Cocktails with Angostura aromatic bitters
Angostura aromatic bitters is a concentrated, high-proof gentian-based bitters flavored with a secret blend of herbs and spices, used a few dashes at a time to season cocktails.
ABV44.7%High, but negligible in use since it's only ever dashed.
Taste profile
Intense warm-spice aroma over firm gentian bitterness, herbal and rooty, with a dry, spiced finish.
How it's used
Dashed into the glass or shaker rather than measured, it's the standard seasoning for whiskey and rum drinks — 1-2 dashes rounds out an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, and it's the signature accent that turns a plain soda into a Gin and Tonic's cousin, the Angostura-topped soda. It also floats on top of a Champagne cocktail-style drink and seasons punches and swizzles.
Substitutes for Angostura aromatic bitters
Another gentian-based aromatic bitters (Peychaud's leans more floral, Bittermens or Fee Brothers Old Fashioned bitters are closer matches) gives similar rounding bitterness at the same dash dosing. Nothing replicates the exact secret spice blend if that flavor itself is the point of the drink.
Often confused with
Aromatic bitters bring warm spice and gentian as an all-purpose seasoning; orange bitters lead with citrus peel. The same producer makes both.
