Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned: The Story Behind Our Custom Aromatic Bitters

I’m excited to let you in on a little secret behind the magic of our Old Fashioned Mixer—specifically, our custom aromatic bitters. Now, we all know that an Old Fashioned is only as good as its bitters, and trust me, we didn’t take any shortcuts here.

We’ve blended the best of both worlds—the classic cocktail bitters you know and love and some health-focused, unique ingredients to create something that’ll have you rethinking your home bartending game. This isn't just any off-the-shelf bitter; it's a 100% organic aromatic bitters profile, made to elevate your whiskey to the next level.

So, what’s inside?

We’ve got your usual suspects—gentian root, cardamom fruit, cinnamon bark, orange peel, ginger root, fennel seed, burdock root, turmeric root, and dandelion root. These are the backbone of any good aromatic bitters, offering that deep, warm, and slightly bitter punch we all crave in an Old Fashioned.

But here’s where we like to think we’re a cut above. We’ve added some standout ingredients to really make this bitters mix pop:

• Black Walnut – This one’s a game-changer. It’s got these rich, nutty, woody notes that enhance the natural oakiness of whiskey. It adds a darker, more robust flavor that sets our Old Fashioned apart from the rest.
  
  
• Milk Thistle Seed – Now, this might sound a little too “health kick” for a cocktail, but it’s all about balance, right? It’s mostly here for its health benefits, like liver protection, but it doesn’t overpower the aromatic profile. Think of it as a hidden bonus.
  
  
• Oregon Grape Root – A strong, earthy bitterness similar to gentian but with a bit more depth. Plus, it’s great for digestion, so you can sip and feel good knowing you’re doing something right.
  
  
• Elecampane Root – This one’s a bit more medicinal in flavor, with floral and camphor-like notes. It’s another nod to bitters' original purpose—supporting health—but we love the complexity it brings to the mix.

How do these all work together?

Let me paint you a picture: You take a sip of your Old Fashioned, and the first thing you notice is that deep, dark, almost smoky flavor—that’s the black walnut talking, playing off the oaky notes of the whiskey.

Then, just as you think you’ve got it figured out, that sweet, rich sarsaparilla kicks in, rounding out the caramel and vanilla flavors of your bourbon. It’s warm, it’s inviting, and when you think it can’t get any better, there’s a little pop of citrusy brightness from the orange peel and cardamom to keep things interesting.

But the real beauty of this blend is that it’s all packed into one easy-to-use mix. Most craft bartenders would be pulling out three or more different bitters to achieve this complexity—Angostura, orange bitters, maybe some black walnut bitters for good measure. We’ve done the hard work for you, so all you need to do is pour, stir, and enjoy.

So, whether you’re an Old Fashioned purist or just dipping your toes into the cocktail world, our aromatic bitters are here to make your life easier and your drinks better. Let’s raise a glass to bold flavors, thoughtful ingredients, and a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned—every single time.

Cheers!

Sean Fitzgerald, Master Mixologist and Founder of Elevated Mixers