​Aromatic & Orange Bitters

​Aromatic & Orange Bitters 

Bitters may be a small bottle tucked away behind the bar, but they pack a big punch when it comes to cocktails. These concentrated flavorings are the secret weapon of bartenders everywhere, adding depth and complexity to drinks in just a few drops. Whether it's the classic Angostura bitters or more exotic flavors like lavender or cardamom, bitters can elevate a cocktail from ordinary to extraordinary

The sweet zest of orange blends with the natural Watkins flavors of clove and cardamom with this classic cocktail “enhancer”.

Usage Suggestions: Make your “Watkins Classic Manhattans and Old Fashioned’s” come alive . . . or . . . add to homemade ice cream, whipping cream or “splash” onto your fruit salads or settle a quivering stomach.

Watkins Orange Bitters Old Fashioned Recipe:
Two (2) dashes of Watkins Orange Bitters and a “splash” of club soda on a cube of sugar. Muddle. Add 2 ice cubes, 1 ½ oz. bourbon, scotch, or rye (our favorites are Jack Daniels Rye or Bulleit). Garnish with cherry and orange slice.

Did you know that long before . . . (like 300 or 400 years ago) . . . and before other “seltzers”came into being . . . “bitters” were used to settle upset stomachs. Here they are again . . .


‘Upset stomach” relief with Orange Bitters and soda: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add club soda, squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice and 3-4 dashes of Watkins Aromatic or Watkins Orange Bitters. Stir and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge, if desired.


Watkins Orange Dry Martini: Add 2 dashes Watkins Orange Bitters, 1 ½ oz. gin or vodka, ¾ oz. dry vermouth over ice in mixing glass. Stir, strain, and serve.

​Watkins Vanilla Old Fashioned Recipe: 
2 ounces bourbon
¼ ounce of simple syrup
1 teaspoon of Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
¼ teaspoon Watkins Pure Orange Extract
3 dashes of Watkins Aromatic Bitters 
1-inch piece orange peel
Orange wedge for garnish (optional)

Combine the vanilla extract, orange extract, simple syrup, bitters, orange peel and a splash of water in a glass. Add ice cubes and bourbon. Stir for a few seconds, then garnish with a wedge of orange, if desired.

Watkins Classic Manhattan Recipe:
1 or 2 dashes Watkins Aromatic Bitters, 2 parts whiskey, 1 part sweet vermouth over ice in mixing glass. Stir, strain, and serve. 

Watkins Bitters Spiced Pecans 
4 cups/1,000 mL unsalted raw pecans-or your choice of raw mixed nuts. 
1/4 cup/60 mL brown sugar
2 tbsp/30 mL butter, melted
1/4 tsp/1.25 mL Watkins Organic Cayenne Pepper 
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Organic Ground Cinnamon
1 tbsp/15 mL honey
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Aromatic Bitters
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL salt

Preheat over to 350 F/180 C. Spread the nuts out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes (stir the nuts about halfway through). Combine the brown sugar, butter, spices, honey and bitters in a large bowl. Add the nuts to the bowl and mix thoroughly until evenly coded. Add salt and mix again.

Bitters Whipped Cream 
1 cup/250 mL heavy cream
3 tbsp/45 mL powdered sugar
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Aromatic Bitters
1/4 tsp/1.25 mL Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla®

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat with a whisk attachment until soft peaks form. 

Aromatic Vinaigrette
1/4 cup/60 mL red wine vinegar
3/4 cup/180 mL olive oil
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL dijon mustard 
2 tbsp/30 mL butter, melted
1 tbsp/145 mL honey
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Aromatic Bitters
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL salt (or to taste)
Watkins Organic Ground Pepper (to taste)

Add all ingredients to a pint size or larger jar, such as a mason jar. Seal jar and shake well. Makes about 1 cup. Toss with spinach, romaine or mixed greens. Serve immediately or refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.