Are Aromatic Bitters the Same as Other Types of Bitters?

bottle of aromatic bitters with glass and bar spoon

Bitters are essential in classic and modern cocktails, but their wide range of styles sometimes causes confusion. Aromatic bitters, such as the famous Angostura, are among the best-known, yet not all bitters fall into this aromatic category.

What Defines Aromatic Bitters?

Aromatic bitters are distinguished by their deep complexity—characterized by a balanced blend of warming spices (like cinnamon, clove, allspice) and botanicals. Their profile leans more toward spice and herbal intensity, with very subtle fruit notes. Most brands keep their precise recipes secret, but the overall goal is to deliver a versatile, assertive seasoning that bolsters whiskey, rum, gin, and even non-alcoholic drinks.

How Do Other Types of Bitters Differ?

Bitters come in many varieties beyond the aromatic category. Their defining feature is a focus on a particular dominant flavor—such as citrus, chocolate, or floral notes—which changes how they're applied in drinks.

Citrus bitters: Feature bright, zesty flavors from orange peel, lemon, or grapefruit. Used in drinks like a classic Martini or Margarita for a lively top note.
Herbal bitters: Highlight herbs like gentian, chamomile, or mint. Often paired with gin or herbal liqueurs for increased botanical complexity.
Specialty bitters: Explore notes of cacao, coffee, celery, or even barrel-aged wood. These are chosen to match or contrast a spirit's own character.

variety of bitters bottles highlighting citrus and herbal types

When Should You Use Aromatic Bitters Instead of Others?

Choosing the right bitters is the key to layering depth or highlighting certain flavors in cocktails. Aromatic bitters offer reliable backbone and structure, while other types deliver sharper focus or playful twists.

Reach for aromatic bitters when you want classic spice and complexity—essential in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or Champagne Cocktails.
Try orange or citrus bitters for lighter spirits and drinks that benefit from brightness, such as Gin & Tonics.
Experiment with herbal or specialty bitters for a creative signature, or when working with unusual base spirits and vermouths.

Can You Substitute Aromatic With Another Type?

Swapping aromatic bitters for other varieties in classic recipes changes the balance—sometimes in delicious ways, sometimes not. If a drink relies on the spicy, deep notes of aromatic bitters for cohesion, replacing them with citrus or herbal bitters will shift the profile noticeably. When experimenting, taste in small amounts and consider the primary accents each style brings.

Mix a sample pour to compare aromatic bitters with other types before changing an entire recipe.
Start with 2–3 ml bitters in any trial mix (classic cocktails usually use 2–4 ml) and adjust upward only if needed.

bartender adding bitters to cocktail in mixing glass

Summary: Aromatic Bitters vs. Other Bitters

Aromatic bitters blend spice and herbal complexity; they are not the same as citrus, herbal, or specialty bitters.
Other bitters focus more directly on fruit, herbs, or unique flavor elements, changing a drink's character.
Both aromatic and other bitters have a place—choose based on the spirit, cocktail classicism, and desired flavor direction.