Orange bitters are made with orange peel and a variety of other flavorings depending on the brand. I currently have Regans' Orange Bitters #6 in the cabinet, a product of the Sazerac Company. Once again, we begin our exploration with a gin and bitters. We observed that orange bitters has a more floral, perfumey flavor than Angostura.
While Angostura is the preferred bitters for a Manhattan, both orange and Peychaud's bitters are accepted alternatives. Once we settle on a whiskey and a vermouth, we will probably play around with the bitters possibilities. I expect I'll still prefer Angostura but you never know.
My 'ol man used to like Smirnoff blue label and red label bless him. He used to drink Jameson which is nice whisky taken in moderation. It adds a nice flavour at mealtime. I'll have to keep an eye out for Regans Orange Bitters.
ReplyDeleteIrish whiskey... that's definitely worth exploring sometime. It's my wife's preference for a hot toddy, actually.
DeleteWe generally use Cointreau for orange flavoring.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, I don't find orange bitters so orangey, at least not to the taste. The aroma is there but I actually pick up more orange flavor in Angostura.
DeleteWe like Cointreau, too. Had it with a sidecar recently - yum!
Never heard of orange bitters till now. In fact I've never seen that product. That shouldn't be surprising to me since I didn't know anything about ginger beer till my wife brought some home.
ReplyDeleteGinger beer is quite popular in my family. Both wife and daughter are ginger junkies.
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