Best Bitters Substitute (2024)

Don’t have co*cktail bitters on hand? Here’s the bitters substitute to use in co*cktails like the Old Fashioned and beyond.

Best Bitters Substitute (1)

Making a co*cktail that calls for bitters and don’t have it?Don’t worry, there are few options that work as a replacement! co*cktail bitters are alcohol that’s infused with herbs, fruit, spices, leaves and other botanicals. They have a bitter, herbal flavor and are used to add nuance and intrigue to co*cktails. The most famous co*cktail recipe to use bitters is the Old Fashioned, but there are lots of other greats like the Manhattan and Sazerac. The most popular types of bitters are:

Don’t have co*cktail bitters on hand? You’re in luck: there are several options for a great bitters substitute that are easy to find. We tested each one in an Old Fashioned: here are our favorites!

Best bitters substitute

1. Campari

The best bitters substitute? Campari. Campari is a popular Italian bitter liqueur that’s bright red and best known for its use in the Negroni. It’s intensely bitter and lightly sweet. It works extraordinarily well in an Old Fashioned, and it’s one of the most popular secondary liqueurs so you might already have it on hand. Use the ratio of 4 dashes bitters = ¼ teaspoon Campari.

2. Absinthe

Another bitters substitute? Absinthe. Absinthe is a popular liqueur with a black licorice finish, most popular for being banned in the US and Europe for almost 100 years. It’s now in good graces and part of popular co*cktails like the Sazerac and Corpse Reviver No 2. Use the ratio of 4 dashes bitters = ¼ teaspoon absinthe.

3. Fernet-Branca or other amaro

Another bitters substitute? Any type of Amaro, a family of Italian herbal liqueurs that taste bitter (amaromeans bitter in Italian). It encompasses a wide range of spirits, includingCampariand the super-bitter Fernet-Branca. Fernet is so strong, you only need to use a few drops. Use the ratio of 4 dashes bitters = 2 drops Fernet-Branca or ¼ teaspoon Italian amaro.

Here are someco*cktails with bitters to try:

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Best Bitters Substitute (2)

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

Best Bitters Substitute (2024)

FAQs

What is a non alcoholic substitute for Angostura bitters? ›

Mix of Spices

If you are looking for a substitute for Angostura Bitters that are non-alcoholic, then use a mix of Spices as it contains Cardamom and Cloves. All you need is Cardamom, Cloves, Nutmeg, and Mace. This will surely add the spiciness similar to Angostura.

Do bitters make a difference? ›

Adding a drop or two of bitters to a co*cktail can drastically alter its flavor. That's because our tongues are capable of tasting a range of tastes at once: sweet, salty, bitter, acidic, and savory. Many co*cktails lack the bitter flavor in their natural profile, which is why many choose to add it themselves.

What is the same as Angostura bitters? ›

What are aromatic bitters? You might be familiar with Angostura bitters or Peychaud's. These are considered aromatic bitters and similar to The Bitter Housewife Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters. Traditionally, bitters came in brown bottles, wrapped in paper or apothecary-style branding.

Is Triple Sec a bitter? ›

Triple sec is a strong, sweet, and colourless orange-flavoured liqueur made from dried peels of bitter and sweet oranges and ranges in alcohol content from 15% to 40% ABV depending on the brand – Combier and Cointreau are the two best-known brands of the triple sec style of orange liqueur.

Why do bartenders use bitters? ›

“Bitters are to co*cktails as salt is to food,” Bitterman says. “They improve and align flavors just like salt does; they help to accentuate flavor and they bring their own flavors."

Is there such a thing as non-alcoholic bitters? ›

Enter glycerin-based bitters

By using glycerin and other botanicals as a base combined with Ritual Zero Proof liquor alternative, one can enhance the flavors of their co*cktails the way they might with traditional bitters, but with absolutely zero compromise and zero alcohol.

Do they make non-alcoholic bitters? ›

This set of classic alcohol-free bitters includes our Aromatic, Orange, and New Orleans bitters—everything you need to shake up mindful co*cktails, make bitters and soda, spice up your beer, or add to your favorite mixers.

Is there a non-alcoholic Angostura bitters? ›

ANGOSTURA® Lemon Lime and Bitters is a skilfully blended non-alcoholic sparkling drink of natural lemon and lime flavours and ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters. It is a balance of style, inclusiveness and unpretentiousness. An interest in unique flavours and a thirst for new experiences bring this brand to life.

Are bitters necessary? ›

Are they even necessary? The latter question I'll answer with a definitive yes: You need bitters to make some of the best-known classic co*cktails; there are drinks that aren't the same without them. They bind, they brace, they emphasize flavor notes in spirits dark and light.

What is the purpose of bitters? ›

The purpose of bitters is to balance out the taste of a co*cktail. co*cktails primarily contain sweet and sour flavors. By adding another primary taste, bitter, into mixed drinks, a co*cktail is given a more complex—and complete—flavor profile.

What do bitters do for gut health? ›

Digestion and gut benefits

When your digestion needs a little support, bitters can facilitate stomach acid and act as a digestive aid. This can not only ease indigestion, but also heartburn, nausea, cramping, bloating, and gas.

Are Angostura bitters necessary? ›

Angostura bitters are a necessary ingredient for creating co*cktails like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned. What Do Angostura Bitters Taste Like? Angostura bitters have a spicy flavor with hints of clove and cinnamon.

What is the flavor of Angostura bitters? ›

What do Angostura Bitters Taste Like? Angostura bitters are spicy and bitter, with notes of cloves and cinnamon. Although the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, we know that they are made with gentian root and other herbs and spices.

What is the main ingredient of Angostura bitters? ›

Gentian root is the main ingredient in Angostura Bitters and not only due to its taste and aroma being somewhat bitter, hence the term "Bitters"!, but also due to the many medical and health benefits of Gentian in herbal medicine.

Who are Angostura competitors? ›

Angostura top competitors include: Mizkan America Inc, Luxco Inc, Jack Daniel's Properties Inc, Ballast Point Brewing Co What companies has Angostura acquired?

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