Orange bitters are an incredibly distinctive and versatile ingredient that can bring out a whole new flavor profile for your cocktail. Not only do orange bitters add a nice kick of spice and sweetness, but their bright, slightly tart flavor also lends well to a variety of different cocktails.
In this post, I'm going to talk about what orange bitters are and why you should use them, as well as share some of my favorite recipes for cocktails made with orange bitters. So sit back and enjoy as I review some of the best drinks that you can make with orange bitters!
1. Abbey Cocktail
The Abbey Cocktail is a delicious mix of sweet citrus and herbal juniper, perfect for a relaxing evening. This cocktail utilizes orange bitters, which pair so nicely with the gin and orange.
The orange bitters add a subtle flavor of spice, balancing the sweetness of the orange and providing a complex finish. The cherry adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a bright visual element and some additional sweetness. This drink is an outstanding option for any cocktail lover looking to explore the possibilities of using orange bitters in their drinks. Enjoy in a cozy spot and savor the flavors!
Abbey Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1 dash Orange bitters
- Juice of 1/4 Orange
- 1 Cherry
How to make it
- Shake all ingredients (except for the cherry) with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Top with the cherry and serve.
2. Adonis Cocktail
The Adonis Cocktail is a classic drink that is perfect for any orange bitters enthusiast. This deceptively simple drink combines the smooth sweetness of Sweet Vermouth and Sherry with the spicy kick of Orange bitters.
It's the perfect balance as the orange bitters provide a distinctive depth to the drink while also allowing the subtle fruitiness of the Sherry and the sharpness of the Vermouth to come through. To make the perfect Adonis Cocktail, simply stir all ingredients with ice, strain contents into a cocktail glass, and serve. Enjoy the classic combination of sweet and spicy that the Adonis Cocktail has to offer!
Adonis Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 1/2 oz dry Sherry
- 1 dash Orange bitters
How to make it
- Stir all ingredients with ice, strain contents into a cocktail glass, and serve.
3. Affinity
The Affinity is a classic cocktail that showcases the complexity and depth of orange bitters. The combination of sweet and dry vermouth along with a hint of smokiness from the scotch whiskey provide a wonderful platform for the orange bitters to shine.
The orange bitters add a floral citrusy character that shines through and complements the other ingredients beautifully. The resulting cocktail is harmonious, vibrant, and incredibly balanced. If you're looking for an impressive cocktail to impress your guests, the Affinity is an outstanding option. There is something incredibly special when it comes to cocktails that are made with orange bitters, and this one is no exception.
Affinity
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Scotch
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
How to make it
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients.
- Stir well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
4. Alaska Cocktail
The Alaska Cocktail is a truly classic and refined number—with a combination of orange bitters, gin, yellow chartreuse and a lemon peel, its subtle nuances and zest are sure to tantalize any palate. An excellent way to enjoy the unique flavor of orange bitters, its premier ingredient, the cocktail embodies its citrusy essence with the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
The tartness of the lemon peel complements the other components of the drink perfectly, while the complex spice of the orange bitters gives an unexpected oomph of flavor that is sure to surprise. Stir all the ingredients together with ice, strain them into a cocktail glass and drop a twist of lemon in to complete the experience. It's a timeless delight not to be missed.
Alaska Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
- Twist of Lemon peel
How to make it
- Stir all ingredients with ice, strain contents into a cocktail glass.
- Drop in a twist of lemon and serve.
5. Bijou
The Bijou cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, herbal and citrus flavors. It features orange bitters, green Chartreuse, gin and sweet vermouth, all shaken together in a mixing glass with ice.
This flavorful cocktail can easily be made with just a few simple ingredients, and it yields a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors with earthy notes from the gin. The addition of orange bitters provides a bright, zesty flavor that helps to balance out the heavier sweetness of the vermouth and Chartreuse. This requires for a truly refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping throughout the evening. Enjoy your Bijou!
Bijou
Ingredients
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
- 1 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
How to make it
- Stir in mixing glass with ice and strain.
6. Casino
The Casino cocktail is a classic drink that was created in the early 1900s. It's a thirst-quenching, flavorful drink that mixes the flavors of gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and orange bitters.
It's an ideal drink for a night out on the town and is best served chilled and without a straw, so as to truly appreciate the flavor. The orange bitters provide a slightly sweet and citrusy flavor, cutting through the other ingredients to create a balanced, smooth drink. This makes it an outstanding choice for those seeking a drink that has a bit of a twist.
Enjoy the Casino cocktail and its distinct orange bitters flavor anytime you’re looking for a curious and delicious cocktail.
Casino
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1/4 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 tsp Lemon juice
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 Cherry
How to make it
- Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake well.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve without a straw.
7. Casino Royale
Now for one of my favorites. The Casino Royale is a classic cocktail that takes advantage of the pleasantly tart, citrusy flavor of orange bitters. This delicious combination includes gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and egg yolk, all shaken together and strained into a sour glass.
The result is a smooth, perfectly balanced mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors that really makes the orange bitters stand out and adds a special, flavorful kick. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just sipping a timeless cocktail, give the Casino Royale a try to tantalize your tongue with a truly unique flavor experience.
Casino Royale
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1 dash Orange bitters
- 1 Egg yolk
How to make it
- In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a sour glass.
8. Highland Fling Cocktail
The Highland Fling Cocktail is a delightful beverage that combines the smoky, robust flavor of Scotch with the sweetness of Sweet Vermouth and the tart flavor of orange bitters. The addition of an olive gives this drink a subtle briny quality that provides an alluring contrast with the Scotch.
