 Flavors, .5oz Each
Finding the Best Bitters for Your Old Fashioned
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail. It needs the right bitters to taste great. Bitters are like the secret spice for your drink. This guide will help you pick the perfect bottle.
Key Features to Look For
Flavor Profile
- Spice Level: Some bitters pack a lot of spice. Others offer subtle warmth. Think about how strong you like your drink’s flavor.
- Citrus Notes: Good bitters often have bright citrus flavors, like orange or lemon. This cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and whiskey.
- Aromatic Depth: The best bitters smell wonderful. Look for complex aromas, like vanilla or cherry, that add layers to the cocktail.
Concentration and Potency
Bitters are very strong. You only use a few dashes. Check how concentrated the bitters are. Very strong bitters mean one bottle lasts a very long time.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The Base Alcohol
Most bitters use high-proof alcohol. This alcohol pulls all the flavors out of the spices. You usually cannot taste the alcohol in the final drink. The quality of the alcohol matters for extracting good flavor.
Botanicals (The Flavor Sources)
- Gentian Root: This is a common ingredient. It gives bitters their characteristic bitter taste.
- Wormwood: Another classic bittering agent. It adds complexity.
- Spices: Look for whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise. Whole spices generally provide fresher flavor than powders.
Natural vs. Artificial
Always choose bitters made with natural ingredients. Natural extracts taste cleaner and richer. Artificial flavors can taste sharp or chemical.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Aging Process
Some premium bitters age in wooden barrels, like whiskey. This aging process softens the flavors. Well-aged bitters taste smoother and more integrated. Poorly made bitters might skip this step, resulting in a harsher taste.
Infusion Time
Quality bitters soak their botanicals in alcohol for weeks or even months. This long infusion time extracts deep flavor. Short infusion times result in weak, one-dimensional bitters.
Bottle and Dropper Design
A good bottle design helps you control the amount you pour. A small, precise dropper top is much better than a wide-open pour spout. You must control the dashes!
User Experience and Use Cases
The Classic Old Fashioned
For the traditional Old Fashioned, classic Angostura bitters are the standard. They offer that familiar spicy, slightly sweet balance. Start here if you are new to making cocktails.
Experimentation and Variation
Once you master the classic, try other types. Orange bitters add a bright, fresh lift. Cherry bitters give a darker, sweeter note. Use spiced bitters to enhance rye whiskey. These variations let you customize your drink.
Beyond the Cocktail
Bitters are not just for the Old Fashioned. A dash or two can liven up soda water with a slice of lemon. They also work well in coffee or even mixed into marinades for meat. Versatile bitters give you more value.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Bitters
Q: What is the difference between Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters?
A: Angostura is dark and very spicy, tasting of clove and cinnamon. Peychaud’s is lighter in color and flavor. It tastes more floral and slightly sweet, often featuring notes of anise.
Q: Do I need more than one type of bitters?
A: While Angostura is the classic standard, having one aromatic (like Angostura) and one citrus (like orange bitters) gives you flexibility for different whiskeys and preferences.
Q: How long do bitters last once opened?
A: Because they are high in alcohol, bitters last a very long time, usually several years. You should store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Q: Should I keep my bitters in the refrigerator?
A: No, refrigeration is not necessary. Room temperature storage is fine for most bitters. Refrigeration can sometimes dull the flavor.
Q: Are bitters alcoholic?
A: Yes, bitters are made with high-proof alcohol. However, since you only use a few dashes in a drink, the actual alcohol content in the final cocktail is very low.
Q: What if my bitters taste too bitter?
A: If the bitters taste harsh, it often means you used too many dashes. Try reducing the amount by one dash. Also, ensure you use enough sugar and water/ice to balance the strength.
Q: Can I use bitters meant for cooking in my Old Fashioned?
A: It is best to use cocktail bitters. Cooking bitters often have different flavor profiles or use lower-quality extracts that do not mix well with spirits.
Q: What is the standard number of dashes for an Old Fashioned?
A: The standard recipe calls for two to three dashes of bitters per single cocktail. Some recipes even suggest four dashes for a stronger flavor.
Q: What spirit pairs best with aromatic bitters?
A: Aromatic bitters, like Angostura, pair wonderfully with both bourbon and rye whiskey. Bourbon offers a sweeter base, while rye brings a spicier note that complements the bitters.
Q: Where should I buy my bitters?
A: Specialty liquor stores or online cocktail supply shops usually carry the widest selection. Check reviews online to ensure you are getting a reputable brand.