18 Refreshing Bitters Recipes for Craft Cocktails

As the weather warms up, it’s time to trade in our rich and heavy winter drinks for something lighter, brighter, and full of flavor. One way to do just that is by incorporating a variety of bitters into your cocktail repertoire. Bitters are a key component of many classic cocktails, and they add a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated with other ingredients alone.

From the citrusy zing of orange bitters to the sweet and spicy warmth of ginger bitters, there’s a world of possibilities out there when it comes to crafting refreshing bitters recipes for craft cocktails. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious examples of bitters-based drinks that are perfect for sipping on a warm day or evening. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting to experiment with cocktails, these recipes are sure to provide plenty of inspiration for your next drink-making adventure.

Orange Bitters Old Fashioned

This Orange Bitters Old Fashioned recipe adds a bright and citrusy spin to the traditional whiskey-based cocktail. The combination of sweet orange bitters, rich bourbon, and subtle spice creates a complex and intriguing flavor profile.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz orange bitters
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar, dissolved)
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, orange bitters, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.

Cooking Time: None required!

Lavender Bitters Spritz

Experience the floral charm of lavender in a refreshing spritz perfect for warm days or special occasions. This unique cocktail combines the subtle sweetness of Prosecco and Aperol with the complexity of lavender bitters, creating a one-of-a-kind taste experience.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz Prosecco
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1/4 oz Lavender Bitters
– Splash of soda water (optional)
– Fresh lavender sprigs or edible flowers for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Prosecco and Aperol.
3. Add 1/4 oz of lavender bitters.
4. Top with a splash of soda water, if desired, to cut the sweetness.
5. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or edible flowers.

Cooking Time: None needed!

Chocolate Bitters Martini

Elevate your cocktail game with this indulgent treat that combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate and bitters. Perfect for those who love a sweet and savory combination.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz dark crème de cacao
– 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, white chocolate liqueur, Aperol, and crème de cacao.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!

Grapefruit Bitters Paloma

Elevate your cocktail game with this innovative take on the classic Paloma, featuring the bold flavors of grapefruit and bitters.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 oz grapefruit bitters
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Add grapefruit bitters and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cooking Time: None!

Cherry Bitters Manhattan

Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the timeless Manhattan. The addition of cherry bitters adds a fruity and complex flavor profile to this classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 2 dashes Cherry Bitters
– Cherry, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the whiskey and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add the cherry bitters and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry and serve.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.

Cardamom Bitters Sour

Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. Cardamom’s warm, spicy flavor perfectly complements the tangy whiskey and sweet citrus.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Cardamom Bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 2 dashes of Cardamom Bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.

Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so no cooking involved.

Peach Bitters Bellini

Elevate your brunch game with this sweet and tangy Peach Bitters Bellini, perfect for warm weather gatherings. This refreshing twist on the classic Bellini combines fresh peach puree, bitters, and Prosecco for a truly unique taste experience.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe peach, pureed
– 1/2 oz peach bitters
– 3 oz Prosecco
– Fresh peach slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the peach puree and peach bitters to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for about 10 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled flute or champagne glass.
5. Top with Prosecco and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh peach slices, if desired.

Cooking Time: None

Angostura Bitters Daiquiri

This twist on the classic Daiquiri cocktail adds a unique depth and complexity with the addition of Angostura bitters. The subtle spice and herbal notes of the bitters perfectly complement the sweet and tart flavors of the rum, lime, and simple syrup.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add the Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)

Lemon Bitters Gin Fizz

Elevate your cocktail game with this citrusy and bubbly Lemon Bitters Gin Fizz recipe. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a revitalizing drink.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3 oz club soda
– 1/4 oz lemon bitters
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and add a dash of lemon bitters.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!

Rhubarb Bitters Collins

Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful Rhubarb Bitters Collins, perfect for warm weather gatherings. This refreshing drink combines the tartness of rhubarb with the subtle bitterness of bitters, all tied together with gin and citrus.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– 3-4 dashes rhubarb bitters
– Soda water
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 3-4 dashes of rhubarb bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
6. Top with soda water.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.

