The 10 Best Bitters
Special Honors
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Editor's Notes
December 08, 2020:
We approached this list looking to maintain the balance it had between tried and true classics like Angostura Aromatic, Peychaud’s Aromatic, and offerings from Fee Brothers, as well as distinctive options like Scrappy’s Lavender and two new selections. They are Bittermen's Xocolatl Mole, which we brought on when Bitter End Mexican Mole became unavailable, as we believe Mexican chocolate bitters should keep a spot on this list. Bittermen's bills itself as the original of its kind, and brings subtle heat and complex spicy flavors to drinks alongside its deep cacao flavor.
The other newcomer is Bittercube Blackstrap, a kola-nut and sarsaparilla flavored concoction that's full-bodied and earthy, complementing dark, carbonated colas well in addition to scotch, rye whiskey, rum, hot cocktails, and egg white cocktails, to which it adds an intense aroma and lovely aesthetic appeal. You probably won't find this one listed in many bartender books though, as it's a bit less versatile than traditional aromatics and flavors like orange, lemon, and chocolate.
Finally, we decided to part ways with Angostura's orange bitters to bring on fan-favorite Regan's Orange, another classic people swear by. Regan's version is a tad milder, more complex, and lacks a bit of the synthetic bite that Angostura has, which makes it easier to blend into drinks you want it to enhance instead of overpower. If you want a strong, almost candy-like kick of orange, Angostura is the better bet, however.
October 04, 2019:
We evaluated the traditional aromatic bitters that are required for a real Manhattan or Old Fashioned, and included the best on this list. You'll probably find a bottle of Angostura Aromatic in just about any bar so it's a great choice for those looking to re-create a favorite drink you had in a bar.
Peychaud’s Aromatic is known for being a key ingredient in a well-made Sazerac. As an aromatic it's infused with a slight sweetness that makes it distinctive from the Angostura.
Along with some popular citrus, herbal, and even chocolate choices, to accent favorite recipes, we also included the Bitter End Mexican Mole for some more adventurous mixologists. It adds a spicy kick to drinks but it's not all about the heat, there's complex cocoa and spices in there as well.