Out of Bitters, one case
Bitters substitutes for old fashioned
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Angostura bitters
Same amount as the bitters
For Old Fashioned cocktails, the best bitters substitutes are Angostura Bitters (1:1), Orange Bitters (1:1), or Peychaud's Bitters (1:1). Each provides complexity and balance to the classic cocktail.
- Best for —
- Old Fashioned
One casethe full bitters card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of bitters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angostura bittersOld Fashioned | Same amount |
| 2 | Orange bittersOld Fashioned | Same amount |
| 3 | Peychaud's bittersOld Fashioned | Same amount |
| 4 | Homemade aromatic bittersOld Fashioned | Same amount |
| 5 | Fee brothers aromatic bittersOld Fashioned | Same amountWorks |
Angostura bitters
herbal · similar texture
Aromatic bitters with herbal flavor profile. Good substitute for bitters in Old Fashioned cocktails as it provides complexity and balance.
- Best for
- Old Fashioned, when you want herbal flavor, cocktails, beverages, most applications
Angostura bitters are the traditional choice for Old Fashioned cocktails. They provide herbal complexity that complements whiskey.
Orange bitters
citrusy · similar texture
Aromatic bitters with citrusy flavor profile. Good substitute for bitters in Old Fashioned cocktails when you want citrus notes.
- Best for
- Old Fashioned, when you want citrus flavor, cocktails, beverages, most applications
Orange bitters add citrusy complexity to Old Fashioned cocktails. They work well with whiskey and provide a different flavor profile.
Peychaud's bitters
anise · similar texture
Aromatic bitters with anise and cherry flavor profile. Good substitute for bitters in Old Fashioned cocktails when you want anise notes.
- Best for
- Old Fashioned, when you want anise flavor, cocktails, beverages, most applications
Peychaud's bitters add anise complexity to Old Fashioned cocktails. They work well with whiskey and provide a different flavor profile.
Homemade aromatic bitters
customizable · similar texture
DIY bitters made with herbs, spices, and alcohol. Good substitute for bitters in Old Fashioned cocktails when you want to customize flavor.
- Best for
- Old Fashioned, when you want custom flavor, cocktails, beverages, most applications
Homemade aromatic bitters can be customized to match traditional 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. Good substitute for bitters in Old Fashioned cocktails.
- Best for
- Old Fashioned, when you want similar flavor, cocktails, beverages, most applications
Fee Brothers aromatic bitters have a similar flavor to traditional bitters but may be slightly different in intensity and complexity.
How it behaves in this recipe
For Old Fashioned cocktails, bitters substitutes must provide complexity and balance to complement the whiskey, sugar, and water. The recommended substitutes work because they can provide similar functionality while offering different flavor profiles that enhance the classic cocktail.
Tips for substituting bitters
7 tips- Bitters are essential for Old Fashioned cocktails as they provide complexity and balance
- Use 2-3 dashes of bitters for a standard Old Fashioned cocktail
- Bitters work well with whiskey, especially bourbon and rye
- Store bitters in a cool, dark place to maintain flavor
- Use bitters to enhance the flavor of other cocktails and dishes
- Add bitters to marinades and sauces for depth of flavor
- Experiment with different bitters to find your preferred flavor profile
Notes on bitters
- Use Angostura bitters for traditional herbal flavor
- Use orange bitters for citrusy complexity
- Use Peychaud's bitters for anise-forward flavor
- Use homemade aromatic bitters for custom flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best bitters substitute for Old Fashioned?
Angostura bitters are the traditional choice for Old Fashioned cocktails. Orange bitters or Peychaud's bitters also work well for different flavor profiles.
Can I use orange bitters in Old Fashioned?
Yes, orange bitters can work in Old Fashioned cocktails. They add citrusy complexity that complements whiskey well.
Why are bitters important in Old Fashioned?
Bitters are important in Old Fashioned cocktails because they provide complexity and balance to the whiskey, sugar, and water combination.
Can I make Old Fashioned without bitters?
While bitters are traditional in Old Fashioned cocktails, you can make a version without them. However, it will lack the complexity and balance that bitters provide.
How much bitters should I use in Old Fashioned?
Use 2-3 dashes of bitters for a standard Old Fashioned cocktail. Adjust to taste based on your preference and the strength of the bitters.