For the uninitiated, the term “bitters” is a little confusing. That’s because it can mean two different things. One variety is bitter Italian liqueurs like Cynar, Averna, Campari, and the bartender’s favorite Fernet-Branca. The other bitter is often differentiated by calling it a “cocktail bitter.”
Often referred to as the “salt and pepper” of the mixology world, cocktail bitters are concentrated flavor extracts used in a variety of drinks. That might seem simple, but they’re so much more important and complex than that. Your favorite mixed drink wouldn’t be what it is without cocktail bitters. All you need is a few dashes to totally elevate your drink.
Bartenders and home mixologists know all about the importance of bitters. This is especially true for fans of bourbon-based cocktails. Classic drinks like the Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Manhattan, and more use cocktail bitters as a main ingredient.
There are many renowned brands and countless random flavor combinations, from orange to black walnut to cherry—and everything in between. Picking the best bitters for your bourbon-based cocktails is extremely important. Here are some of the most versatile choices to add to your home bar.
Photo via Angostura Limited
Angostura Bitters
If you only purchase one bitter, make it the classic Angostura. You can’t make a proper Old Fashioned without them. Made in Trinidad and Tobago, the recipe is believed to have more than forty ingredients, including gentian root, cinchona bark, cinnamon, and allspice. This versatile bitter is known for its aromatic, spicy flavor that pairs well with whiskey, especially bourbon.
Photo via Bittercube
Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters
When Bittercube created its Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters, its lofty aim was to create the perfect accent for the classic Manhattan. A throwback to a bygone era of mixology, adding a dash or two of imparts aromas and flavors like marzipan, charred oak, licorice, vanilla, and gentle spices. Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters are a must-have for home cocktail enthusiasts.
Photo via Flaviar
Peychaud’s Bitters
Another must-have bitter for bourbon cocktail fans is an iconic Southern favorite, Peychaud’s Bitters. Drinks like the Sazerac (when made with bourbon instead of rye), The Seelbach, and Old Fashioned are greatly enhanced by a couple dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters. Originating in New Orleans in the 1800s, the recipe is a closely guarded secret. It’s believed to include things like gentian root, cherry, anise, caramel, and many more fruits, roots, herbs, and spices.
Photo via Bitter Truth GmbH
The Bitter Truth Old Time Aromatic Bitters
With a name like that, you better believe these are a taste of years gone by. Made to pay tribute to the bitters of the 1800s, they’re made with flavors like cardamom, cinnamon, anise, clove, and ginger. It’s an aromatic, sweet, earthy, spicy addition to your home bar that you’ll want to add to every one of your favorite bourbon cocktails from now into perpetuity.
Photo via Fee Brothers
Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
There are few names more synonymous with cocktail bitters than Fee Brothers. This Rochester, New York-based brand was founded in 1864 and is still known for its bitters, brines, and cocktail mixes. If you’re only going to purchase one bottle of bitters from this iconic brand, make it the classic Black Walnut variety. The flavors of red vermouth and earthy, nutty walnut are sure to elevate your boring cocktail into something much more exciting.
Photo via Regans'
Regans’ Orange Bitters
If you’re a fan of bourbon cocktails, you already know how well orange flavor pairs with whiskey. The Old Fashioned (among other classic cocktails) is often garnished with an orange twist. That’s why Regans’ Orange Bitters are a great addition to any bourbon-lover’s home bar. The aroma and flavor of orange zest is guaranteed to bring your cocktail to new heights.
Photo via Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve Chocolate Bitters
Who wouldn’t want to add a little chocolate flavor to their favorite bourbon-based cocktail? Well, thanks to the folks at the renowned Woodford Reserve Distillery, you can. Not only does the brand produce award-winning whiskey in the middle of horse racing country in Versailles, Kentucky, but it also makes a line of flavored cocktail bitters. Made with Gentian root, chocolate, and other flavors, these chocolate bitters are bourbon barrel-aged to guarantee outstanding, complex aroma and flavor.
Photo via Scrappy's Bitters
Scrappy’s Black Lemon Bitters
As we mentioned before, citrus and bourbon are perfect playmates. A black lemon is actually a dehydrated lime commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. (It got its name because of mistranslation from Arabic to English.) It’s known for its lemon, lime, floral, earthy, spicy aroma and flavor. These bitters are an outstanding addition to your favorite bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and even a Whiskey Sour.
