Out of Angostura bitters, one case
Angostura bitters substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Orange bitters
Same amount as the Angostura bitters
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.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cocktails
One casethe full bitters card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Angostura bitters | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orange bitterscocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Peychaud's bitterscocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Homemade aromatic bitterscocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Fee brothers aromatic bitterscocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Regan's orange bitterscocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Orange bitters
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic bitters with citrusy flavor profile. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in most cocktails and cooking applications.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages, most 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
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic bitters with anise and cherry flavor profile. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in cocktails, especially Sazerac.
- Best for
- cocktails, Sazerac, when you want anise flavor, beverages, most 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
similar taste and texture
DIY bitters made with herbs, spices, and alcohol. Good substitute for Angostura bitters when you want to customize flavor.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, when you want custom flavor, beverages, most applications
Homemade aromatic bitters can be customized to match Angostura bitters' flavor profile. Use herbs like gentian, cinchona, and spices.
Fee brothers aromatic bitters
similar taste and texture
Commercial aromatic bitters with similar flavor profile to Angostura. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in most applications.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, when you want similar flavor, beverages, most 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
different taste, similar texture
High-quality orange bitters with complex flavor profile. Good substitute for Angostura bitters in cocktails and cooking.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, when you want orange flavor, beverages, most applications
Regan's orange bitters have a different flavor than Angostura bitters but provide similar complexity and balance. They're more orange-forward.
How it behaves in this recipe
For Angostura bitters, substitutes must provide similar complexity and balance to cocktails and dishes. The recommended substitutes work because they can provide similar functionality while offering different flavor profiles that complement various spirits and ingredients.
Tips for substituting Angostura bitters
7 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
Notes on Angostura bitters
- Use orange bitters for citrusy flavor profile
- Use Peychaud's bitters for anise-forward flavor
- Use homemade aromatic bitters for custom flavor
- Use Fee Brothers aromatic bitters for similar flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat'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.