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    Home » Cocktails » Drinks with Bitters

    Published: Jan 22, 2021 · Updated: Jan 17, 2021 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Drinks with Bitters

    The great thing about these 20 Drinks with Bitters is that they’re refreshing and flavorful.

    From classics to tropical leaning mixed drinks, this list includes a bunch of cocktail recipes that are easy to make at home.

    Bottles of bitters on a tray next to a cocktail shaker.

    Some links in this post may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I also participate in affiliate programs for other retailers. 

    Bitters help flavor cocktails

    For years I knew what bitters were but had no idea how to use them. I never tried them. It seemed a little overwhelming.

    But when my friend made a Moscow Mule for me for the first time, a whole new world of flavor opened up.

    Traditional Bitters, indeed, have a slightly bitter flavor that is herbal with a slight note of citrus. It's a concentrated flavor that you only need a few drops of.

    Much like salt and pepper, bitters help to finish a drink and add a layer of flavor. So any time I see drinks that use bitters, I feel like they are going to be balanced and delicious.

    Unlike a simple syrup, bitters don't add sweetness, only concentrated flavor.

    Playing around with bitters led me to drink Bitters and Soda. It's the perfect drink to sip on a warm day or when you want to feel like you're having a cocktail but don't want the alcohol.

    What are bitters made with

    Bitters are alcohol infusions made with botanicals and other flavor agents. Roots, dried fruits, herbs and flowers create flavorful blends to add to cocktails.

    What kind of drinks can you make with bitters

    Bitters can be used in any drink you want to. Often used in classic cocktails, bitters can be added to anything. It's like a liquid spice that you would add depending on the flavors you are using.

    What does bitters do to a drink

    Along with bringing their own flavor (which depends on which variety you use) they also accentuate other flavors in a cocktail. It's a great way to add depth and a perfect way to finish of a drink.

    Types of bitters

    I'm not sure if bitters is broken down into legit categories but from a casual user, I have noticed a few types.

    Aromatic bitters are the traditional type and include herbs, barks, spices, etc. I guess I would also include lavender bitters in this category.

    Angostura is the most popular brand, although Peychaud's is also classic.

    There are also fruit-forward bitters like orange, and grapefruit and just about any other fruit you can think of.

    There are more savory flavors, like celery, which I have but haven't used yet.

    And then you can find flavor blends. I have one that tastes very tropical with the standard bitter flavors topped with nutmeg and cinnamon, etc.

    Chocolate bitters exist although I haven't ever used those.

    And then you'll find the weird ones. The ones like mole, or barbecue or spicy bitters. These wacky flavors seem to be a fairly new trend while traditional bitters have been around FOREVER.

    Some brands also sell them in sets which is a great way to try out a bunch of flavors. Some sell smaller sized bottles, while others sell full-sized.

    You can usually find the OG bitters, Angostura, at most stores including super markets and Target. Look for specialty bitters in larger wine stores or smaller cocktail shops. Or scout for them online.

    Drinks with Bitters

    Photo Credit: www.cakenknife.com

    Jameson Old Fashioned Recipe

    Smooth Irish whiskey, bitters, a little sugar and a splash of soda gives you an easy classic cocktail

    Spiced Daiquiri Recipe

    The spiced rum and vanilla make this drink comforting and delicious! The bitters help to give it depth of flavor.

    Photo Credit: www.everydaymaven.com

    Cherry Infused Manhattan Cocktail

    Cherry and orange shaken with a nice bourbon create a perfectly chilled drink you'll love.

    Photo Credit: www.garlicandzest.com

    Fruity Tropical Planter's Punch

    This cocktail is sweet and tart and tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass!

    Photo Credit: www.garlicandzest.com

    The French 75 

    Floral gin and a splash of champagne create a refreshing cocktail perfect for any time of year.

    Photo Credit: www.howsweeteats.com

    Pumpkin Pie Bourbon Smash

    Homemade pumpkin pie syrup and bourbon make a dessert-like cocktail that you will want to drink every fall.

