What makes a truly great Old Fashioned? You have your favorite bourbon or rye whiskey, the perfect sugar cube, and a bright orange peel. But something is missing, right? That secret ingredient, the soul of the cocktail, is often overlooked: the bitters. Choosing the right bitters can turn a good drink into an unforgettable one, but standing in the liquor store aisle, staring at dozens of small bottles, can feel overwhelming. Do you stick with the classic Angostura, or try that fancy new spiced variety?
Many people settle for the first bottle they see, missing out on how different bitters completely change the flavor profile of this timeless drink. You want that balanced, complex taste, but picking the wrong bitter can make your cocktail either too spicy or too weak. This guide cuts through the confusion.
We will explore the best bitters specifically designed to elevate your Old Fashioned. You will learn exactly what flavors each type brings to the glass. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect bitter to match your mood and your whiskey. Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your next Old Fashioned!
Top Bitters For Old Fashion Recommendations
- Classic cocktail flavoring.
- Used in popular drinks such as the Manhattan and Planter's Punch.
- Made with citrus oils and other spices.
- Created by Fee Brothers of Rochester, New York.
- Size: 5 fl oz.
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixes.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- A few dashes add a savory zest to a huge variety of drinks and foods. This highly aromatic product is blended from the finest ingredients from around the world.
- Used in small amounts, our bitters add depth, balance, and complexity to classic cocktails like the old fashioned and innovative creations alike
- A dash of bitters makes it better - Use 1-3 dashes (0.3mL) in your drink of choice, whether it's a whiskey sour or your signature cocktail
- All Fee Brothers bitters and cocktail ingredients are vegan-friendly and gluten-free
- Family-owned since 1864, Fee Brothers has perfected their craft over five generations, offering a wide range of bar essentials including bitters, botanical waters, cocktail mixers, and flavor syrups globally
- Classic cocktail flavoring
- Used in popular drinks such as the Manhattan and Planter's Punch
- Created by Fee Brothers of Rochester, New York
- Size: 5 fl oz (Pack of 2)
- 1 - 11 oz jar of Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries
- 1 - 2 oz bottle of Woodford Reserve Orange Bitters
- 1 - 16oz bottle of Woodford Old Fashioned Syrup
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is a staple for your bar cart or a great addition to an old fashioned cocktail kit gift set.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixes.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- COMPLETE OLD FASHIONED BUNDLE KIT – Everything you need to craft the perfect cocktail at home. Includes Amarena cherries, dried orange slices, and premium Old Fashioned syrup—a complete Old Fashioned mix for effortless, bar-quality results every time.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS, BAR-QUALITY FLAVOR – Enjoy the rich, complex taste of Italian Amarena cherries and fragrant dehydrated orange slices, perfectly balanced with our smooth Old Fashioned cocktail syrup. Consistent flavor, simple preparation, no mess.
- THE ULTIMATE WHISKEY GIFT SET FOR MEN – A premium cocktail kit designed for whiskey lovers, dads, husbands, and mixology fans. Beautifully packaged and ready to gift for birthdays, holidays, or Father’s Day. A unique, high-end cocktail gift they’ll actually use.
- EASY HOME MIXOLOGY – JUST POUR, STIR & SIP – No bartending experience needed. This mixology set for men makes it simple to impress guests or enjoy a relaxing nightcap. Create a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned cocktail in minutes with zero hassle.
- ELEVATE EVERY OCCASION – From casual evenings to special celebrations, this Old Fashioned mix kit transforms any moment into a refined experience. The ideal blend of quality, convenience, and sophistication for those who appreciate great taste.
Choosing the Best Bitters for Your Old Fashioned
Making a truly great Old Fashioned is an art. You mix whiskey, sugar, and water. But the secret ingredient that ties it all together is bitters. Bitters are concentrated flavor extracts. They add complexity and depth to your drink. This guide helps you pick the perfect bottle.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for bitters, look closely at these features. They tell you a lot about the product.
Flavor Profile
- Classic vs. Adventurous: Do you want the traditional taste? Look for Angostura or Peychaud’s. These are the standards. Do you want something new? Explore chocolate, cherry, or spiced bitters.
- Intensity: Some bitters are very strong. A tiny dash is enough. Others are milder. Taste tests often reveal the intensity level.
