Here’s the bitter truth: When you stock your bar with the best cocktail bitters, your homemade libations get an instant flavor upgrade. From classic Angostura to inventive flavors like celery, cardamom and coffee, these must-try bitters are bound to take your cocktails up a notch dash.
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The ultimate guide to the best cocktail betters
As bartenders say, bitters are the finishing salt of cocktails. And finishing salt should be, well, really, really good salt. (Sorry, Morton’s salt girl.) Bitters are strong, botanical, alcoholic infusions that pack a serious punch for… well, punch. And old-fashioneds. And manhattans.
I’m often asked what my favorite cocktail bitters are, and the answer is… Well… I have a collection. I haven’t counted in a while, but I easily own 75 types… Yes, I know, I have a problem — because I have too many to put in cute bottles like this for my bar cart!
My favorite bitters are ones that still have pieces of spices and fruit still in the bottle, meaning they keep infusing over time. But many kinds do not, and they can still be really flavorful!
What are cocktail bitters?
Don’t know what bitters are? Let me do a quick recap from Cocktail Bitters 101! Cocktail bitters, also called simply “bitters,” are alcoholic infusions steeped for weeks or months with botanicals like herbs, fruits, seeds, roots, flowers, leaves and bark.
The result is a strong, fragrant and flavorful liquid that you can add to drinks for a deeper, more complex flavor. Though bitters are commonly used in cocktails, but you can cook with them too.
Try adding them to baking recipes in lieu of vanilla extract *, or to meat marinades and salad dressings for a more sophisticated depth of flavor.
Tips for choosing cocktail bitters
As for which flavors to buy, this is what I would recommend adding to your bar. If you want to start with the bare minimum, start with #1 and #2, as they will carry you through many cocktail recipes, then add on in the other categories as you wish!
- Aromatic bitters: A must-have for many cocktails! They add layers of flavor.
- Orange bitters *: Or any citrus bitters — perfect for adding a little zing.
- Cherry bitters *: Great for adding a bit of sweet flavor when you don’t have cocktail cherries.
- Fall & winter flavors like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, coffee, chocolate, walnut will help to warm up your beverages.
- Summer flavors like hibiscus, lavender, strawberry, coconut and pineapple bitters are great for summery drinks and tiki cocktails.
- Spicy bitters like jalapeño, habanero or mole bitters are a must for spice lovers.
Feeling adventurous? Sign up for a Bitters of the Month Subscription!* I love every kind of bitters I’ve ever tried from El Guapo Bitters, so this would not disappoint!
Homemade bitters
Did you know you can make your own bitters? You can! All it takes is natural whole ingredients, pure alcohol like vodka and some time.
You can purchase a DIY cocktail bitters kit * so you can get started quickly and follow their instructions. (I’ve never tried them myself, but it’s been on my list for years! Maybe I should put one on my Christmas list…)
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Non-alcoholic bitters
Cocktail bitters traditionally contain trace amounts of alcohol, and if that is okay with you, feel free to use them! But some making non-alcoholic mocktails, may wish for a non-alcoholic version. You’re not out of luck!
The folks at All the Bitter produce both classic and creative flavors, such as aromatic, orange and lavender, allowing customers to season their favorite drinks without any hint of alcohol at all. I also love El Guapo Bitters whose bitters also don’t contain alcohol. I’ve included a few favorites from both companies within the list below.
try non-alcoholic bitters
We love adding bitters to drinks to add a little extra depth and flavor complexity. I’ve teamed up with my friends at All the Bitter — who make fantastic non-alcoholic bitters — to bring you an exclusive discount on your purchase. Use code fwbitters for 10% off!
The best bitters for your home bar
I got you! I put together a list of my favorites for you. Just like I did with my guide to the best ginger beers, I’m covering my top brands and flavors from my own collection and bar adventures.
Bitters make great gifts for foodies and cocktail lovers alike, so this is a great list if you’re shopping for the budding mixologist in your life. (Even if it’s you.)
I love and trust all the brands presented here, so if you find another flavor by one of these brands, I say go for it — especially if it sounds intriguing to you. Bitters last a long time, so you are safe to hang onto a bottle for a while.
