The Old Fashioned, a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts with its timeless appeal. One of the key components that give this drink its character and complexity is the addition of bitters. With a plethora of bitters available, selecting the perfect one for your Old Fashioned can be an exciting adventure. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best bitters that can elevate your Old Fashioned to new heights and unlock a world of flavors.
1. Angostura Bitters
As the quintessential choice for Old Fashioned enthusiasts, Angostura Bitters boasts a robust flavor profile that harmonizes beautifully with the cocktail’s ingredients. Its iconic blend of spices, including gentian root, cinnamon, and cloves, imparts a delightful depth and warmth to the drink. Just a few dashes of Angostura Bitters can transform a simple Old Fashioned into a rich and aromatic masterpiece.
2. Peychaud’s Bitters
Originating from New Orleans, Peychaud’s Bitters is a delightful alternative to Angostura, offering a distinct flavor profile with notes of anise and cherry. It adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of herbal complexity to the Old Fashioned, creating a unique twist on this timeless cocktail. For those seeking a subtly different experience, Peychaud’s Bitters is an excellent choice.
3. Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
For a citrus-forward Old Fashioned, Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 is the ideal companion. This bitters blend showcases the zestiness of oranges, accentuating the citrus notes in the cocktail. The addition of Regans’ Orange Bitters infuses your Old Fashioned with a refreshing brightness and a delightful burst of orange flavor.
4. Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters
True to its name, Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters is tailor-made for this classic cocktail. With a bold and well-balanced combination of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, and allspice, this bitters selection enhances the Old Fashioned’s traditional character. The warm and comforting notes of Fee Brothers bitters elevate the cocktail to a whole new level of complexity.
5. Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters
For a touch of indulgence and sweetness, Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters offers a unique blend of cherry and vanilla flavors. This bitters selection infuses your Old Fashioned with a velvety smoothness and hints of cherry sweetness, creating a delectable and memorable taste experience.
6. Embarking on a Flavor Journey
Selecting the best bitters for your Old Fashioned can be a delightful journey of exploration. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bitters to find the flavor profile that resonates with your taste preferences. Each bitters brand brings its own unique twist to the cocktail, allowing you to customize your Old Fashioned to perfection.
Conclusion
The world of bitters is a treasure trove of flavors, each offering a distinct personality to your Old Fashioned. From the timeless allure of Angostura Bitters to the vibrant citrus notes of Peychaud’s, the choice of bitters allows you to create a truly personalized Old Fashioned experience.
As you embark on your bitters journey, remember to savor each sip and appreciate the art of mixology. With the right bitters, your Old Fashioned can transform into a transcendent libation – a concoction that pays homage to the past while celebrating your unique palate. Cheers to the captivating world of bitters and the enduring allure of the classic Old Fashioned!