- Sweetness Level: Good bitters balance bitterness with other notes. Very sweet bitters can overpower your whiskey.
Aroma
Smell the bottle (if possible) or read the label. A good Old Fashioned starts with a great smell. You want scents like citrus, spice, or herbs to come through clearly.
Important Materials and Ingredients
Bitters are made by soaking botanicals in high-proof alcohol. The ingredients matter a lot. They determine the final flavor.
The Base Alcohol
Most quality bitters use a neutral grain spirit. This high-proof alcohol acts as the solvent. It pulls the flavors out of the plants. Higher proof usually means better extraction.
The Botanicals
- Roots and Barks: Gentian root is very common. It provides the core bitter taste. Cinnamon and cardamom add warmth.
- Fruits and Spices: Orange peel and lemon zest give bright citrus notes. Cloves and star anise add sweet spice.
- Herbs: Wormwood is a traditional ingredient, but many modern bitters use gentler herbs like bay leaf or sage.
Natural vs. Artificial
Always choose bitters made with natural ingredients. Artificial flavorings taste sharp and unnatural. Natural extracts blend smoothly into your cocktail.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all bitters are created equal. A few factors separate the best from the rest.
Aging Process (Improves Quality)
Some premium bitters age in barrels, just like whiskey. This process mellows the flavors. It adds a layer of oak or vanilla complexity. This step greatly improves the final product.
Filtration (Reduces Quality)
Poorly made bitters might be heavily filtered. Over-filtering removes desirable sediment and oils. These oils carry essential flavor. A slight cloudiness in high-quality bitters is often a good sign.
Alcohol Content (Improves Quality)
Bitters must have a high alcohol percentage (usually 35% ABV or higher). Low alcohol content cannot extract the full spectrum of flavors from the botanicals properly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the bitters. This affects your purchase decision.
For the Home Bartender
If you mix drinks often, buy a versatile, classic bottle like Angostura. This works in almost any cocktail, not just Old Fashioneds. Then, buy one specialty bottle (like chocolate) to experiment with.
For Specific Cocktails
Some cocktails demand specific bitters. Peychaud’s bitters are essential for a Sazerac. If you love that drink, stock those bitters. For an Old Fashioned, you can use standard bitters or try a spiced apple flavor for a fall twist.
Shelf Life
Good bitters last a very long time because of the high alcohol content. You do not need to worry about them going bad quickly. This makes them an excellent long-term bar investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Old Fashioned Bitters
Q: What is the most important bitter for an Old Fashioned?
A: Angostura Aromatic Bitters are the standard. Most recipes assume you use this kind. It provides the classic spice background.
Q: Can I make an Old Fashioned without bitters?
A: You can, but it will taste flat. The bitters cut through the sweetness of the sugar. They balance the strong whiskey flavor. It is highly recommended to always use them.
Q: Are cocktail bitters alcoholic?
A: Yes, they are. They are made using high-proof alcohol. However, you only use a few dashes per drink. The total alcohol contribution is very small.
Q: How long do opened bitters last?
A: If stored in a cool, dark place, opened bitters can last for several years. The high alcohol content acts as a preservative. They rarely spoil.
Q: What is the difference between Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters?
A: Angostura is dark, earthy, and heavily spiced (clove, cinnamon). Peychaud’s is much lighter in color, sweeter, and has strong notes of anise and cherry.
Q: Should I use citrus zest with my bitters?
A: Absolutely. The oils from a fresh orange or lemon peel are essential. The zest complements the botanicals in the bitters perfectly.
Q: Are bitters the same as tinctures?
A: They are similar because both use alcohol to extract flavor. Bitters are usually meant for cocktails. Tinctures are often made in smaller batches and used in cooking or for medicinal purposes.
Q: What is the best way to store bitters?
A: Keep the bottles away from direct sunlight and heat. A dark cabinet or liquor shelf works best. Refrigeration is not necessary.
Q: Can I substitute different kinds of bitters?
A: Yes, you can substitute them to change the drink. If a recipe calls for Angostura, using chocolate bitters will make a rich, dessert-like Old Fashioned.
Q: Where do bitters originally come from?
A: Bitters were first popularized in the early 1800s as medicinal tonics. Doctors used them to help settle stomachs before they became popular bar ingredients.