Black Walnut Bitters co*cktail Recipe (2024)

Published: Jan 11, 2020 · Modified: Jul 10, 2023 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

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This Black Walnut Bitters co*cktail Recipe is smooth, boozy, and flavorful. The aromatics of the black walnut bitters and the orange peel added to the strong liquors make this craft co*cktail a sipper to be enjoyed by the fire or after a delicious meal.

Black Walnut Bitters co*cktail Recipe (1)

I love to go to restaurants to see what's on the co*cktail menu. After sampling, I go home and try to make my own version.

I recently had a drink at a local restaurant called Backyard Social made with black walnut bitters. I couldn't wait to go home and make similar Black Walnut Bitters co*cktail Recipes! This is less expensive than always drinking at a bar not to mention fun!

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Why I Love This Recipe
Recipe FAQs
What Kind of Gin To Use For This Recipe
How to Make This co*cktail
More Craft co*cktail Recipes to Try
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
Black Walnut Bitters co*cktail Recipe
Did you make This co*cktail?

Why I Love This Recipe

This black walnut bitters co*cktail recipe reminds me a little of a Negroni, which is one of my favorite classic co*cktails. Although this co*cktail is simple and only has three ingredients, it's full of flavor.

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 that 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.

Black Walnut Bitters co*cktail Recipe (2)

Recipe FAQs

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 co*cktail. 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.

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?

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 Bitters co*cktail Recipe (3)

What Kind of Gin To Use For This Recipe

I made this with a bourbon barrel gin from Captive Spirits, but you could use an Old Tom gin as well. If you don't have a darker gin on hand, try your favorite gin and see how it turns out.

How to Make This co*cktail

Prepare a lowball glass with a large ice cube. Measure all ingredients into a co*cktail mixing glass with ice. Stir in circles for about 15-20 seconds.

Strain the co*cktail into the prepared glass. Slice off a piece of orange peel (with little to no pith), twist it over the glass to release some of the oils, and place it on top of the ice cube. Enjoy immediately. Cheers!

More Craft co*cktail Recipes to Try

Blueberry Lavender co*cktail
Fig Leaf co*cktail
Bourbon Persimmon co*cktail
Hibiscus Pisco Sour

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 tool you've ever seen at a bar. But, if you want good co*cktails, you need the right tools. Check out my post on Home Bar Tool Essentials for a complete list.

For these co*cktails, you will need a mixing glass and a bartender's spoon to stir the co*cktails. You will also need a co*cktail glass for sipping. And you will need an ice cube tray to make a co*cktail cube.