Bitters for Old Fashioned: A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting the Perfect Cocktail

Introduction

Bitters are an integral part of making a classic old fashioned cocktail. But what exactly are bitters? And why are they so important in crafting a good old fashioned? In this article, we’ll explore what bitters are, the different types of bitters used in old fashioneds, and how to use bitters to make your own delicious old fashioned.

A History of Bitters: How They Came to be Used in Old Fashioneds

Bitters have been around for centuries, with their origins dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. The word “bitters” is derived from the Latin “bitter” which means “sharp” or “pungent.” Bitters are essentially a mixture of herbs, spices, roots, and other botanicals that are infused in alcohol and then allowed to steep. Over time, bitters have been used as a remedy for various ailments such as indigestion, nausea, and headaches.

The earliest record of bitters being used in a cocktail dates back to the early 19th century in America. At the time, they were referred to as “bittered sling” and were used to add flavor to drinks. By the mid-19th century, bitters had become a popular ingredient in cocktails, particularly in the famous old fashioned.

An Exploration of Different Types of Bitters and Their Uses in Old Fashioneds

There are many different types of bitters that can be used in old fashioneds. Some of the most common types of bitters used in old fashioneds include Angostura bitters, orange bitters, aromatic bitters, and Peychaud’s bitters. Let’s take a closer look at each of these types of bitters.

Angostura Bitters

Angostura bitters are one of the most popular types of bitters used in old fashioneds. These bitters were first created in 1824 by Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German doctor living in Venezuela. He originally created them as a medicinal tonic but they soon became popular as a cocktail ingredient. Angostura bitters are made with a blend of herbs and spices, including gentian, cardamom, and clove, and are known for their unique, spicy flavor.

Orange Bitters

Orange bitters are another popular type of bitters used in old fashioneds. These bitters are made with a blend of citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, as well as spices such as cardamom, coriander, and cinnamon. Orange bitters are known for their bright, citrusy flavor and can be used to add a hint of sweetness to a drink.

Aromatic Bitters

Aromatic bitters are a type of bitters made with a blend of herbs, spices, and other botanicals. These bitters are typically dark brown in color and have a strong, earthy flavor. Aromatic bitters are often used to add complexity and depth of flavor to a drink.

Peychaud’s Bitters

Peychaud’s bitters are a type of bitters made with a blend of herbs and spices, including anise, cloves, and gentian. These bitters are known for their bright, herbal flavor and can be used to add a hint of sweetness and spice to a drink.

Other Types of Bitters and Their Uses in Old Fashioneds

In addition to the four types of bitters listed above, there are many other types of bitters that can be used in old fashioneds. Some of these include celery bitters, which are known for their savory, vegetal flavor; cherry bitters, which are known for their sweet, fruity flavor; and rhubarb bitters, which are known for their tart, acidic flavor.

Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned with Bitters

Now that you know what bitters are and the different types of bitters used in old fashioneds, it’s time to start crafting your own perfect old fashioned. To do this, you’ll need to choose the right bitters for your drink, prepare the ingredients, and then make the drink.

Choosing the Right Bitters for Your Old Fashioned

When choosing the right bitters for your old fashioned, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the drink. For example, if you want a drink that is light and refreshing, you may opt for orange bitters. If you want a drink that is rich and complex, you may opt for aromatic bitters. Ultimately, the choice of bitters is up to you and will depend on your personal taste preferences.

Preparing the Ingredients

Once you’ve chosen the right bitters for your old fashioned, it’s time to prepare the other ingredients. This includes muddling sugar and citrus (such as lemon or orange) in the bottom of a glass, adding a couple of dashes of bitters, and then stirring in whiskey or brandy. Once everything is combined, you’re ready to make the drink.

Making the Drink

To make the drink, fill a glass with ice, pour in the whiskey or brandy mixture, and stir gently until the drink is chilled. Finally, garnish the drink with a twist of citrus or a maraschino cherry and enjoy!

Bitters: What You Need to Know to Make Your Old Fashioned Delicious

Now that you know how to make an old fashioned with bitters, let’s take a look at the role of bitters in a good old fashioned. Bitters are essential for adding complexity and depth of flavor to a drink. They also help to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and citrus, as well as the bitterness of the whiskey or brandy.

Here are a few tips for using bitters in an old fashioned:

• Start with a small amount of bitters and adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Experiment with different types of bitters to find the flavor profile you like best.
• If you’re using orange bitters, be sure to use fresh orange zest in the drink to bring out the flavor of the bitters.

A Guide to Making an Old Fashioned with Bitters

Now that you know the basics of using bitters in an old fashioned, here are some step-by-step instructions for making the perfect cocktail:

• In a rocks glass, muddle together 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 dashes of bitters, and a twist of citrus.
• Add 2 ounces of whiskey or brandy and stir gently until the sugar is dissolved.
• Fill the glass with ice and stir until the drink is chilled.
• Garnish with a twist of citrus or a maraschino cherry.

Here are some tips for making the perfect old fashioned with bitters:

• Choose a good quality whiskey or brandy for the base of your drink.
• Experiment with different types of bitters to find the flavor profile you like best.
• Add a splash of soda water to the drink if you prefer a lighter, less boozy flavor.

An Introduction to Bitters: What They Are and How to Use Them in Old Fashioneds

Bitters are a key ingredient in any old fashioned and can help to elevate the flavor of the drink. Bitters are a mixture of herbs, spices, roots, and other botanicals that are infused in alcohol and then allowed to steep. There are many different types of bitters available, each with its own unique flavor profile. When choosing the right bitters for your old fashioned, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the drink and experiment with different types of bitters to find the flavor profile you like best.

Conclusion

Bitters are an essential ingredient in any old fashioned and can help to elevate the flavor of the drink. There are many different types of bitters available, each with its own unique flavor profile. When choosing the right bitters for your old fashioned, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the drink and experiment with different types of bitters to find the flavor profile you like best. With the right bitters and a few simple steps, you can craft the perfect old fashioned cocktail.