15 Best Cocktails with Bitters

Bitters may be small in quantity, but they pack a big punch when it comes to flavor and balance in cocktails. From enhancing classics to inspiring creative blends, they’re a mixologist’s best friend. Check out our list of the 15 best cocktails with bitters and start experimenting today!

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with bitters as a key ingredient.

You typically use rye whiskey or bourbon. This drink is simple but flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes bitters (Angostura is common)
• A splash of water
• Ice
• Orange peel and a cherry for garnish

Steps to Make an Old Fashioned

1. Muddle the sugar and bitters in an Old Fashioned glass. Add a splash of water.
2. Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey.
3. Stir well to chill the mixture.
4. Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.

Tips:

• Use large ice cubes to keep the drink cool without diluting it quickly.
• Twist the orange peel over the glass to release its oils.
• Experiment with different brands of bitters to find your preferred flavor. Some popular alternatives include Peychaud’s and orange bitters.

This cocktail remains popular for a reason. Its balanced flavors and simplicity make it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned cocktail enthusiasts.

Manhattan

The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail. It has a simple yet elegant recipe. You need whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Mix the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Stir with ice until well-chilled. Strain the mix into a cocktail glass.

The Manhattan is known for its bold flavor. It offers a balanced mix of sweetness and bitterness. The maraschino cherry adds a touch of sophistication.

Use a cocktail mixing glass for the best results. Stirring the ingredients rather than shaking preserves the drink’s clarity. Serve it without ice. This keeps the drink smooth and unclouded.

The Manhattan dates back to the late 1800s. It survived Prohibition and remains popular today.

Its staying power is a testament to its perfect proportions and rich taste.

Often served in a coupe glass, its presentation is as striking as its flavor. Whether you prefer rye or bourbon, the Manhattan delivers a robust and satisfying experience.

Try this classic cocktail at your next gathering. Its straightforward preparation and complex flavor will impress your guests.

Sazerac

The Sazerac cocktail has a rich history dating back to New Orleans in the mid-1800s. It is traditionally made with rye whiskey or brandy, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe.

To start, combine 1.5 oz of rye whiskey with a few dashes of Peychaud’s bitters and a sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of rich simple syrup.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir the whiskey, bitters, and sugar until well-chilled.
3. Discard the ice from a chilled old-fashioned glass.
4. Rinse the glass with .25 oz of absinthe or Herbsaint.

Strain the mixed whiskey into the absinthe-rinsed glass. Garnish with a lemon peel, squeezed over the drink to release its oils.

The Sazerac is considered a close cousin to the Old Fashioned. Yet, it stands out with its unique use of bitters and absinthe.

The drink’s flavor is bold and slightly herbal, offering a distinctive taste.

Ingredients at a Glance:

• 1.5 oz Rye Whiskey
• Peychaud’s Bitters
• Sugar Cube or 1 tsp Rich Simple Syrup
• .25 oz Absinthe or Herbsaint
• Lemon Peel for Garnish

Its origins are attributed to Antoine Peychaud, an apothecary in New Orleans. The Sazerac Cocktail was later trademarked in 1900 by the Sazerac Company.

Negroni

The Negroni is a classic cocktail. It features three main ingredients: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

To make a Negroni, mix equal parts of each ingredient. The standard ratio is:

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Add the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.

This cocktail has a bold and complex taste. It is both bitter and sweet. Some people find the Negroni’s flavor adventurous, but it remains popular.

There are many variations of the Negroni. Some include the Mela d’Alba, Tradewinds Negroni, and Swiss Cartel. Each variation brings a unique twist while keeping the core concept.

The Negroni was first created for Count Camillo Negroni in 1919. It originated at Florence’s Café Casoni. The drink has a rich history and cultural significance.

Experiment with your own Negroni recipes. Try different ratios or components. The Negroni invites creativity. But its foundation remains timeless.

Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is a classic cocktail from New Orleans. It dates back to the 1930s. This drink is a rich blend of flavors.

