Orange Bitters Cocktails

Orange bitters are a type of cocktail bitters that are made by infusing bitter and aromatic ingredients, such as bitter orange peels, herbs, and spices, in high-proof alcohol. Orange bitters are used to add a bright, citrusy flavor and aroma to cocktails. They are commonly used in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Martini.

Orange bitters are a key ingredient in many classic cocktail recipes, and they can also be used in modern cocktails to add a unique twist. There are several brands of orange bitters available on the market, each with their own unique flavor profile. Some popular brands include Angostura Orange Bitters, Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6, and Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters.

Classic Cocktail Recipes

Old Fashioned

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 tsp simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Manhattan

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Martini

• 2.5 oz gin or vodka
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Lemon peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

Modern Cocktail Recipes

Paper Plane

• 0.75 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz Aperol
• 0.75 oz Amaro Nonino
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash orange bitters

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Negroni Sbagliato

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz sparkling wine
• 1 dash orange bitters

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Combine the Campari and sweet vermouth in the glass.
3. Add the sparkling wine and bitters.
4. Stir briefly and garnish with an orange twist.

Blood and Sand

• 0.75 oz Scotch
• 0.75 oz Cherry Heering
• 0.75 oz sweet vermouth
• 0.75 oz fresh orange juice
• 1 dash orange bitters

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

Amber Road

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz honey syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 oz ginger beer
• Candied ginger for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice, and bitters in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
3. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.

5 Unique Cocktail Recipes

Citrus Sunset

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz honey syrup
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Club soda
• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and orange bitters in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
3. Top with club soda and garnish with a twist of grapefruit.

Spiced Pear

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pear nectar
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz cinnamon syrup
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Star anise for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the bourbon, pear nectar, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, and orange bitters in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
3. Garnish with a star anise.

Orchard Spritz

• 1.5 oz apple brandy
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
• 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Prosecco
• Apple slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the apple brandy, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and orange bitters in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a wine glass filled with ice.
3. Top with prosecco and garnish with a slice of apple.

Smoky Margarita

• 1.5 oz mezcal
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz agave nectar
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Chipotle pepper for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the mezcal, lime juice, agave nectar, and orange bitters in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with a slice of chipotle pepper.

Berry Old Fashioned

• 2 oz blackberry-infused bourbon
• 0.25 oz blackberry syrup
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Blackberries and orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the blackberry-infused bourbon, blackberry syrup, and orange bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a skewered blackberry and a twist of orange peel.

About Orange Bitters

Origin: The origin of orange bitters can be traced back to the early 19th century, when they were first used in cocktails in the United States. The most famous brand of orange bitters, Angostura Orange Bitters, was first produced in Trinidad in the 19th century.

Ingredients: Orange bitters are made by infusing bitter orange peels, spices, and herbs in high-proof alcohol, typically a neutral grain spirit. Other ingredients commonly used in orange bitters include gentian root, cardamom, coriander, and cinchona bark.

Flavor: Orange bitters have a bright, citrusy flavor with a bitter undertone. They are used to balance the sweetness of other ingredients in cocktails and to add depth and complexity to a drink.

Proof: The proof of orange bitters can vary, but it is typically between 40 and 45 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

Usage: Orange bitters are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of cocktails. They are particularly well-suited for use in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Martini, but they can also be used in modern cocktails.

Serving: Orange bitters are typically used in small quantities, usually just a few dashes per drink. They can be added directly to the drink or combined with other ingredients in a shaker or mixing glass.

Production: Orange bitters are produced by a variety of manufacturers using different methods and recipes. Some producers use a cold infusion process, while others use a maceration process. The exact process used can affect the flavor and aroma of the final product.

Manufacturer: There are several brands of orange bitters available on the market, including Angostura, Regans’, Fee Brothers, and Scrappy’s.

Variations: In addition to traditional orange bitters, some manufacturers produce variations that incorporate other flavors or ingredients. For example, Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 includes a hint of cardamom, while Scrappy’s Seville Orange Bitters are made with Seville oranges instead of traditional bitter oranges.

While orange bitters are often used in cocktails, they can also be used in other ways. Here are a few examples:

1. Mocktails: Orange bitters can be used to add a complex, citrusy flavor to non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails or sodas.
2. Food: Orange bitters can be used in cooking and baking to add a subtle orange flavor to dishes. They can be added to marinades, dressings, sauces, and desserts.
3. Tea: A few drops of orange bitters can be added to hot or iced tea to add a citrusy twist.
4. Water: Orange bitters can be added to still or sparkling water to create a refreshing, flavorful drink.
5. Coffee: A few drops of orange bitters can be added to coffee to add a hint of citrus and balance the bitterness of the coffee.
6. Smoothies: Orange bitters can be added to smoothies to add a bright, citrusy flavor.

Overall, orange bitters can be a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavor to a wide variety of drinks and dishes.

Angostura Orange Bitters Fee Brothers Bitters Regans' Bitters Scrappy's Bitters