If you’re not sure how to use it, you can always drop me a line in my Facebook group! I’d love to know what else you’d add to this list! Do you have other favorite brands or flavors that I didn’t cover?
Aromatic bitters
Aromatic bitters are the backbone of classic cocktails, adding depth with warm spices and herbal notes. They are a spicy, herbaceous blend often made with roots, bark and warming spices like clove and cinnamon. Angostura bitters * is the most well-known, but there are many kinds of aromatic bitters that add rich complexity to classics like the old-fashioned to the Manhattan.
1. Angostura bitters
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Angostura bitters * are the most popular option when it comes to cocktail bitters. But it’s not the only one! Truthfully most brands have their own blend of aromatic bitters, so feel free to branch out from Angostura if you like. Angostura is still a classic that’s worth keeping around. It comes from Trinidad and is famous for its oversized label.
2. Peychaud’s bitters
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Peychaud’s is another common one you’ll see behind bars. This brand hails from the French Quarter in New Orleans, which is famous for its cocktails like the Sazerac.
3. Other aromatic bitters
woodford reserve aromatic bitters
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Most bitters brands carry their own version of aromatic bitters. These can be used in place of Angostura bitters or in addition to them to increase the flavor. Woodford Reserve, a well-known whiskey producer, has a great line of bitters and I’ve really enjoyed their aromatic bitters.
4. Non-alcoholic aromatic bitters
non-alcoholic aromatic bitters
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These non-alcoholic aromatic bitters * are packed with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, offering bold flavor without the booze. Deep and earthy with a lift of ginger and a bitter gentian finish, they’re perfect for zero-proof old-fashioneds or adding complexity to any spirit-free sip. This brand also makes a non-alcoholic New Orleans bitters * that is a great a Peychaud’s alternative.
5. Barrel-aged bitters
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Taking aromatic bitters to the next level is aging them! Barrel-aged bitters * carry extra woody flavors from spending time in oak barrels. The Bitter Housewife is from Portland, Oregon and produces some really delightful flavor combinations like lime coriander and hazelnut. Plus, the retro bottles look so cute on a bar!
Citrus bitters
It’s a good idea to have some citrus bitters at your disposal. Orange is classic, but lemon, grapefruit, lime or a combination would also be helpful for adding some citrus flavor. This is especially handy if you’re making an old-fashioned but don’t have any fresh citrus handy — these bitters can stand in well.
6. Orange bitters
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Orange bitters * bring a bright, zesty citrus flavor profile with a touch of spice — perfect for perking up gin, whiskey or rum cocktails. They’re a must for a classic martini and a great way to add depth to an old-fashioned. These are by Fee Brothers, a brand I like a lot!
7. Lime bitters
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Lime bitters * combine tart lime peel with subtle spice, giving tropical and tequila-based cocktails a refreshing twist. Use them to accent margaritas, mojitos or tiki drinks, or use them in a tequila old-fashioned. These ones are lime coriander, which adds subtle notes of cilantro into the mix.
8. Grapefruit bitters
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Grapefruit bitters * balance bitter citrus peel with floral and earthy notes, making them a great match for vodka, gin or mezcal. Try a few drops in a Paloma or an Aperol spritz for a sharp, sophisticated finish.
9. Lemon bitters
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Lemon bitters * offer a crisp, clean citrus punch with floral and herbal undertones. They’re ideal in light, summery drinks like the lemon drop martini or to brighten up a gin & tonic.
10. Non-alcoholic orange bitters
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If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option for citrus bitters, these from All the Bitter * are excellent. Try them in my favorite citrus ginger beer mocktail.
Fruit-flavored bitters
Fruit bitters add a juicy twist to your cocktails, bringing out sweet, tart or tangy notes that complement a wide range of spirits. From bold cherry to soft peach, these bitters are a fun way to enhance drinks with layers of fruit flavor, without adding any extra sweetness.
