With its unique aroma, Peychaud’s Bitters is a complex and interesting ingredient.
Yet, it can be tricky to determine how best to use it or substitute it if necessary.
Have you ever wondered what makes Peychaud’s Bitters so special? Most commonly used in New Orleans’ iconic Sazerac drink, Peychaud’s Bitters adds an unmistakable flavor to all kinds of cocktails.
If unable to find this particular brand of bitters, there are suitable substitutes on the market such as Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged bitters, and others.
If certain flavors or notes are desired by the mixologist, then experimenting with alternate combinations may be appropriate for a successful substitution for this unique product.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Peychaud’s Bitters
When it comes to finding substitutes for Peychaud’s Bitters, there are several options available that can provide similar flavors and characteristics. Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Angostura Bitters | A popular substitute for Peychaud’s Bitters, known for its combination of herbs and spices | Use the same amount as Peychaud’s Bitters |
| Suze Bitters | Contains gentian root, offering a similar flavor profile to Peychaud’s Bitters | Use the same amount as Peychaud’s Bitters |
| Boker’s Bitters | Known for its complex flavors and aromatic qualities, providing depth to cocktails and recipes | Use the same amount as Peychaud’s Bitters |
| Old Fashioned Bitters Company | Crafted with traditional botanicals and spices, delivering a rich and well-balanced taste | Use the same amount as Peychaud’s Bitters |
| Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters | Offers a delicate balance of floral and citrus notes, complementing various cocktail recipes | Use the same amount as Peychaud’s Bitters |
Let’s explore each substitute in more detail:
1 – Angostura Bitters
Angostura Bitters is a popular substitute for Peychaud’s Bitter.
This bitters is created through a combination of herbs, bitter orange and spices, similar to Angostura’s formula, except that it’s not red in color.
Unlike the sweet-and-sour flavor of Peychaud’s Bitter, Angostura Bitter has a more spicy flavor profile.
If you’re looking for something that tastes less sweet than Peychaud’s or have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients found in this blend, then Angostura Bitters is an excellent choice.
2 – Suze Bitters
Suze Bitters were first made in France in 1889 and are a very versatile bitter.
It has an intense, herbal flavor with notes of gentian root, angelica root, and citrus.
In addition to being used as a substitute for Peychaud’s bitters, it is often used to add depth and complexity to a wide range of drinks.
Its vibrant flavor profile complements gin-based cocktails, aromatic whiskey drinks, and highballs.
To make your own Suze Bitters at home:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water.
- 2 tablespoons dried herbs (gentian root and angelica root).
- 5 teaspoons citric acid.
- 4 teaspoons sugar or honey.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 6 drops orange flower extract.
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients in a jar with half cup of water until well mixed.
- Let the mixture steep overnight at room temperature before straining it into a bottle or jar with an airtight lid to preserve freshness.
- Enjoy your homemade Suze Bitters.
3 – Boker’s Bitters
Boker’s Bitters was developed in 1863 by J.
E.
Boker & Co.
of New York City and is still in production and is a great substitute for Peychaud’s Bitters.
Boker’s Bitters is made from an aromatic blend of herbs, roots, spices and bitter orange peel which gives it a unique flavor profile.
It has the same bittersweet taste as Peychaud’s but with a milder flavor and slightly less of the cherry bitterness found in Peychaud’s bitters.
Additionally, Boker’s Bitters have a unique juniper note that adds an additional layer of complexity to cocktails.
This makes them especially suitable for gin-based drinks and food pairings such as aged cheeses or cured meats where their herbal notes can really shine through.
4 – Old Fashioned Bitters Company
The Old Fashioned Bitters Company produces a unique blend of cocktail bitters made with a combination of spices and herbs.
Each blend is crafted with natural botanicals and flavoring agents to bring out the flavors of spirits in all types of cocktails.
The company’s Peychaud-style bitters are especially popular, highlighted by notes of anise, clove, and cardamom.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Peychaud’s Bitters, you won’t be hard-pressed to find one that fits the bill.
The Old Fashioned Bitters Company offers other blends that provide similar notes and a kick to any classic cocktail.
Some of their top offerings worth tasting include:
- Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters – This distinct aromatic blend combines allspice, licorice root, and gentian root for a flavor that will have your favorite drinks tasting like their classic counterparts in no time.
- Celery Bitters – A twist on the traditional aged mixture with deep bitter flavor made from celery seed extractives and ground juniper berries.Try it in your next Tom Collins or daiquiri.
- Habanero Orange Bitters – For those who like it spicy – this concoction features a unique combination of habanero peppers, paprika extractive oils, sassafras bark extractives, and ground black pepper. Perfect when you want some serious heat in your favorite drink.
- Burnside Bitters – These are ripe with flavors like cardamom pods, caraway seed extractives, cinnamon bark extractive oil and dried oranges for subtle yet complex taste sensations in every sip.
- Barrel-Aged Cocktail Bitters – Try this aged favorite that has been steeped in bourbon whiskey barrels for weeks so its herbal botanicals can infuse flavor into even the strongest spirits – perfect for finishing off both classic cocktails as well as your own creative concoctions.
5 – Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters
The Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters are a unique and modern rendition of classic, old world aromatics.
Perfect for cocktails and craft-spirits, Hummingbird Bitters feature natural spices and herbs that bring a modern take on traditional flavors.
They offer an enjoyable bitter orange zest and a hint of tart cherry which help to cut through sweet ingredients while adding complexity to drinks.
The spices are extracted using cold-extraction methods to bring out subtle flavors of cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice which add balance to drinks without being overly dominant.
If you’re looking for the perfect substitute for Peychaud’s Bitter, the Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters will provide you with the same notes at a slightly lower alcohol content.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Peychaud’s Bitters
Ingredients
- 1 – Angostura Bitters
- 2 – Suze Bitters
- 3 – Boker’s Bitters
- 4 – Old Fashioned Bitters Company
- 5 – Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
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