DIY Natural Orange Bitters Recipe
The holidays often bring deliciously rich meals that can leave our stomachs feeling overworked. If you’re looking for a natural way to support digestion or add a fragrant twist to your seasonal beverages, consider crafting homemade Orange Bitters! In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of each herb and walk through how to create this warming, aromatic DIY Natural Orange Bitters recipe right from your kitchen.
Bitters started out as medicinal tinctures said to cure many ailments. Then people realized that they could make the hard to swallow liquor at the time more palatable. This recipe is good for both uses, but for digestion specifically, check out this herbal bitters recipe!
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns about your digestion!
What are Herbal Bitters? And a DIY Herbal Bitters Recipe!
Learn more about herbal bitters and make your own digestive bitters at home!
Benefits of Each Ingredient
These bitters are crafted with both digestion and taste in mind. Learn more about the reason for each ingredient used below:
Orange Peel
- Flavor: Dried orange peel adds a citrusy zing and uplifting aroma.
- Digestive Support: Traditionally used to help stimulate the digestive system and reduce bloating.
Cardamom Pods
- Warming Spice: Cardamom is naturally warming and can help soothe stomach discomfort.
- Refreshing Flavor: It provides a sweet-spicy flavor that complements the citrus notes.
Ginger
- Gut-Friendly: Ginger has long been revered for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
- Soothing Warmth: Adds a comforting heat and can help ease occasional nausea or indigestion.
Cinchona Bark
- Bitterness for Digestion: Adds the characteristic bitter flavor that’s crucial for digestive bitters.
- Historical Use: Cinchona bark is known primarily for its quinine content; it has a long history in herbal tonics.
All Natural Orange Bitters Recipe
Ingredients & Supplies
- 1/4 cup chopped orange peel (dried preferred)
- 3 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 (1inch) piece ginger, peeled and julienned
- 1/2 tsp cinchona bark
- 1 cup high proof vodka
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp rich syrup (2 cup sugar to 1 cup water, simmered and cooled)
Supplies:
- Glass jars with lids (preferably dark glass)
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
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Cocktail Glasses
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine and Steep (2 Weeks): In a glass jar, combine dried orange peel, crushed cardamom pods, ginger, cinchona bark, and vodka.
- Seal the jar and shake it well.
- Place it in a dark area for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily to help the flavors blend.
- Strain the First Mixture: After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a clean jar.
- Set aside the strained liquid (this is your “tincture”).
- Boil and Simmer the Solids: Place the leftover solids (orange peel, ginger pieces, etc.) into a small saucepan.
- Add 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes.
- Second Steep (1 Week): Let the mixture cool to room temperature and transfer it into another jar.
- Seal and shake well.
- Store in a dark area for 1 week, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the Second Mixture: After 1 week, strain the liquid again into a clean jar. Discard the solids this time.
- Combine Both Liquids: Add the second strained liquid to your original vodka-based tincture. Stir or shake to combine thoroughly.
- Sweeten With Rich Syrup. Add 1 tablespoon of your rich syrup and shake well.
- Let the flavors meld for 3 days.
- Final Clarification and Storage. If any solids float to the top, skim or strain them off.
- Transfer your finished Orange Bitters into a dark jar or bottle for storage.
- Enjoy!
How to Use Orange Bitters
- Digestion Aid: Place a few drops in a little water or directly under your tongue before meals to support healthy digestion—especially helpful before those big holiday feasts!
- Cocktail Boost: Add a few dashes to cocktails or mocktails for an aromatic, spicy-citrus flavor.
- DIY Gift: Bottle your bitters in small jars, attach a label or gift tag, and share them as holiday gifts.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Fresh vs. Dried Peels: While dried orange peel is recommended for stronger flavor extraction, you can use fresh peels if that’s all you have. Simply increase the steeping time or dehydrate the peels before using.
- Spice Swap: Experiment with other warming spices like clove or cinnamon.
- Sugar Alternatives: If you prefer to avoid refined sugar, use honey or a natural sweetener; just note that it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Spike It! Orange Old Fashioned Recipe
Regular orange bitters are very versatile and can be used in many cocktails. A dash of orange bitters can elevate almost any drink, from martinis to manhattans to margaritas. I decided to create a traditional staple, the old fashioned. Feel free to cozy it up with a cinnamon stick or even cherries.
Orange Old Fashioned Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp sugar (or sugar cube)
- 3 dashes of homemade orange bitters
- Splash of club soda
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- Orange peel or wedge for garnish
Making the Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail
Add sugar, club soda, rye whiskey, and bitters to your favorite glass. Stir, garnish, and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?
If you make these handcrafted bitters and cocktails, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram: brittany.l.gibson using #thehomesteadchallenge
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Handcrafted Grapefruit Bitters Recipe (and a Negroni!)
Are you craving a bright, zesty flavor to elevate your winter cocktails or mocktails? Look no further than these homemade Grapefruit Bitters!
About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
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Orange Bitters
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped orange peel dried preferred
- 3 cardamom pods crushed
- 1 1inch piece ginger, peeled and julienned
- 1/2 tsp cinchona bark
- 1 cup high proof vodka
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp rich syrup 2 cup sugar to 1 cup water, simmered
Instructions
- Combine dried orange peel, cardamom, ginger, cinchona bark, and vodka in a glass jar with lid. Shake.
- Place in a dark area for 2 weeks and shake daily.
- Strain the mixture with cheesecloth or fine strainer into another jar.
- Cover the remaining chunky stuff with water and bring to a boil, then simmer with lid for 10 minutes.
- Let cool to room temperature, transfer back to a separate jar, seal and shake.
- Place in dark area for 1 week and shake daily.
- Strain chunky mixture again into clean jar and add original liquid mixture.
- Combine with rich syrup and shake.
- Wait three days and clarify anything that floats to the top.
- Transfer to a jar (dark preferred) and enjoy!
Orange Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp sugar or sugar cube
- 3 dashes of homemade orange bitters
- Splash of club soda
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- Orange peel or wedge for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Directly to cocktail glass, add sugar, bitters, club soda, and rye whiskey.
- 2. Stir with cocktail spoon.
- 3. Add garnish and enjoy!
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What is the shelf life of the final product?
Great question! Bitters are honestly kind of indefinite due to the alcohol. However, they might lose quality. It’s best to use them within 5 years. If it no longer tastes the same, time to make a fresh batch! Store in a cool, dry place for best results.