🍷 Alcohol & Vinegars

Angostura Bitters Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for Angostura bitters. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect cocktails and cooking.

Quick Answer

For Angostura bitters, the best substitutes are Orange Bitters (1:1), Peychaud's Bitters (1:1), or Homemade Aromatic Bitters (1:1). Each provides similar complexity and balance to cocktails.

Best Substitutes

Orange Bitters

1:1

Aromatic bitters with citrusy flavor profile. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in most cocktails and cooking applications.

Best for:

cocktailscookingdessertsbeveragesmost applications

Orange bitters have a different flavor than Angostura bitters but provide similar complexity and balance. They're more citrusy and less herbal.

Peychaud's Bitters

1:1

Aromatic bitters with anise and cherry flavor profile. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in cocktails, especially Sazerac.

Best for:

cocktailsSazeracwhen you want anise flavorbeveragesmost applications

Peychaud's bitters have a different flavor than Angostura bitters but provide similar complexity and balance. They're more anise-forward.

Homemade Aromatic Bitters

1:1

DIY bitters made with herbs, spices, and alcohol. Good substitute for Angostura bitters when you want to customize flavor.

Best for:

cocktailscookingwhen you want custom flavorbeveragesmost applications

Homemade aromatic bitters can be customized to match Angostura bitters' flavor profile. Use herbs like gentian, cinchona, and spices.

Fee Brothers Aromatic Bitters

1:1

Commercial aromatic bitters with similar flavor profile to Angostura. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in most applications.

Best for:

cocktailscookingwhen you want similar flavorbeveragesmost applications

Fee Brothers aromatic bitters have a similar flavor to Angostura bitters but may be slightly different in intensity and complexity.

Regan's Orange Bitters

1:1

High-quality orange bitters with complex flavor profile. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in cocktails and cooking.

Best for:

cocktailscookingwhen you want orange flavorbeveragesmost applications

Regan's orange bitters have a different flavor than Angostura bitters but provide similar complexity and balance. They're more orange-forward.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Angostura bitters add complexity and balance to cocktails and dishes
  • 💡They're commonly used in classic cocktails like Old Fashioned and Manhattan
  • 💡Angostura bitters are very concentrated, so use sparingly
  • 💡They pair well with whiskey, gin, and other spirits
  • 💡Store bitters in a cool, dark place to maintain flavor
  • 💡Use bitters to enhance the flavor of desserts and baked goods
  • 💡Add bitters to marinades and sauces for depth of flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for Angostura bitters?

Orange bitters or Peychaud's bitters work best as substitutes for Angostura bitters. They provide similar complexity and balance, though with different flavor profiles.

Can I use orange bitters instead of Angostura bitters?

Yes, orange bitters can substitute for Angostura bitters in most applications. They have a different flavor profile but provide similar complexity and balance.

Why is Angostura bitters so popular?

Angostura bitters is popular because it has a well-balanced flavor profile with herbal, spicy, and bitter notes that work well in many cocktails and dishes.

Can I make my own Angostura bitters substitute?

Yes, you can make homemade aromatic bitters using herbs like gentian, cinchona, and spices. This allows you to customize the flavor to match Angostura bitters.

How do I use Angostura bitters substitutes?

Use the same amount of substitute bitters as you would Angostura bitters. Add to cocktails, cooking, or desserts as directed in the recipe.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for Angostura bitters. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect cocktails and cooking.