Angostura Bitters are most commonly used in cocktails, but it’s not unheard of to use them in other drinks, especially things like coffee or even soda.
They are quite common to find in your bar cabinet and if you are looking to make a specific drink, having some readily available is definitely a good idea. But you need some angostura bitters and you don’t have any, you might be wondering what you can do.
Well, don’t worry! We are here to help! We have put together a list of 6 incredible substitutes for angostura bitters that you can use!
Each of these substitutes work perfectly when you haven’t got the real thing, so read on to find out a bit more about each of them.
What Are Angostura Bitters?
Angostura Bitters are a type of concentrated mixture of herbs and spices and they are usually used as a flavoring agent in various different kinds of cocktails. They get their name from Angostura, a town in Venezuela where bitters were first created.
They are typically used as a flavoring agent in cocktails, but it isn’t uncommon to use them in other drinks such as coffee and soda too. They can even be used as a cooking ingredient and they will give your food a bit of a flavor boost!
Whether you are looking for the best substitute to use for cocktails or even a dish you are making, you are sure to find the perfect one on this list.
There are plenty of great substitutes for angostura bitters out there, but we think the ones featured on this list are easily the best!
The substitutes included on this list are Absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, Campari, Amaro, Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6, and Boker’s Bitters. Read on to find out a bit more about each of these substitutes!
1. Absinthe
Absinthe was invented in the late 18th century and it is known for its incredibly strong flavor and vibrant green color. It also goes by the nickname “The Green Fairy” and it has been favored by celebrities of old ever since its inception.
This drink is a lot stronger than angostura bitters, so you will only need about a ¼ of a tablespoon worth to substitute for it, but it works really well when you can’t find anything else to work with.
The taste of Absinthe is a bit different from angostura bitters, and you will notice hints of licorice and even mint, but it’s a great substitute to use if you want something a little stronger and you don’t mind the difference in taste.
Once you actually taste it for yourself, you will find that absinthe works really well in the place of angostura bitters.
It might take a little getting used to, but once you try it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed with the results, especially if you prefer things on the stronger side!
2. Campari
Campari is another type of bitter, but this one originates from Italy. It is made from a blend of herbs and spices and contains ingredients such as orange, rhubarb, and quinine.
When tasting Campari for the first time, you will notice that it has both a sweet and bitter taste. This bitter is usually used to make cocktails, but it is not uncommon to use it for things like aperitifs and digestifs too.
Campari is a bit of an acquired taste, and it’s definitely not for everyone, but try it for yourself first to make up your own mind about it! As a substitute for angostura bitters, Campari works incredibly well.
It will replicate the flavor of angostura bitters fantastically and the depth of flavor it will add to your cocktail is somewhat similar to the real thing. Campari is known for its thick and syrupy texture and it is also very potent.
When you are struggling to find a good substitute for angostura bitters, Campari is a fantastic option you should definitely consider.
3. Amaro
Amaro is a type of Italian liquor of the herbal variety. It is usually used as a digestif, but you can use it in cocktails too, especially if you want your cocktails to be a bit on the stronger side.
If you are going to use Amaro as a substitute for angostura bitters, keep in mind that you should use it sparingly and it is quite a lot stronger, so you really don’t need much of it!
The flavor of Amaro is incredibly concentrated, which is important to know when you are using it as a substitute for anything. Amaro is also a lot sweeter than you might initially think, so if you are going to use it, you can skip out on using any extra sweeteners.
Start with just a few dashes of Amaro when using it as a substitute and do a taste test before you add any more. It’s always better to have less Amaro than to have too much!
This herbal Italian liquor is a great substitute for angostura though, and when you work out the correct balance that works for you, you will definitely want to use it again!
4. Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6
Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6 is a kind of aromatic bitter and it is usually used in cocktails to add depth and flavor.
This bitter is made using things like orange peel, spices, and botanicals and it has a deep and rich flavor which makes it perfect for many different kinds of drinks.
Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6 is incredibly versatile, which is why it earns a spot on this list as a fantastic substitute for angostura bitters. You can use it in the place of angostura bitters for practically anything, not just cocktails!
When you are using this bitter as a substitute, you can use the exact same amount that you would with angostura, which makes substituting it a lot easier than some of the other options.
The citrusy spice taste of Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6 will add a unique flavor to your cocktails and drinks that you will absolutely love.
5. Boker’s Bitters
Boker’s Bitters is actually a type of non-alcoholic bitter that has been around since 1828. It is made from a variety of herbs and spices, but most notably, gentian root, quinine, and orange peel.
This bitter is strong and has an aromatic flavor, and it is usually used in cocktails to add a bit more depth. You can easily use Boker’s Bitters in place of angostura bitters because both have a similar taste and texture.
This is an especially great substitute if you would prefer to use something that isn’t alcoholic. When you use Boker’s Bitters in place of angostura bitters, you can generally use the same amount, so you don’t need to change anything there!
6. Peychaud’s Bitters
Peychaud’s Bitters is another kind of aromatic bitter that will usually be used for making cocktails. It is made from a blend of various herbs and spices, with the most obvious notes being anise, licorice, and peppermint. The flavor is actually quite sweet and citrusy.
If you are going to use Peychaud’s Bitters in place of angostura bitters, you should keep in mind that it is a lot stronger in flavor, so you may not want to use as much as you would the original bitter. Experiment with different proportions to see what works best for you!
Conclusion
So there you have it! Six incredible substitutes for angostura bitters! Each of these substitutes work wonderfully well if you cannot get hold of angostura bitters, and they each offer something unique and different to suit your needs.
Next time you need to make a cocktail or dish that requires angostura bitters, use one of these substitutes instead!
Are you looking for a good substitute for Angostura bitters? Click here to learn about 6 incredible substitutes for angostura bitters that you can use today!
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
