Cocktails with Orange Bitters
Orange bitters are essential cocktail seasoning with citrus and spice flavors. They add brightness and complexity to martinis, old fashioneds, and many classics.
- Type
- Bitters
- Strength
- 9–45% ABV
- Aroma
- Orange zest, Warm spice, Cardamom, Bitter herbs
- Taste
- Bitter orange, Spice, Slight sweetness, Complex
- Finish
- Bitter, Citrus, Lingering spice
24 drinks with Orange Bitters
- AdonisFino Sherry, Sweet Vermouth
- AgavoniTequila, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
- AlaskaGin, Yellow Chartreuse
- BambooFino Sherry, Dry Vermouth
- BijouGin, Green Chartreuse, Sweet Vermouth
- Bitter GiuseppeCynar, Sweet Vermouth, Lemon Juice
- Bitter Orange & Cardamom MartiniGin, Dry Vermouth, Cardamom Syrup
- CasinoGin, Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon Juice
- Eeyore's RequiemCampari, Bianco Vermouth, Gin
- Elder FashionGin, Elderflower Liqueur
- Fancy FreeBourbon, Maraschino Liqueur, Angostura Bitters
- Fifty-Fifty MartiniGin, Dry Vermouth
- Ford CocktailGin, Dry Vermouth, Bénédictine
- GreenpointRye Whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, Sweet Vermouth
- Manhattan TransferRye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Ramazzotti
- MartinezGin, Sweet Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur
- Pegu ClubGin, Triple Sec, Lime Juice
- Poets DreamGin, Dry Vermouth, Bénédictine
- Pumpkin Spice Old FashionedBourbon, Rye Whiskey, Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- RevolverBourbon, Kahlúa
- Satans WhiskersGin, Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth
- ScofflawRye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Lemon Juice
- TuxedoGin, Dry Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur
- VancouverGin, Bénédictine, Dry Vermouth
History
Orange bitters were ubiquitous in pre-Prohibition cocktails but nearly disappeared during the 20th century. The craft cocktail renaissance revived interest, with several quality producers emerging. They complement aromatic bitters in many recipes.
How it’s made
Made by macerating bitter orange peel, gentian, and various spices in high-proof spirit. Different brands emphasize different botanicals—some are sweeter, others more bitter or spiced. Used in dashes rather than measured amounts.
Bottles to try
Angostura Orange BittersBudget
Versatile orange bitters with balanced citrus and spice from the makers of the original.
Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6Budget
Created by cocktail historian Gary Regan, with cardamom and coriander notes.
Fee Brothers West Indian OrangeBudget
American orange bitters with more pronounced sweetness and less bitterness.
Got Orange Bitters at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.