Ingredients

• 3/4 oz Rye Whiskey
• 3/4 oz Cognac
• 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 to 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 to 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
• 1/2 tsp Bénédictine

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.

Key Components

The rye whiskey lends a spicy note. The cognac adds a smooth finish. Sweet vermouth gives a touch of sweetness. Bénédictine provides a unique herbal flavor.

Angostura and Peychaud’s Bitters add complexity. They balance the sweetness and spice.

Serving

Serve the Vieux Carré cold. Use a rocks or Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish and enjoy your classic cocktail.

Champagne Cocktail

The Champagne Cocktail is a timeless choice that combines simplicity with elegance. This drink features a few key ingredients that create a delightful mix of flavors. It’s a perfect showcase for bitters in cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1 sugar cube
• 3-5 dashes of bitters
• 4 ounces of Champagne or sparkling wine
• Lemon twist or orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sugar Cube and Bitters: Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a Champagne flute. Add 3-5 dashes of bitters to the cube.
2. Adding Champagne: Fill the flute with Champagne or sparkling wine. The sugar cube will dissolve and create a beautiful cascade of bubbles.
3. Garnish: Garnish your drink with a twist of lemon or orange. Serve and enjoy immediately.

Tips:

• Chill the Glass: For an extra touch, chill the Champagne flute before preparing the cocktail.
• Alternative Garnishes: Consider using a maraschino cherry or a slice of orange as an alternative garnish.
• Variations: You can add a splash of brandy or use icewine for a unique twist.

This cocktail highlights the essential role bitters play, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the drink.

Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail. It combines whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The drink originated at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

To prepare a Boulevardier, you need equal parts of each ingredient. Here’s a basic recipe:

• 1 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth

Mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and stir well. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Boulevardier is similar to the Negroni. The difference is it uses whiskey instead of gin.

This cocktail has a rich, smoky flavor. The Campari adds bitterness. The sweet vermouth balances it out.

You can experiment with the whiskey type. Bourbon gives a sweet note. Rye adds spiciness.

The Boulevardier is versatile. It suits a variety of occasions. From casual to formal settings.

Try pairing it with different dishes. It complements savory foods well. Think steaks or strong cheeses.

Trinidad Sour

The Trinidad Sour is a unique cocktail utilizing an unusual amount of Angostura bitters. This modern classic was created in 2009 by Giuseppe Gonzalez, a renowned New York City bartender.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Angostura Bitters
• 1 oz orgeat syrup
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz rye whiskey

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.

Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Ensure the orgeat syrup is of good quality for optimal taste.
• A chilled glass enhances the drinking experience.

Pisco Sour

The Pisco Sour is a classic cocktail featuring pisco, citrus, a touch of sweetness, and bitters.

To make a Pisco Sour, you need to mix pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and an egg white.

Using a cocktail shaker, dry-shake all ingredients without ice first. This creates a frothy texture from the egg white.

Add ice to the shaker. Shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled glass.

Top with a few drops of Angostura bitters. The bitters add aromatic complexity.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pisco
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Angostura bitters

Enjoy your refreshing Pisco Sour!

Rum Punch

Rum Punch is a classic cocktail enjoyed worldwide. It combines several flavors, creating a refreshing and potent drink. The essential components of a Rum Punch include rum, juices, sweeteners, and bitters.

Start with white overproof rum or dark rum. Each brings a unique taste. Mix with pineapple juice and orange juice. These juices add sweetness and tropical flair.

Fresh lime juice provides a tangy contrast. Sweeten with sugar syrup. Use rich syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water). This balances the tart flavors.

Angostura bitters add complexity. Just a few dashes will do the trick.

Here’s a simple Rum Punch recipe:

• 1 1/2 fl oz. White overproof rum
• 1/2 fl oz. Freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 fl oz. Rich sugar syrup
• 1 1/2 fl oz. Pineapple juice
• 1 1/2 fl oz. Orange juice
• 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well to mix the flavors.
3. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass.

Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a slice of pineapple. Serve chilled for the best experience.

Play with the proportions and ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more syrup or juice. For a stronger punch, increase the rum.

Pink Gin

Pink Gin is a simple yet elegant cocktail. It combines gin and bitters. This drink dates back to the 1830s. Sailors in the British Royal Navy invented it. They mixed bitters with gin to combat seasickness.

To make Pink Gin, you only need a few ingredients. Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of gin
• 1 dash of Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel (optional)

Here is a quick guide to making Pink Gin:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add one dash of Angostura bitters.
3. Swirl the ice to coat it with bitters.
4. Empty out the ice and bitters, leaving only a bitters rinse in the glass.
5. Pour 2 ounces of gin into the glass.
6. Optionally, express the oils of a lemon peel over the drink.

Pink Gin is strong because it is not diluted. It has an alcohol content of about 40%. This makes it stronger than many other gin cocktails that include mixers.

This cocktail should be chilled well. Stirring it in a mixing glass with ice helps. Pour the final mixture into a chilled coupe glass for best results.

Rob Roy

The Rob Roy is a classic cocktail featuring Scotch whisky. It’s a twist on the famous Manhattan. Instead of American whiskey, you use Scotch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon peel.

The Rob Roy originated at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in the 1890s. Its unique flavor comes from the Scotch whisky, which adds a smoky, robust taste.

This cocktail is easy to make. You need just three ingredients. The key is choosing a high-quality Scotch. Try experimenting with different brands to find your favorite.

Planter’s Punch

Planter’s Punch is a classic cocktail known for its rich, tropical flavors. This cocktail combines rum, fruit juices, and bitters. The bitters add depth and complexity.

To make Planter’s Punch, you need dark rum, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice. Add ice to a shaker. Add the dark rum, syrup, and lime juice. Shake well.

Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Add a splash of club soda for a bit of fizz. Garnish with a mint sprig or a cherry.

Here’s a basic recipe to help you make Planter’s Punch:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3-4 dashes of bitters
• Splash of club soda
• Mint sprig or cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add ice to a shaker.
2. Pour in rum, syrup, and lime juice.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Add a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with mint or a cherry.

Feel free to tweak the recipe. Some versions include pineapple or orange juice. Choose your preferred ingredients to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy your refreshingly vibrant Planter’s Punch!

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai cocktail is a blend of rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. Its roots trace back to 1944. This drink features a harmonious mix of sweet, sour, and nutty flavors.

Classic Recipe

Here’s a simple Classic Mai Tai recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. light rum
• 1 oz. dark rum
• 0.5 oz. Orgeat syrup
• 0.5 oz. orange liqueur
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
• Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

Bitter Mai Tai Variations

Bitter Mai Tai variations add a unique twist. Some use Campari or Angostura bitters instead of rum. These versions provide a pronounced bitter taste.

Ingredients for Bitter Mai Tai

• 1.33 oz. red bitter liqueur
• 0.67 oz. pot still rum
• 0.33 oz. orange Curaçao
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

• Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice.
• Shake and strain into a glass with crushed ice.

Tips for a Perfect Mai Tai

• Use fresh juice whenever possible.
• Experiment with different bitters for a unique twist.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste by varying the amount of orgeat syrup.

Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail known for its balanced taste.

You need three main ingredients: whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This mix results in a crisp and refreshing drink.

Some recipes include egg white. Egg white adds a frothy texture. Shake the ingredients without ice first. Then, shake again with ice. This double shake technique creates a smoother drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Optional: 1 egg white
• Optional: Angostura bitters

Instructions:

1. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker.
2. If using, add egg white.
3. Shake without ice for 15 seconds.
4. Add ice and shake again for 30 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry or an orange slice, if you like.

Variations:

• Bitters: Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters for depth.
• Garnish: Use different garnishes like lemon twists or cocktail cherries.

You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste.

Enjoy experimenting with this timeless cocktail.