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Orange Bitters Recipe

Orange Bitters
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: Under 5 mins, plus steeping time | Active Time: | Makes: 2 1/4 cups

Orange bitters add a hint of citrus flavor and round out any cocktail. Enjoy this homemade version in your next Elder Fashion.

What to buy: We used Everclear 151 grain alcohol in these bitters. Its lack of impurities and sugar allows it to pick up the flavoring elements much faster than vodka.

Dried orange peel is the key flavor note in these bitters. It can often be found in the bulk tea or dried herb section of grocery stores.

Gentian extract is taken from the root of the gentian flower and is used to aid digestion; it packs a potent kick.

Game plan: Simply straining the alcohol through a fine-mesh strainer will leave a few cloudy particles behind (which aren’t harmful). If you want completely clear bitters, strain through a coffee filter nested in the strainer.

The bitters will last indefinitely when stored in an airtight container in a dark spot.

This recipe was featured as part of our Bringing Bitters Back story.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 (750-milliliter) bottle grain alcohol, such as Everclear 151
  • 1/2 pound orange peel pieces
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 4 cardamom pods
  • 20 drops gentian extract
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Combine all ingredients in a 2-quart jar with a tightfitting lid. Close and store at room temperature. Let steep 14 days, shaking the jar every other day.
  2. Strain alcohol from spices and store in a jar with a tightfitting lid in a dark place.
    Write a review | 13 Reviews
  • Orange Bitters Recipe
    5

    There is a new vodka on the market Devil's Springs which is a VERY high proof vodka. I believe this is available in New York. I get it in New Jersey where you can also get the "higher than 151" proof everclear. I like the DS because it's cheaper. Herbs you can order online from Penn Herb. I used gentain root, not extract at 1/4 teaspoon. I tend to stick with cut instead of powdered when I can, makes it easier to strain.

  • why are you people using some old dried up orange peel. is something wrong with fresh?

  • If using vodka, try running it through a Brita filter three to five times before adding it. Will remove some of the "impurities" mentioned.

  • Everclear is available at the liquor store. Some states, though, do not allow its sale (New York, for example). In that case, you're best option is to use vodka.

    As for the "dumb" question, it's the liquid you're after.

  • Sounds wonderful! Where do you get the Everclear alcohol - liquor store or drugstore?

  • has anyone made this yet?

  • i'll do the inaugural dumb question on this recipe...

    is the remaining alcohol the bitters, or is it the alcohol infused spices that you toss into the shaker?

  • The orange peel I've seen in the spice section at stores is coarsely ground. It's almost like little pellets. For this recipe I wouldn't recommend grinding it any finer.

  • The orange peel I've seen in the spice section at stores is coarsely ground. It's almost like little pellets. For this recipe I wouldn't recommend grinding it any finer.

  • The orange peel pieces, do you grind them up of they come ground?

  • I'd guess coriander seed, since the other spices are whole and you wouldn't want to muddy the liquid with powder.

  • Is the coriander seed or powder?

  • I love this. This is going to be my Christmas present to someone! Not sure who yet, but looks perfect... and I get to test it out on myself first!

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