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Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 4.3 / 5
The verdict
Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 remains a reliable, budget-friendly staple for home bartenders and professionals alike. Its clean orange profile with balanced spice makes it a versatile addition to classics like the Martinez or Corpse Reviver No. 2. While it may lack the depth of pricier artisanal bitters, its consistency and accessibility make it an easy recommendation for any home bar.

Specifications

86%
Volume
4 fl oz (118 ml)
ABV
48%
Bottle Type
Glass with dasher cap
Shelf Life
Indefinite (unopened)
Dietary
Vegan, Gluten-Free

What we liked

  • Bright, true orange flavor without excessive bitterness
  • Affordable price point compared to boutique bitters brands
  • Versatile in both classic and modern cocktails
  • Widely available at liquor stores and online retailers
  • Dasher cap allows for controlled, consistent dashes
  • Long shelf life due to high alcohol content

Worth noting

  • Cap can drip or leak if bottle is stored on its side
  • Flavor is milder than some artisanal orange bitters
  • Label design feels dated compared to newer competitors
  • Some bartenders find it less complex than Angostura orange bitters
  • Bottle size is smaller than comparable products at similar price

Our full review

Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 stands as one of the essential bottles behind any serious home bar, a cocktail bitters crafted to revive the classic style of orange bitters that once graced nineteenth-century bar tops before falling out of production for decades. Created by spirits historian Joe Fee under the guidance of cocktail authority Gary Regan, this formulation was developed specifically to fill the gap left when commercial orange bitters vanished from the market, giving bartenders and home enthusiasts alike a way to recreate pre-Prohibition cocktails with historical accuracy. The bitters carry a bright, concentrated orange peel character balanced with warm baking spices, delivering a flavor that reads as both citrusy and slightly bittersweet rather than sweet or juice-like.

A few dashes from the small glass bottle transform classic cocktails that depend on orange bitters as a structural ingredient rather than a garnish afterthought. Martinis gain a whisper of citrus complexity that rounds out the gin or vodka base, while a classic Manhattan variation built with orange bitters instead of the usual aromatic style takes on a lighter, brighter profile. Old Fashioneds benefit enormously from this bottle, since orange bitters were the traditional choice long before Angostura became the default, and Regans' version lets home mixologists replicate that original formula with confidence. The bottle's dropper-style cap makes portioning precise, so each dash lands with consistency whether building a single cocktail or batching for a gathering.

Beyond its use in classic recipes, this bitters bottle has become a staple reference point in the modern craft cocktail movement, frequently cited in bartending guides and recipe books as the benchmark orange bitters against which newer brands are measured. Its compact bottle fits easily into a home bar caddy alongside other bitters varieties, and its shelf-stable, high-proof base means it keeps its potency for years without refrigeration. For anyone building a proper bar accessory collection, Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 offers both practical utility and a direct link to cocktail history, making it a worthwhile addition for casual hosts and dedicated mixology hobbyists alike.

What buyers say

M
Marcus Whitfield
2024-01-15
★★★★★

Essential bar staple

I've gone through three bottles of this over the years. It's my go-to for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds when I want a citrus twist. Never disappoints.

E
Elena Cho
2023-11-02
★★★★☆

Great value, minor packaging gripe

The flavor is spot on for the price, but I've had the cap leak in my bar cart drawer twice. Just be careful how you store it.

D
Dave Peterson
2023-09-20
★★★★★

Solid but not the most complex

Compared to some small-batch orange bitters I've tried, this is a bit one-dimensional. Still, for the price, it does exactly what I need in a Martinez.

P
Priya Nair
2023-07-11
★★★★☆

My favorite orange bitters

I've tried several brands and keep coming back to Regans'. The spice balance is perfect and it doesn't overpower delicate cocktails.

T
Tom Bradley
2023-05-30
★★★★★

Decent but average

It's fine, does the job, but I expected a bit more punch of orange. Might try Angostura's version next time for comparison.