11. Cherry bitters
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Cherry bitters * are lovely for many cocktails, but especially so if you are out of cocktail cherries! Cherry is a great flavor to have in your repertoire to add rich, dark fruit flavor with hints of spice and almond — perfect for bourbon, rye whiskey or rum cocktails. They shine in brandy Manhattans, tiki drinks or anything that could use a touch of bold, fruity depth. The Luxardo brand can be trusted as it’s known for its Luxardo cherries * and Luxardo maraschino liqueur.
12. Berry bitters
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Mixed berry bitters * bring a jammy burst of flavor, often blending notes of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry with subtle herbs or spice. They’re great for spritzes, gin cocktails or mocktails that need a bright berry finish, like this strawberry martini.
13. Peach bitters
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Peach bitters * offer soft, juicy flavor with a delicate floral edge that pairs beautifully with bourbon, vodka or sparkling wine. A few drops can lift summer punches, old-fashioneds or even a glass of prosecco. Add it to peach iced tea or a peach margarita.
14. Tiki bitters
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Tiki bitters usually feature pineapple along with warm spices like cinnamon or allspice, capturing the essence of tropical cocktails. Use these Polynesian Kiss bitters * (alcohol-free) to amp up your Mai Tai, rum punch or any beachy creation that needs a little island magic.
Savory bitters
Savory bitters offer a bold, unconventional twist, leaning into herbal, vegetal and spicy flavors that shine in savory cocktails. They’re especially great in brunch drinks, dry martinis or anytime you want to add depth without sweetness.
15. Crawfish boil bitters
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Crawfish boil bitters * (alcohol-free) bring briny, spicy Cajun flavor with notes of celery, bay leaf and pepper. They’re a game-changer in a New Orleans-style Bloody Mary or any drink that calls for a hit of umami.
16. Celery bitters
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Celery bitters * are crisp, green and herbaceous — perfect for adding a vegetal edge to vodka or gin cocktails. They’re especially good in a classic Bloody Mary where they echo the celery garnish with a more refined flavor.
17. Spicy bitters
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Spicy bitters turn up the heat with ingredients like chili, peppercorn or ginger, adding a fiery kick to your favorite drinks. A few drops of these Fuego bitters * (alcohol-free) in a michelada or spicy margarita take things from tame to unforgettable.
Floral bitters
Floral flavors are underrated in cocktails, but so good and not too cloying when added with bitters (and maybe a flower ice cube). Floral bitters add elegance and fragrance, offering garden bouquets of lavender, hibiscus, rose and more. These delicate blends pair beautifully with lighter spirits like gin or vodka, perfect for spring and summer sips.
18. Lavender bitters
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Lavender bitters * bring a calming, herbal aroma with soft floral notes that work especially well with gin or sparkling wine. Try them in a lavender champagne cocktail for a fresh twist.
19. Earl Grey bitters
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Earl Grey bitters * feature notes of bergamot, black tea and citrus peel, adding a sophisticated, aromatic edge. They’re excellent in gin-based drinks or to give a refined twist to a whiskey sour or old-fashioned. You could also add a few drops in baking, like the dough of Earl Grey shortbread.
20. Floral maple bitters
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Floral maple bitters * combine soft botanical notes with a hint of woody sweetness from maple trees. Use them in bourbon or rye cocktails to add a subtle floral depth with a warm, earthy finish.
21. Cucumber lavender bitters
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Cucumber lavender bitters * (alcohol-free) blend soft floral notes with crisp, garden-fresh flavor for a bright and refreshing twist. Their delicate balance makes them ideal in gin or vodka cocktails, especially spritzes or herbal lemonades with a savory edge.
22. Hibiscus bitters
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Hibiscus bitters like these Burlesque bitters * from Bittermens bring vibrant tartness from hibiscus flowers and sour berries, balanced by a touch of peppery spice. This bold, slightly spicy blend adds a punch of flavor to tequila, rum or sparkling cocktails.
Nutty bitters
Nutty bitters bring warmth, richness and a toasty depth to cocktails with notes of almond, walnut or pecan. They’re especially delicious in fall and winter drinks, pairing beautifully with aged spirits like bourbon, rye or dark rum.
