Orange Bitters

Orange bitters were once an extremely popular bitters, and were made by several different companies. They would have been typically used for gin-based cocktails. By the mid 1900's they had all but disappeared from the market, with Angostura (aromatic) bitters just about the only type of cocktail bitters available. Today, there are once again a plethora of brands available.

Here is an example recipe for a home-made orange bitters

Orange Bitters

• 2 cups of neutral spirit (such as vodka)
• 2 cups of fresh orange peel (from about 10 oranges)
• 1/2 cup of fresh grapefruit peel (from about 2 grapefruits)
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon peel (from about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup of fresh lime peel (from about 2 limes)
• 1/4 cup of fresh bitter orange peel (such as Seville oranges)
• 1/4 cup of dried gentian root
• 2 tablespoons of whole allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon of whole coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of whole angelica root
• 1/2 teaspoon of whole cardamom pods
• 1/2 teaspoon of whole anise seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of whole fennel seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon of whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon of whole cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 teaspoon of whole nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of whole mace

Instructions:

1. Peel the oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and bitter oranges, making sure to avoid as much of the white pith as possible.
2. Place the peels in a large jar or bottle along with the gentian root, allspice berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, cardamom pods, anise seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and mace.
3. Pour the neutral spirit over the ingredients in the jar or bottle, making sure that all of the ingredients are fully submerged.
4. Seal the jar or bottle and give it a good shake.
5. Store the jar or bottle in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking it every day.
6. After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth or coffee filter.
7. Bottle and store in a cool, dark place, it will last for a couple of years.