6 Peychaud’s Bitters Alternatives for Cocktails

Peychauds bitters substitute options have become increasingly popular among cocktail enthusiasts who can't find this classic ingredient.

The distinctive flavor profile of these famous bitters presents a challenge when seeking alternatives, yet several clever workarounds exist for home mixologists.

Many passionate drink makers turn to other aromatic bitters that bring similar notes of anise and gentian to their concoctions.

The world of craft cocktails doesn't need to stop spinning just because one specific ingredient remains elusive on store shelves.

Through careful experimentation, bartenders have identified certain combinations that mimic those beloved Creole flavors without compromising the integrity of classic recipes.

These creative alternatives allow you to enjoy traditional New Orleans cocktails even when the original ingredient isn't available.

Let's dive into some remarkable substitutions that will save your next cocktail party when that iconic red bottle is nowhere to be found.

Replacements for Peychauds Bitters

Peychaud’s bitters could be absent from your bar, but another bitters can be added without altering the flow of preparation. This approach lets you serve drinks on time without stress.

Moxie

Peychaud's bitters, a famous cocktail ingredient with fruity undertones, originated in Haiti but were crafted in New Orleans by Antoine Peychaud after he fled the Haitian Revolution with his secret recipe.

These distinctive bitters add essential flavor to classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour, with the closely guarded formula known to only a select few.

For those seeking a substitute, Maine's non-alcoholic Moxie soft drink offers similar bitterness and herbal qualities, allowing for a 1:1 replacement in mixed drinks thanks to its comparable citric acid concentration.

Hummingbird Bitters

Peychaud's bitters, famous for their unique anise flavor, can often be replaced with Old Fashioned Bitters when making classic cocktails.

Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters serve as an excellent alternative, especially in an Old Fashioned where the gentle notes really shine through.

The gentian-based blend incorporates rose, cardamom, clementine zest, and orange peel, creating a complex but balanced profile.

Bartenders appreciate its mild character and neutral base, which allows it to enhance rather than overpower other ingredients in mixed drinks.

Angostura Bitters

Angostura bitters can substitute for Peychaud’s in many cocktails because both are aromatic bitters with a strong herbal-spice base.

While Peychaud’s is lighter in body with a pronounced anise flavor and slight sweetness, Angostura is more bitter, with clove and cinnamon notes.

In drinks like a Sazerac, Angostura changes the flavor slightly but still delivers complexity and balance.

Use the same amount, but if anise flavor is important, add a drop of absinthe or pastis to compensate.

Woodford Reserve

Peychaud's bitters have a distinctive flavor profile that bartenders treasure, but several alternatives can deliver similar results in your cocktails.

Woodford Reserve offers a full-flavored, all-natural whiskey option that works well in traditional recipes, though it lacks Peychaud's signature pungent character.

For those seeking budget-friendly substitutes, Scrappy's Bitters provides a naturally gluten-free alternative that closely mimics Peychaud's aromatic qualities and can be used in the same measurements.

Many cocktail enthusiasts combine two different types of bitters to recreate the unique flavor experience that Peychaud's delivers.

Suze Bitters

Suze Bitters is an excellent substitute for Peychauds due to its gentian flower extract base, with many bartenders finding it even more potent because of its persistent aftertaste.

The intense bitter flavor combined with subtle cinnamon and cardamom undertones makes Suze a powerful accent in cocktails that traditionally call for Peychauds.

When making the switch, a 1:1 ratio can work but often creates an overwhelming taste profile that might dominate your drink.

For a more balanced approach, using half as much Suze as the Peychauds called for in recipes will deliver a more nuanced flavor experience.

Bokers Bitters

Substituting Bokers bitters offers a straightforward option for those concerned about allergies since it contains just three ingredients - cassia, cardamom, and bitter.

This alternative brings chocolate, coffee, and dark spice flavors to cocktails without the overpowering bitterness found in other products.

You can use Peychauds in a simple 1:1 ratio when making various drinks including soda, whiskey, gin, and even absinthe cocktails.

The spicy rather than bitter profile makes this substitute particularly versatile across different drink recipes.

Crafting Your Own Bitters at Home

Making your own bitters at home is a fun way to create unique flavors for cocktails, mocktails, or even baking, using just a handful of basic ingredients and a little patience.

• Step 1: Start with a high-proof alcohol like vodka, rum, or grain alcohol as your base. Add a mix of dried citrus peel, whole spices (like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise), bitter roots (such as gentian or dandelion), and dried herbs for complexity.
• Step 2: Play with ingredients like coffee beans, cacao nibs, dried fruit, or even fresh ginger and lemongrass to build a bitters blend that matches your favorite drinks.
• Step 3: Combine all your flavorings and alcohol in a clean glass jar, making sure the liquid covers the solids completely. Seal tightly.
• Step 4: Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark spot for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar every day to help flavors blend and extract evenly.
• Step 5: After a week or two, taste your bitters. If you want a bolder or sweeter profile, add more of certain spices or a bit of simple syrup, and keep infusing.
• Step 6: When you’re happy with the flavor, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing out as much as possible, and transfer to a clean dropper or bottle.

Cooking With Bitters: Beyond Cocktails

Bitters aren’t just for cocktails, they add depth, aroma, and a burst of complexity to all kinds of recipes, making them a secret weapon in both sweet and savory dishes.

• Boost Flavor in Sauces: Add a few drops of bitters to gravy, pan sauces, or salad dressings for a subtle herbal note and deeper background flavor.
• Brighten Soups and Stews: Just a splash of bitters can lift the taste of hearty soups, stews, or even chili, rounding out rich ingredients and balancing sweetness.
• Jazz Up Marinades: Stir bitters into marinades for meats, tofu, or veggies to infuse layers of spice and citrus that come through in every bite.
• Baked Goods and Desserts: Use orange or chocolate bitters in cakes, brownies, or whipped cream for an extra pop of flavor that surprises and delights.
• Fruit Salads and Compotes: A few dashes of bitters on fresh fruit, poached pears, or berry compotes intensifies their aroma and adds an unexpected twist.
• Coffee and Teas: Add a drop or two to hot drinks for a warming, aromatic finish, especially with spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
• Experiment in Everyday Dishes: Try bitters in scrambled eggs, vinaigrettes, or even stir-fried vegetables to see how they transform familiar foods.

Peychaud’s Bitters Substitute Questions and Tips

1. What can I use instead of Peychaud’s Bitters in cocktails?

You can use Angostura bitters, orange bitters, or a mix of aromatic bitters and a dash of anise or fennel extract as a substitute.

2. Will a substitute change the flavor of my drink?

Yes, substitutes will alter the flavor slightly since Peychaud’s has a unique light, floral, and anise-forward profile, but most bitters will provide similar complexity.

3. Are there non-alcoholic alternatives to Peychaud’s Bitters?

Yes, look for non-alcoholic bitters or create your own by infusing water with spices, herbs, and citrus peel, then adding a splash of anise extract.

4. Can I make homemade bitters as a substitute?

Yes, steep spices like star anise, gentian root, and cloves in alcohol or glycerin with citrus peels for a DIY bitters with similar notes.

5. Is Angostura bitters a good substitute for Peychaud’s?

Angostura is more aromatic and less floral, but it works well in most cocktails, especially when paired with a hint of anise or fennel.

6. Can I use orange bitters instead of Peychaud’s?

Orange bitters will add citrusy notes and some bitterness, but they won’t replicate the anise flavor. Use in cocktails where a twist on the classic is welcome.