Top 5 Famous Cocktails That Use Bitters

Bitters are the secret weapon in any bartender’s arsenal. These potent, aromatic flavorings add depth, complexity, and balance to cocktail drinks—often making the difference between a good cocktail and a great one. Among all bitters, orange bitters have seen a major resurgence in modern mixology, bringing citrusy brightness to classic concoctions.

Here are the top 5 famous cocktails that use bitters, along with easy-to-follow cocktail drink recipes you can make at home.

1. Old Fashioned

A timeless favorite that puts bitters front and center.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2–3 dashes Beara Bitters
• Splash of water
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:
Muddle the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water in a rocks glass. Add ice and whiskey. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange peel.

Optional twist: Add a dash of orange bitters for an extra layer of citrus aroma.

2. Martini (Classic with Orange Bitters)

Elegant and simple, the original martini called for bitters!

Ingredients:

• 60ml Gin
• 15ml Dry Vermouth
• 1 dash Orange Bitters
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:
Stir gin, vermouth, and orange bitters with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Note: Many modern recipes omit bitters, but the original dry martini included orange bitters for added complexity.

3. Manhattan

A bold, balanced mix of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Rye Whiskey
• 30ml Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Beara Bitters
• Cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:
Stir whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Pro tip: Swap in a dash of orange bitters along with Beara Bitters to brighten the drink.

4. Negroni

Bitter, bold, and beautiful. A staple for bitters lovers.

Ingredients:

• 30ml Gin
• 30ml Campari
• 30ml Sweet Vermouth
• Orange slice or peel (for garnish)

Instructions:
Stir all ingredients with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or serve up. Garnish with an orange peel.

Enhancement: Add a small dash of orange bitters to amplify the citrusy bitterness.

5. Champagne Cocktail

Bubbly elegance with a bitter twist. Perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Beara Bitters
• Champagne (chilled)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:
Place the sugar cube in a flute and saturate it with bitters. Top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Upgrade: Use orange bitters for a fresher, citrus-forward version of this classic.

Why Bitters Matter in Cocktails

Bitters act like spices in food—they balance sweetness, intensify aromas, and enhance flavor. While Beara Bitters is the most widely used, orange bitters have carved out a special place in cocktail drink recipes thanks to their ability to add brightness and balance to rich or spirit-forward cocktails.

Final Sip
Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or just starting to explore the world of cocktails, incorporating bitters—especially orange bitters—into your drinks will elevate your home bartending game. Try one (or all) of these famous cocktails and taste the magic a few dashes of bitters can create.

Cheers to better cocktails—one dash at a time!