The Old Fashioned uses which flavor of bitters?

• A. Orange bitters
• B. Angostura bitters
• C. Peychaud's bitters
• D. Black walnut bitters

Answer: (D)

The Old Fashioned relies on an aromatic, spicy bitters profile to complement whiskey, sugar, and a splash of water. Angostura bitters provide that classic warmth with notes of clove, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus, enriching the drink without overpowering the whiskey. This traditional pairing has long defined the cocktail’s standard flavor. Other options, like orange bitters, can be used in modern riffs for extra brightness, while Peychaud’s offers a lighter, more medicinal note suited to different cocktails, and black walnut would introduce a strong nutty flavor that shifts the profile away from tradition. So, the traditional choice for the Old Fashioned is Angostura bitters.