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Top 13 Bitters Brands to Try

Embrace the bittersweet symphony of flavors with the best bitters brands, where complexity and sophistication intertwine.

Bartender adds a bitter to the summer orange cocktail.

From classic cocktails to modern mixology marvels, these exceptional elixirs add depth and character to your drinks. 

Whether you’re seeking a delightful twist on a timeless favorite or craving a new adventure in taste, bitters tantalize the palate with their unique profiles.

As Ernest Hemingway once said, ‘Don’t bother with churches, government buildings, or city squares. If you want to know about a culture, spend a night in its bars.’ 

So, let us embark on a journey to explore the intriguing world of bitters and unlock a whole new dimension of cocktail enjoyment!

Angostura

Renowned for its versatility, Angostura bitters exudes a complex flavor profile with prominent notes of gentian, spices, and citrus. 

Angostura Bitter
Source: angosturabitters.com

This iconic cocktail bitters brand elevates classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan to new heights, adding depth and aromatic complexity. 

This is one of the best bitters brands of all times, frequently cited in recipes. You can use classic Angostura aromatic bitters or try their orange bitters or cocoa bitters, among other flavors.

Whether you’re enjoying a whiskey-based drink or experimenting with creative mixology, Angostura bitters’ signature flavor enhances and balances the overall drink experience.


Bittermen’s

Bittermen’s offers a range of innovative cocktail bitters, each with its own distinctive personality. 

Bittermen’s
Source: bittermens.com

From the zesty citrus notes of their citrus bitters to the smoky richness of their mole bitters, their creations elevate cocktails to new dimensions. 

They are best enjoyed in a variety of mixed drinks, from traditional recipes to modern twists, allowing the unique flavor profiles of Bittermen’s bitters to shine and add depth to your drinks.


Fee Brothers

With a rich history dating back to 1863, Fee Brothers crafts an array of flavorful bitters to tantalize the taste buds. 

Fee Brothers
Source: feebrothers.com

From classic bitters like aromatic to fruit-forward varieties to chocolate bitters, their bitters enhance the character of cocktails with their well-balanced profiles. Their Aztec chocolate flavor is one of my favorite unique bitters!

Enjoy their bitters in classics like the Martini or explore new concoctions, allowing the harmonious flavor notes of Fee Brothers to transform your drinks into masterpieces of flavor.


The Bitter End

The Bitter End is known for its innovative approach to bitters, offering bold and exotic flavors like Jamaican Jerk, Moroccan, and Thai. 

The Bitter End
Source: bitterendbitters.com

These unique bitters impart a distinctive twist to cocktails, infusing them with intriguing and unexpected flavors. 

Experiment with these cocktail bitters in adventurous cocktail creations, allowing The Bitter End to be your passport to a world of aromatic exploration.


Hella Cocktail Co.

Crafted with care and a commitment to quality, Hella Cocktail Co. offers a range of bitters that elevate any drink. 

Hella Cocktail Co. Bitter
Source: hellacocktail.co

From classic aromatic bitters to unique flavors like smoked chili and citrus, their collection adds depth and complexity to cocktails. 

Indulge in their bitters by incorporating them into classic recipes or using them as a creative tool to craft new and exciting drinks.


Peychaud’s Bitters

Dating back to the early 19th century, Peychaud’s bitters boasts a rich legacy as a key ingredient in the classic Sazerac cocktail. 

Peychaud's Bitters
Source: sazerac.com

Known for its vibrant red hue and distinctively floral and herbal profile, Peychaud’s bitters brings a touch of New Orleans to your drinks. These classic bitters are often cited in cocktail recipes, especially whiskey cocktails.

Enjoy it in traditional cocktails like the Sazerac or let its unique flavor shine in modern interpretations, adding a touch of history and charm to your drinks.


Scrappy’s

Handcrafted in small batches, Scrappy’s bitters offers a range of artisanal flavors that enhance the complexity of cocktails. 

Scrappy’s Bitter
Source: scrappysbitters.com

From lavender and cardamom to grapefruit and chocolate bitters, these cocktail bitters showcase a wide array of taste profiles. 

Incorporate Scrappy’s bitters into classic or contemporary recipes, allowing their unique flavors to take your drinks on a memorable flavor journey.


Jack Rudy Aromatic Bitters

Jack Rudy Aromatic Bitters is crafted with a blend of botanicals, delivering a balanced and aromatic flavor profile. 

Jack Rudy Aromatic Bitter
Source: jackrudycocktailco.com

These bitters add depth and complexity to classic cocktails, showcasing hints of warm spices and citrus

Enjoy them in time-honored recipes or experiment by incorporating them into new creations, allowing Jack Rudy Aromatic Bitters to enhance the flavors of your drinks with their distinctive character.


Woodford Reserve Bitters

Woodford Reserve Bitters, created by the renowned Kentucky bourbon distillery, offers a range of flavorful options that perfectly complement whiskey-based cocktails. 

Woodford Reserve Bitters
Source: bourbonbarrelfoods.com

From their aromatic and spiced expressions to their chocolate and orange bitters, each variety adds a layer of richness and complexity. 

Savor the deep flavors of Woodford Reserve Bitters in classic whiskey cocktails or create your own signature drinks with a touch of Kentucky craftsmanship.


Bittercube Bitters

Bittercube Bitters crafts small-batch artisanal bitters that showcase a wide range of unique and expertly balanced flavors. 

Bittercube Bitters
Source: bittercube.com

From their cherry bark vanilla to blackstrap bitters, each variety offers an opportunity to explore new taste dimensions. 

Incorporate Bittercube Bitters into your favorite cocktails, allowing their distinct flavors to elevate your drinks and create memorable drinking experiences.


The Bitter Truth Bitters

The Bitter Truth Bitters offers an extensive selection of exceptional flavors, each carefully crafted to add depth and complexity to cocktails. 

The Bitter Truth Bitters
Source: the-bitter-truth.com

From their classic aromatic bitters to exotic options like chocolate or celery, their collection covers a wide spectrum of tastes. 

Experiment with The Bitter Truth Cocktail Bitters in classic or contemporary recipes, allowing their premium quality and unique flavors to shine.


Dale DeGroff’

Curated by the legendary mixologist Dale DeGroff, these bitters are a testament to his expertise and passion for the craft. 

Dale DeGroff’s bitter
Source: kingcocktail.com

From his pimento aromatic bitters to his aromatic citrus bitters, each expression delivers a harmonious blend of flavors. 

Incorporate Dale DeGroff’s bitters into your favorite cocktails, elevating them with his signature touch and adding a touch of mixology mastery to your drinks.


Regan’s Orange Bitters

Regan’s Orange Bitters, crafted by mixologist Gary Regan, is a renowned ingredient in the world of cocktails.

regan's orange bitters
Source: drizly.com

A blend of bitter and sweet orange flavors, accented with spices, these bitters add depth and complexity to a range of libations. Its unique profile enhances classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Martini, while also inspiring creative concoctions.

Regan’s Orange Bitters is cherished for its ability to balance flavors, elevate aromas, and provide a signature touch to drinks.

With a rich history and a well-deserved place on the shelves of both home and professional bars, it remains an essential tool for bartenders and enthusiasts alike.


Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Paul Kushner

I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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