Bitter Cocktails
53 cocktails with a bitter flavor profile.
Adonis
wine · Easy
A refined low-ABV classic that perfectly balances the nutty, dry notes of Fino Sherry with the herbal sweetness of Italian vermouth. It is an elegant aperitif that has remained a favorite since the late 19th century for its sophisticated simplicity.
Americano
wine · Easy
A classic Italian aperitivo that balances the bitterness of Campari with the herbal sweetness of vermouth. It is the sophisticated, low-ABV precursor to the Negroni, perfect for afternoon sipping.
Aperol Spritz
wine · Easy
The quintessential Italian aperitivo, instantly recognizable by its vibrant orange hue. It offers a perfect balance of bittersweet orange notes and light carbonation, making it exceptionally refreshing.
Bamboo
wine · Easy
A sophisticated, low-proof cocktail that originated in late 19th-century Japan. The Bamboo marries the nuttiness of sherry with the herbal dryness of vermouth, making it a perfect aperitif.
Benton's Old Fashioned
whiskey · Medium
A pioneering modern classic from New York's PDT that revolutionized the 'fat-washing' technique. It combines the savory, smoky essence of premium bacon with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the robust character of bourbon.
Black Russian
vodka · Easy
A classic two-ingredient cocktail that delivers a bold and mysterious coffee experience. Its smooth, dark profile makes it an ideal choice for late-evening sipping or as a sophisticated dessert companion.
Black Velvet
champagne · Easy
A silky, sophisticated blend of rich stout and crisp champagne, created to mourn the death of Prince Albert. The result is a drink that is surprisingly smooth, with the roasted bitterness of the beer perfectly tempered by the dry effervescence of the sparkling wine.
Bobby Burns
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and spirit-forward classic that elevates the Scotch-based Rob Roy with a touch of herbal complexity. It offers a rich, velvety texture with a perfect balance between smoky whisky, botanical vermouth, and honeyed herbs.
Boseong Green Tea Gin
gin · Easy
A refreshing fusion cocktail that marries the botanical complexity of gin with the earthy, umami-rich notes of premium Boseong green tea. This drink offers a clean, sophisticated profile that serves as an excellent palate cleanser.
Boulevardier
whiskey · Easy
The Boulevardier is a sophisticated classic that swaps the Negroni's gin for whiskey, creating a rich and warming profile. It perfectly balances the bitterness of Campari with the sweetness of vermouth and the bold character of bourbon or rye.
Campari Spritz
wine · Easy
A vibrant and bitter Italian aperitivo that offers a more intense flavor profile than its Aperol counterpart. It is crisp, effervescent, and the perfect herbal refreshment for a warm afternoon.
Champagne Cocktail
champagne · Easy
One of the oldest and most elegant cocktails, dating back to the mid-1800s. The dissolving sugar cube creates a persistent fountain of bubbles, while the bitters and Cognac add depth and complexity to the dry Champagne.
Chrysanthemum
wine · Medium
A sophisticated, lower-alcohol classic that showcases the herbal synergy between dry vermouth and Benedictine, accented by a haunting hint of absinthe. It is floral, dry, and exceptionally complex, perfectly capturing its botanical namesake.
De La Louisiane
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated New Orleans classic that masterfully balances the spice of rye whiskey with the deep herbal sweetness of Benedictine and the aromatic punch of absinthe. Often compared to a more complex Manhattan or a herbaceous Vieux Carré, it remains a favorite for lovers of spirit-forward cocktails.
Death in the Afternoon
champagne · Easy
Invented by Ernest Hemingway and named after his book, this cocktail is a potent and effervescent blend of absinthe and champagne. It is celebrated for its striking cloudy appearance and unique herbal profile.
Espresso Martini
vodka · Medium
A sophisticated and energizing modern classic that combines the punch of espresso with the smoothness of vodka. It's famous for its luxurious crema-like foam and the perfect balance between bitter coffee and sweet liqueur.
Fallen Angel
gin · Easy
A sophisticated pre-prohibition classic that balances the sharp botanicals of gin with a cooling, subtle hint of mint. Originally popularized in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, it offers a crisp and refreshing profile with a lingering herbal complexity.
Fernandito
brandy · Easy
The quintessential Argentine cocktail, the Fernandito is a bold and refreshing highball that balances the medicinal bitterness of Fernet-Branca with the sweet, caramel notes of Coca-Cola. It is a cultural staple of Argentina, particularly beloved in the city of Córdoba.
