10 Bitter Cocktails That'll Shake Up Your Bartending Game
♪ You've got to take the bitter with the sweet. ♫
There's no denying it: Bitter cocktails are back and we're so here for it. Sure, we love a sweet cocktail here and there (shout out to all the frozen piña coladas we've loved before), but more often than not, we really want to taste the something complex, alcohol-forward, and yes, bitter-sweet. As the song goes, ♫You've got to take the bitter with the sweet♪ and these 10 bitter cocktails are sure to sweeten up your happy hour.
Bitter cocktails are not only delicious, but they're also A+ aperitivos (aka aperitifs), which is a type of drink that helps to stimulate your appetite before a meal. You likely already really enjoy a few popular Italian aperitivos like Negronis, Aperol spritzes, and Americanos (all made with popular bitter liqueurs like Aperol and Campari). They also are just fun to drink, especially in the summer time (we even have a frozen Negroni recipe for you on those ultra-hot days).
We also can't deny how much we love alcohol-forward cocktails such as Manhattans, Sazeracs, and Old Fashioneds. They all are so much better than the sum of its parts, and it really helps to use the best you can get for your cocktail, especially when it comes to adding bitters. Cocktail bitters (such as Angostura) come in a variety of flavors (like orange, cocoa, lavender, and even walnut). These bitters will transform your cocktails (they're basically like the cherry on top in terms of cocktails).
Feeling like a low-ABV evening? We love drinking bitters with soda water to keep us refreshed without the hangover the next day. Add a lime and you've got a killer bitter "cocktail" for any night of the week.
Negroni
Something about the bittersweet, botanical flavors of the Negroni make us feel like we're on vacation. This classic Italian cocktail amps up the notes of juniper in gin with sweet vermouth and herbaceous Campari. The best part? No crazy ratios to memorize. Just stir equal parts of all three and that’s it!
Get the Negroni recipe.
Classic Manhattan
There are few cocktails more storied (or simple!) than the Manhattan. First stirred up in 1894 by a bartender at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, the defining characteristic is that it uses Scotch whiskey. Change up your bitters with a few dashes of walnut, lavender, or black cherry for a fun twist.
Get the Classic Manhattan recipe.
Classic Paloma Cocktail
What's a Paloma? It's kind of like a margarita, but with a grapefruit-y fizz that's heralded by many in Mexico as the better cocktail. It's beloved not just for its bittersweet, citrusy grapefruit flavor but also for its simplicity. Not counting ice, all you need is 4 ingredients: tequila, lime juice, salt, and grapefruit soda.
Get the Classic Paloma recipe.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz, also known as the Spritz Veneziano, is an Italian classic that has an iconic bittersweetness reminiscent of burnt orange and tart rhubarb. When paired with Prosecco and a bit of soda water, it makes an amazing cocktail to drink in the warmer months.
Get the Aperol Spritz recipe.
Cherry Sazerac
New Orleans made the Sazerac famous and is a classic cocktail for Mardi Gras. We added a little maraschino juice to this whiskey and cognac cocktail for a little fruity sweetness. It's bittersweet!
Get the Cherry Sazerac recipe.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
Oaky and bittersweet, with a hint of citrus on the finish, the classic whiskey Old Fashioned is truly a bourbon lover's drink. You only need a few ingredients to make this classic cocktail—sugar, bitters, and a large ice cube—so you’ve really got to make them count.
Get the Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe.
Espresso Martini
This buzzy '90s throwback has surged in popularity the last few years, and we are all the happier (and more caffeinated) for it. We love it as a pre-game drink to keep us going all through the night.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
Americano
The Americano, the predecessor to the Negroni, is a classic beverage with Milan roots dating back to 1860s Italy. It was created at Caffe Campari, the birthplace of Campari, and all the drinks it has inspired. It’s a simple drink with just three ingredients: Campari, club soda, and the best sweet vermouth you can find, topped with an orange slice.
Get the Americano recipe.
Big Apple Manhattan
This Manhattan uses apple brandy to give it a fruity twist. It's a strong enough drink to handle any and all holiday hustling, and is perfect served with any of our apple desserts.
Get the Big Apple Manhattan recipe.
Frozen Negroni
Negronis are having a moment, and this frozen version is a favorite new take on the bittersweet cocktail. (Any frozen cocktail is a great idea, really.) This one is super-simple too—four ingredients including gin and refreshing tangerine juice make for a perfect summer treat.
Get the Frozen Negroni recipe.
