Out of Orange bitters, one case
Orange bitters substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Angostura bitters
Same amount as the orange bitters
For orange bitters, the best substitutes are Angostura Bitters (1:1), Peychaud's Bitters (1:1), or Homemade Orange 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 orange bitters | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angostura bitterscocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Peychaud's bitterscocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Homemade orange bitterscocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Fee brothers orange bitterscocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Regan's orange bitterscocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
Angostura bitters
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic bitters with herbal flavor profile. Good substitute for orange bitters in most cocktails and cooking applications.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages, most applications
Angostura bitters have a different flavor than orange bitters but provide similar complexity and balance. They're more herbal and less citrusy.
Peychaud's bitters
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic bitters with anise and cherry flavor profile. Good substitute for orange 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 orange bitters but provide similar complexity and balance. They're more anise-forward.
Homemade orange bitters
similar taste and texture
DIY bitters made with orange peel, herbs, and alcohol. Good substitute for orange bitters when you want to customize flavor.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, when you want custom flavor, beverages, most applications
Homemade orange bitters can be customized to match orange bitters' flavor profile. Use orange peel, gentian, and other botanicals.
Fee brothers orange bitters
similar taste and texture
Commercial orange bitters with similar flavor profile. Good substitute for orange bitters in most applications.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, when you want similar flavor, beverages, most applications
Fee Brothers orange bitters have a similar flavor to other orange bitters but may be slightly different in intensity and complexity.
Regan's orange bitters
similar taste and texture
High-quality orange bitters with complex flavor profile. Good substitute for orange bitters in cocktails and cooking.
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, when you want orange flavor, beverages, most applications
Regan's orange bitters have a similar flavor to other orange bitters but may be slightly different in intensity and complexity.
How it behaves in this recipe
For orange 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 orange bitters
7 tips- Orange bitters add complexity and balance to cocktails and dishes
- They're commonly used in classic cocktails like Old Fashioned and Manhattan
- Orange 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 orange bitters
- Use Angostura bitters for herbal flavor profile
- Use Peychaud's bitters for anise-forward flavor
- Use homemade orange bitters for custom flavor
- Use Fee Brothers orange bitters for similar flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for orange bitters?
Angostura bitters or Peychaud's bitters work best as substitutes for orange bitters. They provide similar complexity and balance, though with different flavor profiles.
Can I use Angostura bitters instead of orange bitters?
Yes, Angostura bitters can substitute for orange bitters in most applications. They have a different flavor profile but provide similar complexity and balance.
Why are orange bitters popular in cocktails?
Orange bitters are popular because they add citrusy complexity and balance to cocktails, especially those with whiskey and gin.
Can I make my own orange bitters substitute?
Yes, you can make homemade orange bitters using orange peel, gentian, and other botanicals. This allows you to customize the flavor to match orange bitters.
How do I use orange bitters substitutes?
Use the same amount of substitute bitters as you would orange bitters. Add to cocktails, cooking, or desserts as directed in the recipe.