Celery Bitters Bloody Mary

Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bloody Mary. The addition of celery bitters adds a unique depth of flavor and a touch of herbal freshness.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup vodka (or to taste)
– 2 dashes celery bitters
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the tomato juice, Bloody Mary mix, lemon juice, and vodka.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add 2 dashes of celery bitters and stir gently.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail!

Vanilla Bitters Espresso Martini

Elevate your cocktail game with this unique Vanilla Bitters Espresso Martini recipe, combining the richness of espresso and vanilla with a hint of bitters.

Ingredients:

– 2 shots of strong espresso
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
– 1/2 ounce vanilla-flavored syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 ounce vanilla bitters
– 1 cup ice
– Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and vanilla syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of vanilla bitters (about 1/4 ounce).
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.

Cooking Time: None needed!

Enjoy your Vanilla Bitters Espresso Martini!

Pineapple Bitters Mojito

Add a tropical twist to the classic mojito with this refreshing Pineapple Bitters Mojito recipe. The sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and lime pair perfectly with the spicy kick from the bitters.

Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz pineapple juice
– 3/4 oz club soda
– Handful of ice
– Sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Pineapple wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint sprigs with simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add rum, lime juice, and pineapple juice to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and sprig of mint.

Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)

Black Walnut Bitters Negroni

This twist on the classic Negroni cocktail adds a depth of flavor and complexity with the addition of black walnut bitters. The result is a sophisticated and intriguing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 oz Campari
– 2 dashes black walnut bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
3. Add 2 dashes of black walnut bitters.
4. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.

Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)

Ginger Bitters Mule

This refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule adds a spicy kick from ginger bitters and a hint of warmth from ginger beer.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz ginger beer
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz ginger bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Add 1/4 oz of ginger bitters.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink and drop it in.
7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.

Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.

Peppermint Bitters Hot Chocolate

Elevate your hot chocolate game with this refreshing twist that combines the warmth of rich chocolate with the invigorating zing of peppermint and a hint of bitters.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon orange bitters
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the hot milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract and orange bitters.
5. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.

Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes

Clove Bitters Hot Toddy

Warm up on a chilly day with this aromatic and spicy hot toddy, infused with the comforting flavors of clove bitters. Perfect for a cozy night in or a pick-me-up during the cold winter months.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon clove bitters
– 8 oz hot water
– Lemon slice or cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the bourbon over low heat.
2. Add honey syrup, ground cloves, and clove bitters to the bourbon. Stir until dissolved.
3. Pour in hot water and stir well.
4. Strain into a mug or cup.
5. Garnish with lemon slice or cinnamon stick, if desired.

Cooking Time: None

Rose Bitters Champagne Cocktail

Elevate your cocktail game with this elegant and refreshing drink that combines the sweetness of rose-flavored liqueur, the tartness of lemon juice, and the effervescence of champagne.

Ingredients:

– 1 oz Rose-flavored liqueur (such as Rothman & Winter Crème de Rose)
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 oz Champagne
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Lemon twist or edible flower for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a champagne flute with ice.
2. Pour in the rose-flavored liqueur and lemon juice.
3. Top with champagne, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.
4. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower.

Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to drink in minutes.

Summary

Indulge in the world of craft cocktails with these 18 refreshing bitters recipes! From classic combinations to innovative twists, this collection has something for every palate. Try the Orange Bitters Old Fashioned, Lavender Bitters Spritz, or Chocolate Bitters Martini for a taste of sophistication. Or go fruity with Grapefruit Bitters Paloma, Peach Bitters Bellini, or Pineapple Bitters Mojito. For a spicy kick, opt for Ginger Bitters Mule or Celery Bitters Bloody Mary. Whatever your flavor, these bitters recipes are sure to elevate your cocktail game!