Fee Brothers Orange Bitters 5OZ

Fee Brothers Orange Bitters 5OZ is a glycerin-based orange bitters made in Rochester, New York, using the skins of West Indian oranges and gentian root. The West Indian orange variety — the same citrus used to produce triple sec and curaçao — gives this bitters a distinctly sweeter, more fragrant orange character than many competitors. At 9% ABV, it sits well below the proof of most spirit-based bitters, making it accessible for a wide range of applications and home bar setups.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Pungent ripe orange zest rises immediately, followed by delicate orange flower water and faint alkali bitterness. The overall impression is wonderfully fragrant without being overpowering.

Taste: Sweet tangerine notes arrive on the entry, quickly joined by warm hints of cinnamon and clove at mid-palate. The gentian root bitterness builds gradually, balancing the pronounced orange zest oil flavor with an earthy, herbal backbone. A slight glycerin sweetness rounds out the overall mouthfeel.

Finish: Long and decidedly bitter-orange, with lingering zesty citrus oil that holds well after the sweetness fades. The finish remains clean without turning harsh or medicinal.

How to Drink Fee Brothers Orange Bitters:

A few dashes transform classic cocktails that call for orange bitters. Use it in an Old Fashioned alongside bourbon or rye to amplify the citrus dimension without adding juice or garnish oils. It brings depth to a Dry Martini, where the orange zest character complements dry vermouth beautifully. In a Whiskey Sour, two dashes added to the shaker introduce subtle spice and aromatic complexity that bridges the gap between the spirit and fresh citrus.

Best For:

• Stocking a home cocktail bar with essential modifiers
• Elevating classic whiskey and gin cocktails with citrus complexity
• Non-alcoholic drink mixing, given the low 9% ABV and glycerin base
• Experimenting with the popular "Feegans" 50/50 blend alongside Regan's Orange Bitters No. 6

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does Fee Brothers Orange Bitters taste like? Sweet tangerine and ripe orange zest lead into warm cinnamon-clove spice, balanced by gentian root bitterness. The finish is long, zesty, and clean.

How does Fee Brothers Orange Bitters compare to Regan's Orange Bitters No. 6? Fee Brothers leans sweeter and more fragrant due to its West Indian orange base and glycerin carrier, while Regan's tends toward a drier, more intensely bitter profile with cardamom spice. Many bartenders combine the two in a 50/50 blend known as "Feegans" to capture the strengths of both.

Is Fee Brothers Orange Bitters good for beginners? Absolutely — the lower 9% ABV and glycerin base make it approachable, and a few dashes in any whiskey or gin cocktail deliver immediate, noticeable improvement.

Where is Fee Brothers Orange Bitters made? Fee Brothers produces this bitters in Rochester, New York, USA. The recipe features water, glycerin, oil of bitter orange (terpeneless), gentian, and other natural flavors.

What foods pair well with Fee Brothers Orange Bitters? Try adding dashes to dishes or drinks that complement citrus and warm spice: dark chocolate desserts, grilled duck breast with orange glaze, roasted beet salads, vanilla bean ice cream, and sparkling water with a citrus twist.

Why Buy Fee Brothers?

Fee Brothers has operated continuously in Rochester, New York, as a family-owned producer of bitters, mixers, and cordials for over four generations. Their Orange Bitters stands apart from most competitors by using a glycerin base rather than a high-proof spirit, preserving delicate citrus aromatics that alcohol can sometimes strip away. The choice of West Indian orange — the same variety behind curaçao and triple sec — reflects a deliberate decision to prioritize fragrance and sweetness over raw bitterness. Fee Brothers remains one of the most widely stocked bitters brands among professional bartenders and home enthusiasts alike.