The Old Fashioned is a storied cocktail, revered for its simplicity and depth. Central to its composition, aside from whiskey, sugar, and water, are the bitters. These add complexity and depth and define the drink's character. For those looking to master this classic at home, let’s find out what kind of bitters are best suited for an Old Fashioned.

Understanding Bitters

Before delving into specific types of bitters, it’s important to grasp what bitters actually are. They are alcoholic preparations flavored with botanicals to achieve a bitter or bittersweet flavor. From herbs and bark to fruit peels and roots, the ingredients in bitters can vary widely, but their purpose remains the same: to enhance the drink’s flavor profile.

Traditional Bitters for an Old Fashioned

The traditional choice of bitters for an Old Fashioned has long been Angostura bitters. Originating in the 1820s, Angostura bitters are named after the town of Angostura in Venezuela (now Ciudad Bolívar) and were first used as a medicinal tonic.

Their complex flavor profile includes hints of tamarind, cinnamon, and clove. These complement the whiskey wonderfully, providing a warm, spicy backbone that balances the sweetness of the sugar.

Why Angostura Bitters Work Well

• Flavor Compatibility: Angostura bitters have a flavor complexity that complements whiskey-based cocktails without overpowering them.
• Historical Authenticity: Using Angostura bitters ties your cocktail to the rich history of the Old Fashioned, which has been enjoyed since the early 19th century.

Alternative Bitters for an Old Fashioned

While Angostura is the classic choice, several other bitters can add different dimensions to your Old Fashioned:

• Orange Bitters: Adding a citrusy zest, orange bitters can brighten up the drink, pairing particularly well with rye whiskey.
• Peychaud’s Bitters: Typically associated with the Sazerac cocktail, Peychaud’s offers floral and light anise notes that can provide a fresh twist to an Old Fashioned.
• Aromatic Bitters: Similar to Angostura but with different spice profiles, other aromatic bitters can be used to tweak the flavor subtleties according to personal preference.
• The Bitter Housewife Bitters: These craft bitters, known for their balance of flavors that include cardamom and cinnamon, are ideal for those who appreciate a more nuanced bitterness in their Old Fashioned.

Creating the Perfect Old Fashioned

To create an exemplary Old Fashioned, the process is as important as the ingredients:

• Start with Demerara Syrup: The traditional way of making an Old Fashioned is to use a sugar cube or a teaspoon of sugar with the bitters and a little water to dissolve the sugar. Nowadays the use of Demerara syrup can be used in place of sugar, along with the bitters to achieve a better incorporation of ingredients. The Demerara also imparts a silky texture to the drink and adds a rich, caramel flavor.
• Mix Gently: Add a few dashes of plain water and mix gently until the syrup dissolves.
• Add Ice and Whiskey: Fill the glass with large ice cubes, add your preferred whiskey, and stir well.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Express the orange peel over the top of the drink, allowing the essential oils to fall on the surface. Then, rub the rim of the glass with the peel to enhance both the aroma and taste of orange, creating a delightful effect when sipped. Finally, drop the orange peel into the drink for added flavor.

Personalizing Your Drink with the Right Bitters

Choosing the right bitters for an Old Fashioned can transform a good cocktail into a great one. By understanding the different types of bitters available and how they complement the other ingredients, you can personalize the drink to suit your taste preferences.

The best kind of bitters for an Old Fashioned is the one that perfectly balances your choice of whiskey, enhancing both the flavor and the drinking experience.

Tipsy Cocktail Supply Co. offers a great selection of cocktail bitters you need to take your Old Fashioned and any other cocktail or mocktail to the next level. We also provide an amazing range of cocktail syrups and drink mixers, as well as unique, handmade glassware and other essentials for all your home bartending needs.