Final Ward
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated modern classic created by Phil Ward in 2007. It's a riff on the Last Word that replaces gin with rye whiskey and lime with lemon, offering a spicier and more grounded herbal experience.
Fitzgerald
gin · Easy
The Fitzgerald is a modern classic created by Dale DeGroff at the Rainbow Room. It is essentially a Gin Sour made more complex and aromatic with the addition of Angostura bitters, offering a crisp and sophisticated profile.
Gin and Tonic
gin · Easy
A crisp, refreshing, and timeless highball that perfectly balances the botanical complexity of gin with the bright, bitter effervescence of quinine. It is the ultimate simple cocktail for hot weather and social gatherings.
Good Fellow
cognac · Easy
A sophisticated and herbal variation of a spirit-forward classic, combining the depth of Cognac with the botanical complexity of Pimm's No. 1. It offers a balanced, aromatic profile that is both rich and refined, perfect for slow sipping.
Greenbriar
wine · Easy
A sophisticated low-ABV classic from the 1920s, the Greenbriar balances the nutty complexity of dry sherry with the herbal notes of dry vermouth. A touch of peach bitters and the aromatic lift of shaken mint create a refreshing, aperitivo-style experience.
Greenpoint
whiskey · Medium
Created in 2006 by Michael McIlroy at the legendary Milk & Honey, the Greenpoint is a sophisticated riff on the Brooklyn cocktail. It swaps out dry vermouth and maraschino for Yellow Chartreuse, resulting in a rich, herbaceous, and spirit-forward experience.
Greyhound
vodka · Easy
The Greyhound is a refreshingly tart and simple classic that perfectly balances the crispness of vodka with the bold, bitter-sweet profile of fresh grapefruit juice. It’s a bright, easy-to-make drink that has remained a staple for brunch and warm afternoons since the mid-20th century.
Handshake
gin · Medium
A sophisticated evolution of the classic Hanky Panky, the Handshake balances the botanical punch of gin with the aggressive bitterness of Fernet-Branca and the silkiness of Benedictine. It is a spirit-forward drink with a complex, medicinal finish that lingers pleasantly.
Hanky Panky
gin · Medium
A sophisticated classic created by the legendary Ada Coleman at London's Savoy Hotel. It offers a complex balance of botanical gin and rich sweet vermouth, punctuated by the bracing, herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca.
Harvest Moon
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that captures the essence of autumn. It elegantly balances the bold spice of rye whiskey with the honeyed herbal complexity of Bénédictine and the floral lightness of Lillet Blanc.
Hemingway Daiquiri
rum · Medium
A sophisticated twist on the classic Daiquiri, famously preferred by Ernest Hemingway at El Floridita in Havana. It swaps sugar for grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur, resulting in a drier, more complex, and bracingly refreshing cocktail.
Income Tax
gin · Medium
A drier, more complex variation of the Bronx cocktail that emerged during the Prohibition era. The addition of Angostura bitters adds a subtle depth that supposedly reflects the bitterness of paying taxes, though the result is surprisingly balanced and refreshing.
Irish Coffee
whiskey · Medium
A world-famous warm cocktail that perfectly balances robust coffee and smooth whiskey under a cool, velvety layer of cream. It is traditionally sipped through the cold cream to reach the hot, sweetened coffee beneath.
Jasmine
gin · Medium
A sophisticated modern classic that pulls off a remarkable magic trick: despite containing absolutely no grapefruit, the combination of Campari, lemon, and orange liqueur creates a convincing illusion of fresh pink grapefruit juice. It is crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balances tart and bitter notes.
Journalist
gin · Medium
A sophisticated riff on the Perfect Martini dating back to the 1930s. The Journalist adds a splash of bright citrus and orange liqueur to the classic gin and dual-vermouth base, creating a balanced, herbaceous, and slightly zesty sipper.
Jungle Bird
rum · Medium
The Jungle Bird is a sophisticated Tiki classic that masterfully balances the tropical sweetness of pineapple and dark rum with the bold bitterness of Campari. Unlike many other tropical drinks, its complex and slightly bitter edge makes it an enduring favorite for modern palates.
Little Italy
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated variation of the Manhattan, the Little Italy adds a layer of complexity with Cynar, an Italian artichoke-based amaro. Created by Audrey Saunders in 2005, it beautifully balances the spicy notes of rye whiskey with bittersweet, earthy undertones.
