Strong and flavorful, Angostura bitters is one of the most popular bitters around. When it comes to recipes for cocktails, Angostura bitters are not newcomers. They’ve been around for centuries and have rightfully earned their place in some of the most respected cocktails on the planet.
If a recipe calls for bitters, the first name to pop up is usually Angostura bitters. Unfortunately, there are going to be situations where Angostura bitters aren’t an option. Then, the next logical thing to do would be to find its closest substitutes.
So, what are the best substitutes for Angostura bitters? The best substitutes for Angostura bitters are Fee brothers aromatic bitters and Peychaud’s aromatic bitters. Others include some varieties of Bittercube aromatic Bitters, Bitters club aromatic bitters, and Bitter Truth’s Bitters.
An Overview Of Angostura Bitters
Initially invented as a remedy for stomach problems, Angostura bitters have been used for flavoring cocktails for hundreds of years.
However, they aren’t just cocktail ingredients; some of them have a place in the kitchen. Some chefs use bitters as key ingredients in making a wide range of dishes. Angostura bitters are made from distilled herbs, barks, and roots of several plants.
The recipe for this immensely popular alcohol is a closely guarded secret. This makes it incredibly hard for other producers of bitters to replicate its unique taste and aroma.
Although they contain a significant amount of alcohol, Angostura bitter is a crowd-favorite. You’re sure to find them behind most bar shelves.
Why Replace Angostura Bitters?
It might not be obvious at the moment, but situations could arise that necessitate a search for Angostura substitutes. It could be:
- You’re in need of a new cocktail ingredient: if you’re an adventurous barman or simply a home cocktail mixer in need of a new cocktail, using an Angostura bitters substitute of your mix can help you cook up something different.
- You’re out of stock: like every other item, it’s not entirely uncommon to be out of stock. It could even be that Angostura bitters supply to your area is not enough, and you can’t immediately find them around.
Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered with close substitutes:
Best Substitutes for Angostura Bitters
A tremendous variety of bitters are being produced these days. However, most of them are unique and do not have the same taste and flavor that Angostura bitters offer. Below are some bitters that get will offer you something close to what Angostura bitters do.
Peychaud’s Bitters
The flavor of Peychaud’s Bitters is comparable to that of Angostura. However, Peychaud’s has a slightly sweeter taste and a more floral aroma. Peychaud’s bitters are reminiscent of caramel and licorice. It has hints of clove, cherry, and nutmeg that keep your mouth watery and yearning for more of it.
To get similar results as Angostura in a cocktail, a little adjustment in the volume used is important. While Angostura has an alcohol concentration of around 44.7 percent, Peychaud’s bitters stand at around 35 percent in alcohol concentration.
Just like Angostura, Peychaud’s bitters are versatile and have good chemistry with a number of cocktails. You can use it as a replacement for Angostura in a number of cocktails, including the Manhattan. They can also light up a Cognac Brandy.
Fee Brothers Bitters
Just like Angostura, Fee Brothers Bitters boasts a rich history. However, it’s not its history that makes it a good substitute. Rather, it’s its rich blend of several botanicals.
The Fee Brothers brand offers several bitters to choose from, and its entire bitters line is made from carefully selected roots, barks, and herbs. To replicate the taste of Angostura aromatic bitters, the Fee Brothers bitters to go for should be the Fee Brothers aromatic bitters. Made with Angostura bark, spices, and citrus oils, Fee Brothers aromatic bitters offers a blend of different flavors with prominent hints of clove, cinnamon, and a pleasantly bitter finish.
Like Angostura, you can use Fee Brothers aromatic bitters in classics like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and several others. When added in small amounts, Fee Brothers aromatic bitters are sure to add complexity and boost the flavor of your drinks.
If you don’t fancy the aromatic variety, the Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters can be your plug. Fee Brothers offer an amazing array of unusual flavors to explore if you’re bored of the good old flavors.
You can choose from a selection of flavors that includes grapefruit, celery, black walnut, peach, plum, and mint, all of which can offer an interesting twist to a variety of drinks.
Other Great Substitutes for Angostura bitters
There are several other plausible substitutes for Angostura bitters out there. Some of them include:
Bittercube Aromatic Bitters
Bittercube Bitters offer a range of creative bitters brand that can easily turn your favorite cocktail into something unique and exciting.
If you’re looking for an Angostura substitute, try out the Bittercube Bolivar, cherry bark vanilla, and blackstrap varieties. There’s also a Bittercube Orange Bitters for those that crave a little hint of orange.
Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters
When it comes to the complexity of flavors, the Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters sit right up there. It offers a complex blend of spices like cardamom, anise, and cinnamon, which can feature prominently in drinks you add them to. It will sit tight in most cocktails that require Angostura.
They are great for cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Queen’s park swizzle, old Cuban, and the Airmail. The Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters will go well with most wood-aged spirits.
Bitters Club Aromatic Bitters
Another worthy bitters worth mentioning is the Bitters Club Aromatic Bitters. Although the taste and flavor aren’t as close as bartenders would love it, Bitters Club Aromatic Bitters get as close as possible in offering something similar to Angostura.
The brand uses Angostura Bitters as a benchmark and tailors its array of ingredients to target Angostura’s feel. The production process employs 26 different herbs, fruits, and spices to forge an alcohol blend that stands tall among peers.