Orange Bitters

Orange-peel-forward bitters — a classic Martini enhancer.

Bitters USA (modern) 35% ABV
Flavor profile: bittercitrus

Orange bitters are bitters built on the peels of bitter orange, macerated in neutral alcohol with cardamom, coriander, and other botanicals. Regan's #6 and Angostura Orange are the widely distributed cocktail bottlings. Old-school Martini recipes — pre-Prohibition, before the cocktail lost nuance in America — routinely called for a dash of orange bitters. That tradition has returned in the craft era.

History

Orange bitters appeared in American bar books throughout the 19th century and were standard in pre-Prohibition Martinis; they largely disappeared after World War II and returned with the craft cocktail revival.

Common uses

Dry Martini, Bronx, Manhattan variants.

Cocktails that use Orange Bitters

  • Dry Martini — The king of cocktails — gin and dry vermouth, stirred cold and served clean

Substitutes