Orange Bitters

Orange bitters are a highly concentrated blend of citrus peel, spices, and botanicals used to enhance cocktails with a burst of zesty, aromatic flavor. Unlike sweet orange liqueurs, orange bitters are bitter, not sugary, and are typically used in small amounts (a dash or two) to bring balance and complexity to drinks. Their bright, tangy citrus flavor pairs well with everything from whiskey and gin to rum and tequila, adding a touch of orange zest with underlying spice. Orange bitters are commonly used in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, but they also shine in refreshing drinks like gin and tonic, martinis, or spritzers.

If you’re out of orange bitters or want to try a different flavor, here are a few alternatives that offer a similar citrusy and aromatic profile:

• Angostura Bitters: A popular all-purpose bitters with a blend of spices and herbs, Angostura adds depth and warmth but lacks the distinct citrus punch of orange bitters.
• Cointreau or Triple Sec: These orange liqueurs can add sweetness and orange flavor to a drink, though they lack the bitter, aromatic complexity of orange bitters.
• Lemon Bitters: If you’re looking for a similar citrusy boost, lemon bitters can substitute for orange bitters, offering a tart and zesty flavor.
• Grapefruit Bitters: For a more bitter, tangy alternative, grapefruit bitters bring a bold citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with gin, tequila, or rum cocktails.
• Citrus Peel or Zest: Add a twist of fresh orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel to your drink to mimic the zesty aroma and flavor of orange bitters.

When mixing with orange bitters, the brand you choose can influence the depth of flavor and spice in your cocktails. Here are some popular and high-quality orange bitters brands:

• Angostura Orange Bitters: A well-known classic, Angostura Orange Bitters offers bright orange peel flavor with subtle spicy and herbal undertones, perfect for both classic and modern cocktails.
• Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6: A favorite among bartenders, Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 features a balanced blend of orange zest and warm spices like cardamom and coriander, adding a sophisticated citrus punch to cocktails.
• Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters: Known for its bold, sweet orange flavor with a touch of spice, Fee Brothers Orange Bitters is perfect for adding a burst of citrus to gin or whiskey cocktails.
• Bitter Truth Orange Bitters: Offering a mix of ripe orange and bitter peel with notes of cinnamon and cloves, Bitter Truth Orange Bitters add aromatic depth and warmth to cocktails.
• Scrappy’s Orange Bitters: Made with natural orange zest and spices, Scrappy’s Orange Bitters bring a bright, natural citrus flavor, ideal for drinks that need a fresh and zesty kick.

Orange bitters come in various flavor profiles depending on the blend of botanicals and spices used. Here are some flavor notes to expect:

• Zesty Orange Peel: The primary flavor in orange bitters is the fresh, zesty taste of orange peel, which brings brightness and tang to cocktails.
• Warm Spices: Many orange bitters also include spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, adding warmth and complexity to balance the citrus notes.
• Bitter Orange: The bitterness comes from dried or bitter orange peels, giving the bitters a slightly dry, sharp edge that complements both sweet and savory cocktails.
• Herbal Undertones: Depending on the brand, orange bitters may also include hints of herbs like coriander, gentian, or chamomile for added aromatic depth.

• Start Small: Orange bitters are potent, so start with just a dash or two to avoid overwhelming the other flavors in your cocktail.
• Pair with Citrus: Orange bitters work well with citrus-forward cocktails, so pair them with fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice to enhance the citrus flavors in your drink.
• Experiment with Spirits: Orange bitters add brightness to dark spirits like whiskey and rum, but they also pair beautifully with lighter spirits like gin, vodka, or tequila for a refreshing twist.
• Balance with Sweetness: If your cocktail is a bit too sweet, a dash of orange bitters can add balance and complexity, cutting through the sweetness and bringing a more refined flavor.
• Enhance Garnishes: Add a twist of orange or lemon peel to your cocktail along with the bitters to enhance the aroma and create a more vibrant, citrus-forward drink.