Angostura Bitters substitutes
The closest substitute for Angostura Bitters is Peychaud's Bitters, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Lighter, with more anise. In a pinch, use Orange Bitters.
What to use instead of Angostura Bitters
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
Peychaud's BittersWorks, tastes different Lighter, with more anise. Same amount | Same amount | 35–40% ABV |
Orange BittersLast resort Citrus instead of spice. Same amount | Same amount | 9–45% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Angostura Bitters, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Affinity
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
About 20% ABV → about 19% ABV−1 point
- Champs-Elysees
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
About 24% ABV → about 23% ABV−1 point
- Fitzgerald
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
About 17% ABV → about 16% ABV−1 point
- Oaxaca Old-Fashioned
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
About 29% ABV → about 28% ABV−1 point
- Toronto
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
About 32% ABV → about 31% ABV−1 point
- Trinidad Sour
45ml (1½ oz) Angostura Bitters → 45ml (1½ oz) Peychaud's Bitters
About 18% ABV → about 15% ABV−3 points
- Añejo Highball
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Averna Stout Flip
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Black Manhattan
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Bourbon Renewal
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Brandy Crusta
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Champagne Cocktail
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Chilcano
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Cobra's Fang
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Corn n Oil
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Fancy Free
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Greenpoint
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Halekulani
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Harvard
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Headless Horseman
3 dashes Angostura Bitters → 3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Horse's Neck
Swap the few dashes Angostura Bitters for Peychaud's Bitters to taste
About 11% ABV before ice melts
- Improved Holland Gin Cocktail
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Japanese Cocktail
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Jet Pilot
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Kentucky Buck
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Lion's Tail
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Long Look Back
3 dashes Angostura Bitters → 3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Manhattan
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Maple Old Fashioned
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Marzipan Old Fashioned
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Mexican Firing Squad
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Monte Carlo
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Nui Nui
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Old Cuban
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Old Fashioned
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Pearl Diver
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Pegu Club
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Pisco Sour
Swap the few drops Angostura Bitters for Peychaud's Bitters to taste
About 13% ABV
- Planter's Punch
3 dashes Angostura Bitters → 3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Queens Park Swizzle
6 dashes Angostura Bitters → 6 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Rob Roy
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Rum Swizzle
3 dashes Angostura Bitters → 3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Singapore Sling
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Slope
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Suffering Bastard
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Test Pilot
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Three Dots and a Dash
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Undead Gentleman
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Vieux Carré
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Widows Kiss
2 dashes Angostura Bitters → 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
- Zombie
1 dash Angostura Bitters → 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Angostura Bitters | Peychaud's Bitters |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 44.7% ABV | 35–40% ABV |
| Taste | Bitter, Spice, Clove, Warm, Complex | Cherry, Anise, Bitter, Slightly sweet |
| Aroma | Warm spice, Clove, Cinnamon, Herbal | Anise, Cherry, Floral, Light spice |
| Finish | Bitter, Warming, Long lasting | Clean, Anise-forward, Bitter-sweet |
Already have one of these?
If you have Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Fee Brothers Old Fashion or The Bitter Truth Aromatic, you don't need a substitute: they are all Angostura Bitters. How they differ
What is Angostura Bitters?
Angostura bitters is the world's most famous cocktail bitter, with complex spice and herb flavors. Essential for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and countless classics.
Questions about Angostura Bitters substitutes
What is the best substitute for Angostura Bitters?
Peychaud's Bitters is the closest substitute for Angostura Bitters, though the drink will taste a little different. Lighter, with more anise. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Angostura Bitters in a Manhattan?
Peychaud's Bitters: swap 1 dash of Angostura Bitters for 1 dash of Peychaud's Bitters.
Which Angostura Bitters brands can I use?
If you have Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Fee Brothers Old Fashion or The Bitter Truth Aromatic, you don't need a substitute: they are all Angostura Bitters. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Peychaud's Bitters instead of Angostura Bitters change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Trinidad Sour, which goes from about 18% to about 15% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
Out of Angostura Bitters?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.