Peychaud’s bitters is a crucial ingredient in many classic cocktails, from the Sazerac to the Vieux Carré. This bitters has a unique flavor profile that adds complexity and depth to cocktails, with notes of anise, clove, and cherry. However, if you can’t find Peychaud’s bitters in your local liquor store or you’re looking for a substitute that offers a different flavor profile, there are several options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best substitutes for Peychaud’s bitters.
What is Peychaud’s Bitters?
It’s a gentian-based bitters similar to Angostura bitters, but with a stronger anise fragrance and a hint of mint in the background. The Sazerac cocktail would be incomplete without Peychaud’s Bitters. The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is where you may now find it.
Best Peychaud’s Bitters Substitutes
1. Angostura Bitters
Angostura bitters is the most common substitute for Peychaud’s bitters, and for good reason. This bitters has been around since the 1800s and has a strong, bitter flavor with notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice. It’s often used in cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, but can also work as a substitute for Peychaud’s in cocktails like the Sazerac.
To use Angostura bitters as a substitute for Peychaud’s, use the same amount of Angostura bitters as the recipe calls for Peychaud’s. Keep in mind that the flavor profile of Angostura bitters is stronger and more bitter than Peychaud’s, so you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.
2. Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters
Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged bitters is a great substitute for Peychaud’s if you’re looking for a bitters with a similar flavor profile. This bitters is aged in whiskey barrels, giving it a woody, smoky flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla. It’s often used in whiskey cocktails, but can also work as a substitute for Peychaud’s in cocktails like the Sazerac.
To use Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged bitters as a substitute for Peychaud’s, use the same amount of Fee Brothers bitters as the recipe calls for Peychaud’s. Keep in mind that the flavor profile of Fee Brothers bitters is smokier and more woody than Peychaud’s, so you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.
3. Scrappy’s Lavender Bitters
If you’re looking for a substitute for Peychaud’s that adds a floral note to your cocktail, Scrappy’s Lavender bitters is a great choice. This bitters has a sweet, floral flavor with hints of citrus and spice. It’s often used in gin cocktails, but can also work as a substitute for Peychaud’s in cocktails like the Sazerac.
To use Scrappy’s Lavender bitters as a substitute for Peychaud’s, use the same amount of Scrappy’s bitters as the recipe calls for Peychaud’s. Keep in mind that the flavor profile of Scrappy’s bitters is sweeter and more floral than Peychaud’s, so you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.
4. Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
Regans’ Orange bitters No. 6 is a great substitute for Peychaud’s if you’re looking for a bitters with a citrus note. This bitters has a bitter, citrus flavor with notes of cardamom and coriander. It’s often used in gin cocktails, but can also work as a substitute for Peychaud’s in cocktails like the Sazerac.
To use Regans’ Orange bitters No. 6 as a substitute for Peychaud’s, use the same amount of Regans’ bitters as the recipe calls for Peychaud’s. Keep in mind that the flavor profile of Regans’ bitters is more citrusy and bitter than Peychaud’s, so you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.
5. Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters is a unique substitute for Peychaud’s that adds a chocolate and spice note to your cocktail. This bitters has a complex flavor profile with notes of cinnamon, clove, and cocoa. It’s often used in tequila and mezcal cocktails, but can also work as a substitute for Peychaud’s in cocktails like the Sazerac.
To use Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters as a substitute for Peychaud’s, use the same amount of Bittermens bitters as the recipe calls for Peychaud’s. Keep in mind that the flavor profile of Bittermens bitters is more complex and spicier than Peychaud’s, so you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.
6. Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters
Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla bitters is a great substitute for Peychaud’s if you’re looking for a bitters with a cherry note. This bitters has a sweet, fruity flavor with notes of cherry, vanilla, and allspice. It’s often used in whiskey cocktails, but can also work as a substitute for Peychaud’s in cocktails like the Sazerac.
To use Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla bitters as a substitute for Peychaud’s, use the same amount of Bittercube bitters as the recipe calls for Peychaud’s. Keep in mind that the flavor profile of Bittercube bitters is sweeter and more fruity than Peychaud’s, so you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.
7. Hella Aromatic Bitters
Hella Aromatic bitters is a great substitute for Peychaud’s if you’re looking for a bitters with a similar flavor profile. This bitters has a complex, spicy flavor with notes of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. It’s often used in whiskey cocktails, but can also work as a substitute for Peychaud’s in cocktails like the Sazerac.
To use Hella Aromatic bitters as a substitute for Peychaud’s, use the same amount of Hella bitters as the recipe calls for Peychaud’s. Keep in mind that the flavor profile of Hella bitters is more complex and spicier than Peychaud’s, so you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly.
Conclusion
In clonclusion, peychaud’s bitters is a unique and essential ingredient in many classic cocktails, but if you can’t find it or are looking for a substitute with a different flavor profile, there are several options to choose from. Angostura bitters is the most common substitute and offers a similar bitter flavor with notes of cinnamon and allspice.
Other options like Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged bitters, Scrappy’s Lavender bitters, Regans’ Orange bitters No. 6, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters, Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla bitters, and Hella Aromatic bitters all offer their own unique flavor profiles that can add complexity and depth to your cocktails. Experiment with different bitters to find the perfect substitute for Peychaud’s in your favorite cocktails.