Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail Recipes
These Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail Recipes are smooth, boozy and flavorful. The aromatics of the black walnut bitters and the orange peel added to the strong liquors make these craft cocktails sippers to be enjoyed by the fire or after a delicious meal.
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I love to go to restaurants to see what’s on the cocktail menu. After sampling, I go home and try to make my own version. I recently had a drink at a local restaurant made with black walnut bitters. I couldn’t wait to go home make similar Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail Recipes! This is less expensive than always drinking at a bar not to mention fun!
What are Bitters?
Bitters are made from aromatic botanicals, like herbs, roots, bark, and sometimes fruits or vegetables. They are infused into a flavorless alcohol base. This results in a very strong and potent liquid. Bitters are like the seasoning of a cocktail. They bring out the other flavors in the drink or add additional flavor based on the type of bitter being used. Sometimes bitters even have medicinal qualities.
Make sure you have the right tools.
Being a home bartender can be so much fun…if you have the right tools. You don’t have to break the bank and you don’t have to own EVERY tools you’ve ever seen at a bar. BUT, if you want good cocktails, you need the right tools. Check out my post on Home Bar Tool Essentials for a complete list.
Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail with Gin
This first black walnut bitters cocktail recipe is called the Black Walnut Social and it reminds me a little of a Negroni. I made this with a bourbon barrel gin from Captive Spirits I received as a gift, but you could use an Old Tom gin as well. It’s a little spicy and dark, so it’s a perfect pairing with the black walnut bitters. Be careful, it’s boozy but so smooth and delicious it’s easy to drink quickly! It’s great for sipping by the fire, entertaining friends or ending your day after the kids go to bed.
What is Cardamaro?
Cardamaro is not a cardamom flavored amaro, which can be easily mistaken. It’s a wine based amaro based on the artichoke (cardoon and blessed thistle). It is very herbally and spicy, but also smooth unlike some amaros. It’s a great replacement where vermouth is used since it has a wine base.
What is a good Cardamaro Substitute?
Sadly, Cardamaro can be hard to find. But, you can substitute Averna Amaro, Cynar, Amaro Nonino, Ramazotti, Ciociaro, or other amaro liqueurs and get a similar taste. If you do get your hands on a bottle of Cardamaro, treat it like gold, and enjoy every sip!
Black Walnut Social
Equipment
- mixing glass
- measuring jigger
- cocktail strainer
- bartenders spoon (or a long spoon for stirring)
- lowball cocktail glass
- garnish peeler (vegetable peeler)
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (preferably barrel-aged or old tom)
- 1 oz Cardamaro Amaro (or an Amaro herbal liquor)
- 3-4 dashes black walnut bitters
- orange peel garnish (for aromatics and style)
- large ice cube
Instructions
- Prepare low ball glass with a large ice cube. Measure all ingredients into a cocktail mixing glass with ice. Stir in circles for about 20-30 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. Slice off the orange peel (with little to no pith), twist over glass to release some of the oils and place the orange peel on top of the ice cube.
- Slice off a piece of orange peel (with little to no pith), twist over glass to release some of the oils and place the orange peel on top of the ice cube.
Notes
- Make sure you stir your cocktail long enough for it to be nice and cold. Once you think it’s been long enough, stir it for a few more seconds to be sure!
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- Averna Amaro
- Cynar
- Amaro Nonino
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Black Walnut Bitters Cocktail with Whiskey
The second black walnut bitters cocktail recipe has whiskey in it. I am partial to Rye Whiskeys but you can use whatever type you like. Similar to an Old Fashioned, all you need is a great whiskey, bitters and a dash of sweetener to make an easy and satisfying drink.
Black Walnut Old Fashioned
Equipment
- cocktail stirring glass with strainer
- bartenders spoon
- jigger
- peeler for garnish
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey (I used a Rye Whiskey for this one)
- 3-4 dashes black walnut bitters
- ½ tsp brown sugar
- orange peel (for aromatics and garnish)
- large ice cube
Instructions
- Prepare low ball glass with a large ice cube. Add whiskey, bitters and sugar to mixing glass filled with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. Slice off the orange peel, twist over glass to release some of the oils and place the orange peel on top of the ice cube.
- Slice off the orange peel, twist over glass to release some of the oils and place the orange peel on top of the ice cube.
Notes
- You could also try maple syrup for a sweetener for another layer of flavor and depth.
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
More Craft Cocktail Recipes to Try:
- Classic Daiquiri
- Lilac Gin Cocktail Recipe
- Strawberry Gin Cocktail
- Modern Negroni
- Homemade Creme de Cassis
Did you make one of these Black Walnut Bitter Cocktails?
If you make one or more of these cocktails, take a photo and tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me what’s in your glass. Cheers! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for even more Cocktail Recipes, Food Recipes and Tips!
cover photo credit: Marc Babin on Unsplash.
I discovered I enjoy a cocktail every now and then:)) And I have some Ramazzotti left in the rack; I’ll ask my partner to use it soon:))
Oh yes, a cocktail makes s special moment. Get your partner on it!😁
I never knew what bitters were until today. This is so intriguing to me. These cocktails sound fantastic!
They make such a difference in a cocktail, it’s quite amazing. Give them a try sometime.
Wow! I never realized I could make my own bitters! This is a really intriguing idea, especially since I like walnut flavored things. I may have to start looking for the ingredients to try this.
It’s fun to experiment with bitters and ingredients, have fun with it!
I like it how you made it super easy 🙂 I like looking at cocktail menus and yes they are pricey but having to learn making at home is cheaper and fun
Cocktails are pretty easy once you have the tools and ingredients. It’s always fun to experiment!
Both these walnut bitters cocktails sound yummy, I am going to be on the lookout for some Cardamaro for sure!!
You are going to love them! If you can’t find Cardamaro, any amaro liqueur will work!
I’m so intrigued by the gin cocktail! We are big fans of old fashioneds so we’ll have to give it a shot!
If you like old fashions you will enjoy this drink for sure. The black walnut bitters are pretty amazing.