    Photo Credit: www.howsweeteats.com

    Strawberry Ginger Smash

    Smashed fresh strawberries with mint and ginger mix with bourbon to create a refreshing and fruity cocktail.

    Photo Credit: www.justinecelina.com

    ROSEMARY FIG JAPANESE WHISKY SOUR

    With a hint of smoke, the fig syrup and Japanese whisky make a unique cocktail that you really need to try.

    Photo Credit: www.justinecelina.com

    SMOKED PEACH MAPLE BOURBON SMASH 

    Smoked Maple Bourbon and sweet peaches combine to make a sweet and smoky mixed drink that everyone will go crazy for.

    Photo Credit: minimalistbaker.com

    Orange-Infused Whiskey Ginger

    The bold flavors of ginger, orange, and bourbon work together to create a refreshing drink that is sure to be your new favorite.

    Photo Credit: realhousemoms.com

    Manhattan Drink

    A classic cocktail with whiskey, this drink has just 3 ingredients and comes together quickly.

    Photo Credit: www.supergoldenbakes.com

    Aperitini - Refreshing Aperol Tequila Cocktail

    Campari, Aperol and Tequila with a splash of champagne create a drink that is a touch bitter and just the right amount of fizzy.

    Photo Credit: theviewfromgreatisland.com

    The Cardamom Rose Cocktail

    Homemade rose simple syrup, fresh citrus, and bitters mix to create a drink that is a gorgeous pink color!

    Photo Credit: todayscreativelife.com

    Pomegranate Cocktail with Tequila

    Pomegranate juice, Orange Bitters, Tequila, and Grenadine is a delicious summer cocktail to make for your next happy hour.

    Photo Credit: todayscreativelife.com

    Sparkling Watermelon Ginger Punch

    Fresh watermelon and ginger bitters makes this vodka cocktail super flavorful.

    Photo Credit: vintagekitty.com

    Festive Holiday Chocolate Martini Cocktail

    Dark chocolate bitters, coffee liqueur and cream makes for a rich and sweet drink that also feels festive!

    Photo Credit: www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    Pear Vodka Martini 

    The pear nectar, fresh lime juice and vodka make a simple drink idea that is quick and easy to make.

    Bourbon Moscow Mule Recipe

    Just a few ingredients and a few minutes make a refreshing bourbon drink that gives you an excuse to drink out of a copper mug.

    Bitters are a quick way to add tons of flavor to a drink.

    And while they do, technically, have alcohol, they really aren't considered alcoholic. The amount you would need to consume to feel the effects would be outrageous.

    Adding a few drops to a cocktail is the perfect finishing touch.

    More ways to use bitters

    • I add Lavender Bitters to my coffee. Yum!
    • Use a few drops to flavor homemade whipped cream.
    • Add a few drops to your batter before baking. I think I'm going to give that a try next time I make my Sherry Wine Cake.
    • Mixed with a little olive oil could make for an interesting salad dressing.
    • Adding a few drops to a glass of wine might make it taste more complex like Fortified Wine. I haven't tried that yet, so I'll report back.

    Once you get familiar with mixed drinks with bitters you'll come up with even more ways you can use them.

    More cocktail recipes

    • A Blood Orange Spritzer with Thyme is refreshing and a great way to use wine that has been open a few days.
    • Have you heard of Haus Aperitif wines? They're totally unique and delicious. Drink them alone or use them in a cocktail!
    • A Hibiscus Mule is a tart and tangy drink idea that also has a floral note. It's a fun twist on the classic recipe.
    close up of different types of bitters on a tray

    Pin to save these drinks with bitters for later.

    More Classic Cocktail Recipes

    • An Aperol summer cocktail in a glass on top of a white plate surrounded by fresh limes and topped with a lime slice.
      Tropical Spiced Rum Aperol Cocktail Recipe
    • A martini glass filled with a French gimlet cocktail.
      A Simple French Gimlet Recipe for Spring (St Germain Gin Gimlet)
    • 6 Great Cocktails with Jam and Marmalade
    • A glass filled with a white wine spritzer made with St. Germain liqueur and topped with a rosemary sprig.
      Refreshingly Simple St Germain Spritzer Recipe

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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