23. Chicory pecan bitters
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Chicory pecan bitters * (alcohol-free) offer deep, roasted notes with a hint of coffee and warm nuttiness. They’re a natural fit for bourbon or rum cocktails — especially in a coffee old-fashioned.
24. Hazelnut bitters
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Hazelnut bitters * bring a toasty, slightly sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and spice. They’re lovely in creamy cocktails, espresso martinis or even stirred into a holiday nog.
25. Black walnut bitters
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Black walnut bitters * are bold and earthy, with rich, bitter notes that complement dark spirits. Use them to add structure and depth to a Manhattan or an after-dinner nightcap like a toasted almond cocktail.
Spiced bitters
Warm spice bitters add cozy, comforting flavors to cocktails with notes like cinnamon, clove, cardamom and allspice. Perfect for fall and winter drinks, these bitters pair beautifully with whiskey, rum or apple-based cocktails and bring a festive touch to every sip.
26. Vanilla bitters
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Barrel-aged vanilla bitters * (alcohol-free) add smooth, creamy depth with a hint of sweetness that softens strong spirits. They’re perfect in whiskey cocktails and dessert drinks. If you’re out of vanilla vodka, they’re a great hack.
27. Chocolate bitters
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You’ll love having chocolate bitters * in your arsenal. Chocolate bitters * bring rich, cocoa flavor with subtle spice and bitterness — ideal for adding depth without extra sweetness. They are delicious to add a little hint of cocoa goodness to a chocolate old-fashioned, s’mores old-fashioned or any dark spirit cocktail.
28. Cardamom bitters
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Cardamom bitters * are intensely aromatic with notes of citrus, pine and warm spice. They’re great in gin or rum cocktails and especially lovely in spiced punches or chai-inspired drinks. Cardamom bitters * are key in my chai old-fashioned.
29. Cinnamon bitters
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Cinnamon bitters * deliver that classic, warming spice with just a hint of sweetness. Use them in apple cider cocktails, bourbon drinks or anything that needs a cozy touch. They also work in tiki drinks like this banana old-fashioned.
30. Coffee bitters
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Coffee bitters * bring roasted, bitter notes with subtle chocolate and spice undertones. Add them to dark rum or whiskey drinks for a sophisticated, slightly bitter finish. They can also deepen the layers of coffee flavor in espresso martinis and white Russians.
31. Ginger bitters
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Ginger bitters * offer a zesty kick with heat and spice that livens up everything from tiki drinks to whiskey sours and even add some zing to a champagne Moscow mule. They’re excellent for adding dimension to both sweet and savory cocktails.
32. Clove bitters
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Clove bitters * are bold and pungent with warm, spicy intensity that stands up to strong spirits. They’re a natural addition to holiday cocktails, mulled drinks or anything with dark fruit or spice. Try them in an apple old-fashioned or apple cider rum punch.
33. Mole bitters
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Mole bitters * blend rich cacao with warm spices like cinnamon, clove and chili, creating a bold, earthy flavor with subtle heat. They’re perfect in tequila or mezcal cocktails, or to add a dark, savory edge to whiskey and rum drinks.
(When I first shared this article, I shared my love for the brand Infuse Bitters, but sadly they seem to be out of business as of republishing in May 2025. However, it seems a few of their bottles are still available in some stores.)
FAQ
Any home bar should have at least one type of bitters to work with, but more will expand your drinks’ flavor profiles. Angostura aromatic bitters and Peychaud’s bitters are the most popular, but certainly not the only. They are a type of aromatic bitters, which have a mix of flavors from herbs, spices, roots and fruits. Orange bitters are also a must, as the bitter citrus can help balance a cocktail. From there, you can invest in other flavors like cherry, walnut, chai or lavender to upgrade your drinks.
Alcohol-based cocktail bitters last indefinitely when stored properly. Thanks to their high alcohol content, they’re essentially shelf-stable. Keep them in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed to keep them flavorful for years.
Non-alcoholic bitters, however, have a shorter shelf life, around 6 to 12 months after opening. Store them in the fridge once opened, and check the label for brand-specific guidance.
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