Lucien Gaudin
gin · Easy
The Lucien Gaudin is a sharp, elegant French classic that sits between a Negroni and a Martini in style. Named after Olympic fencing champion Lucien Gaudin, it balances gin structure with Campari bitterness, orange liqueur sweetness, and dry vermouth aromatics. The result is bright, bitter, and refined with a clean, aperitif-like finish.
Manhattan
whiskey · Easy
The Manhattan is a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that perfectly balances the spice of rye whiskey with the herbal sweetness of vermouth. It is widely considered one of the greatest cocktails ever created, offering a timeless profile that is both complex and smooth.
Martini
gin · Medium
Often called the king of cocktails, the Martini is the ultimate symbol of sophistication and elegance. This crisp, clean, and potent drink perfectly balances the botanical notes of gin with the herbal complexity of dry vermouth.
Mezcal Negroni
mezcal · Easy
A sophisticated and smoky variation of the classic Negroni. By replacing gin with Mezcal, the drink gains an earthy depth that perfectly complements the botanical bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth.
Naked and Famous
mezcal · Easy
Created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at New York's Death & Co, this modern classic is an equal-parts masterpiece. It delivers a vibrant, complex balance of smoky agave, herbal sweetness, and sharp citrus that has earned it a spot on the IBA official list.
Negroni
gin · Easy
A sophisticated Italian classic known for its perfect balance of bitter and sweet. It is a simple yet complex drink that serves as the ultimate pre-dinner aperitivo.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned
tequila · Medium
A modern classic that bridges the gap between the familiar whiskey Old Fashioned and the smoky complexity of agave spirits. Created at Death & Co, it balances the vanilla notes of aged tequila with the earthy smoke of mezcal.
Old Fashioned
whiskey · Medium
The Old Fashioned is the definitive whiskey cocktail, offering a timeless balance of spirit, sugar, and bitters. It is a slow-sipping classic that highlights the complex character of the whiskey with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Paloma
tequila · Easy
The Paloma is a refreshing, citrus-forward Mexican classic that perfectly balances the earthy agave notes of tequila with tart lime and the bittersweet sparkle of grapefruit soda. Often cited as Mexico's most popular cocktail, it's a lighter, more effervescent alternative to the Margarita.
Paper Plane
whiskey · Medium
A modern classic created by Sam Ross in 2008, the Paper Plane is a perfectly balanced riff on the Last Word. It combines the warmth of bourbon with the bittersweet complexity of Amaro Nonino and Aperol, brightened by fresh lemon juice.
Red Hook
whiskey · Medium
Created in 2003 by Vincenzo Errico at New York's legendary Milk & Honey, the Red Hook is a robust Manhattan variation. It balances the spicy kick of rye whiskey with the herbal bitterness of Punt e Mes and the funky sweetness of Maraschino liqueur.
Rob Roy
whiskey · Easy
Often called a Scotch Manhattan, the Rob Roy was created in 1894 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. It swaps rye whiskey for Scotch, offering a smokier, more complex profile while retaining the elegant balance of vermouth and bitters.
Salty Dog
gin · Easy
The Salty Dog is a crisp and refreshing highball that balances the tart, slightly bitter notes of grapefruit with the botanicals of gin. Its defining characteristic is the salt rim, which enhances the citrus flavors and provides a savory contrast.
Sazerac
whiskey · Medium
The Sazerac is a quintessential New Orleans classic, widely regarded as one of America's first cocktails. It features a bold, spirit-forward profile with a complex herbal finish provided by the absinthe rinse and signature Peychaud's bitters.
Seelbach
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and sparkling cocktail from Louisville, Kentucky, famous for its unusually high number of bitters. It offers a complex interplay between the warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of orange, and a dry, effervescent finish.
Toronto
whiskey · Medium
The Toronto is a sophisticated variation of the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, distinguished by the addition of Fernet-Branca. It offers a complex balance of spicy rye whiskey notes and the deep, medicinal bitterness of the Italian amaro.
Tuxedo
gin · Medium
A sophisticated variation of the Martini, the Tuxedo No. 2 is an elegant blend of gin and dry vermouth, accented with the nutty sweetness of maraschino and a subtle anise finish. Named after the Tuxedo Club in New York, it remains a quintessential example of late 19th-century cocktail complexity.
Vieux Carré
whiskey · Medium
A potent, complex masterpiece named after New Orleans' French Quarter. This sophisticated blend of spirits and bitters delivers a rich, layered profile that evolves with every sip, capturing the soul of the Crescent City.