This cocktail is an exceptional example of how versatile orange bitters can be when included in a mixed drink. They bring an extra burst of flavor that plays off the other ingredients, creating an unforgettable combination that can be enjoyed at any occasion. The Highland Fling is a classic cocktail that is sure to impress no matter who you're serving!
Highland Fling Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Scotch
- 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 Olive
How to make it
- Stir all ingredients (except olive) with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Add the olive and serve.
9. London Town
The London Town cocktail is a perfect blend of botanical gin, Maraschino liqueur and a touch of zesty orange bitters. This cocktail is bursting with flavor, from the zesty orange bitters that add a lovely citrus notes to the floral, sweet taste of Maraschino liqueur.
They all come together beautifully to create a delicious and refreshing cocktail experience. The hint of orange bitterness in the cocktail adds a bright, vibrant flavor to the drink, making it an outstanding choice for hot summer days. Whether served up as a stirred down aperitif or an after dinner treat, the London Town cocktail is sure to delight!
London Town
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
How to make it
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients.
- Stir well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
10. Martinez Cocktail
The Martinez Cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail with a light and refreshing citrus twist. This flavorful drink features the bold juniper notes of gin, balanced with the herbal, dry qualities of dry vermouth and the sweetness of triple sec.
To delight the palate, orange bitters add a subtle, bright orange flavor that brightens the drink and makes it truly distinctive. To finish, a cherry adds the perfect garnish to the cocktail and makes it both a visually stunning and deliciously crafted drink. The Martinez Cocktail is ideal for any occasion when you're looking for a memorable, tangy addition to the night.
Martinez Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1/4 tsp Triple sec
- 1 dash Orange bitters
- 1 Cherry
How to make it
- Stir all ingredients (except cherry) with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Top with the cherry and serve.
11. Pegu Club
The Pegu Club is an iconic gin cocktail that originated in the 19th century in what is now Myanmar. It's a revitalizing mix of gin, orange curaçao, lime juice, and both Angostura and orange bitters.
Its florid orange zest aroma gives way to a complex blend of sweet and sour with a hint of spice. The Pegu Club is perfect for those looking to add a quintessentially classic twist to their cocktail repertoire. Enjoy this classic with a touch of orange bitterness to really bring out the flavor of the other ingredients.
Pegu Club
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz Orange Curacao
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
How to make it
- Shake, strain, up, cocktail glass.
12. Sloe Gin Cocktail
The Sloe Gin cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors and is incredibly easy to make. Using sloe gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters, it is a delightful mix of classic liqueurs and bitters.
A perfect balance of sweet, tart, and acidity, this cocktail is perfect for relaxing after a long day. The orange bitters add a wonderful complexity to the cocktail, providing a hint of citrus to pique your taste buds. Regardless of whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for something to kick your night off, this Sloe Gin Cocktail is a delightful drink that will satisfy both those seeking something classic and something new.
Sloe Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Sloe gin
- 1/4 tsp Dry Vermouth
- 1 dash Orange bitters
How to make it
- Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
13. The Philosopher
The Philosopher is a refreshing and elegant cocktail made with Hendricks gin, melon liqueur, orange bitters, lemon juice and Prosecco. The orange bitters create a mellow and fruity finish, balancing the dry gin and tart lemon perfectly.
The Prosecco adds a light, bubbly sweetness that pairs perfectly with the citrus notes of the orange bitters. This creative cocktail is sure to please any crowd – perfect for an after-dinner tipple, a Sunday afternoon get together, or simply sipping the night away.
The Philosopher
Ingredients
- 1 shot Gin
- 1 shot Melon Liqueur
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
- 1 dash Lemon Juice
- Top Prosecco
How to make it
- Add all the spirits in a shaker (best to use Hendricks gin) as well as the orange bitters and lemon juice.
- Strain into a Margarita glass, top with Prosecco.
14. Tuxedo Cocktail
The Tuxedo Cocktail is a classic that is sure to be enjoyed. Combining dry vermouth, gin, Maraschino liqueur, Anis, and orange bitters, this cocktail is sure to be a hit.
Featuring sweet and savory notes, it stands out as a creative and flavorful twist on the classic Martini. The addition of the orange bitters gives it a complex citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients. To make it, simply stir all ingredients with ice, and strain into a cocktail glass. For the finishing touches, garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon zest. Enjoy this zesty and curious iteration of a Martini, with the added flavor and complexity of orange bitters.
Tuxedo Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/4 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 tsp Anis
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 Cherry
How to make it
- Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon zest.
15. Valencia Cocktail
The Valencia Cocktail is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of apricot brandy, orange juice, and orange bitters creates a distinctive flavor profile that is both invigorating and flavorful.
The orange bitters give the cocktail a brightness that helps to balance out the sweetness of the apricot brandy and orange juice. This invigorating cocktail is perfect for a summer night spent with friends or for a winter evening spent fireside. Enjoy the Valencia with a citrus garnish for an extra touch of flavor.
Valencia Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Apricot brandy
- 1 tblsp Orange juice
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
How to make it
- Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you're expanding your palate or making an effort to be creative with a new cocktails, orange bitters are a great way to add a subtle depth of flavor to any drink. I think all cocktail enthusiasts should give orange bitters a try, as a unique way to elevate any classic or novel cocktail.
Orange bitters is a great addition to a variety of drinks, and once you discover the vast potential of orange bitters to create delicious cocktails, you’ll be sure to want to reach for this ingredient time and time again.