Bitters Explained: The Unsung Hero of the Old-Fashioned

Nov 21, 2025

In cocktail mixology, few ingredients hold as much quiet power as bitters. Just a few drops can change everything—aroma, balance, even texture. Despite having the smallest measure in the glass, they give structure and soul to the drink.

In an Old-Fashioned, bitters are the bridge between sugar and spirit. Without them, bourbon would taste one-dimensional. With them, it becomes layered and complete.

What Are Bitters?

Bitters are concentrated botanical extracts made by steeping herbs, roots, barks, and spices in high-proof alcohol. The process pulls out aromatic compounds that, when used sparingly, can add depth and definition to a cocktail.

They originated in the 1800s as medicinal tonics, thought to aid digestion and restore balance. Over time, bartenders realized their potential as a flavoring agent. Today, they serve a similar purpose—adding complexity and contrast to sweetness, acidity, and alcohol strength.

Each bottle of bitters is a world of flavor in miniature. Some are earthy and herbal, others bright and citrusy. Some lean warm and spicy. Used correctly, they create harmony in your Old-Fasioned cocktail.

The Role of Bitters in the Old-Fashioned

The Old-Fashioned is arguably the purest expression of what bitters can do. With only three core ingredients—bourbon, sugar, and bitters—it’s a drink that depends on balance. Too much sugar, and it becomes syrupy. Too much whiskey, and it burns. Bitters keep it balanced.

Just two or three dashes bring the drink together, tempering sweetness and amplifying aroma. They draw out bourbon’s natural vanilla and caramel notes while adding subtle spice and depth. The result is harmony in a glass: bold yet balanced, classic yet nuanced.

Types of Bitters

Aromatic Bitters

Aromatic bitters (like Angostura) are the backbone of the Old-Fashioned. Built on spices such as clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, they add structure and balance to whiskey. A couple dashes introduce a subtle spice that deepens flavor without overpowering it.

Citrus Bitters

Citrus bitters come in many forms—grapefruit, lemon, blood orange—but orange bitters are the classic choice. They brighten a cocktail’s flavor profile, pairing well with unaged spirits like gin and tequila, especially. Alongside Angostura bitters, they work wonders in an Old-Fashioned.

Savory Bitters

Savory bitters incorporate herbs, spices, and botanicals like rosemary, cocoa, or black pepper. They add an earthy complexity and depth that pairs well with darker spirits and fall cocktails.

Other Bitters

Beyond these categories, there’s a world of bitters designed to add unique character to your drink. Celery bitters bring a crisp, vegetal note that works surprisingly well with bourbon. Lavender bitters offer soft floral aromas, adding elegance to lighter spirits. Coffee and cacao bitters add roasted, earthy tones to aged spirits. Each of these bitters offer something fun and unexpected.

The Art Behind Every Dash

Think of bitters like salt in cooking: essential in small amounts, overpowering in excess. Professional bartenders learn to measure by intuition, knowing that one dash too many can alter a drink’s profile.

At home, precision matters too. Start small, taste, and adjust. Each dash should enhance flavor but never steal the spotlight. Most Old-Fashioneds call for 2–3 dashes of bitters.

How Truitt’s Perfects the Formula

At Soldier City Spirits, we take bitters seriously. Our award-winning Old-Fashioned, Truitt’s, is built with 5-year bourbon and all-natural ingredients. It combines Grade A maple syrup, Madagascar vanilla beans sliced at the distillery, and premium bitters.

Our bitters are the anchor in every pour, bringing harmony to spirit, sweetness, and citrus. The result is an easy sipper that’s perfect every time—without the burn.