Rich Citrus Notes. Orange. Cardamom. Coriander. Gentian. Suggested Classic Cocktail. Martini. Old Fashioned. Suggested Spirit Pairing. Vodka. Gin. Tequila. Rye. Contains. Alcohol, Water, Organic Herbs & Spices
Serious citrus sticklers know the score: Cara Cara oranges are the crème de la crème of the sunbelt’s late-winter bounty. Originated in Florida by way of Venezuela’s Hacienda Cara Cara, this deeply pink-fleshed orange varietal is renowned for its distinctive raspberry, cranberry, blackberry, and rose notes with a lingering sweet-tart balance. Conjuring late-19th century classic cocktails like the Martinez and Manhattan — concoctions all the rage when orange bitters boomed in popularity — we macerate vibrant aromatics including gentian, cardamom, and coriander with peak-of-season citrus to produce our distinctively fruit-forward Honest John Cara Cara Orange Bitters. We’re particularly pleased to shake a few drops of this richly fragrant tincture in any of the aforementioned classics, but they easily stand on their own dashed simply into spa water or seltzer.
Suggested Cocktail
Our Cara Cara Orange Bitters beg for a platform to show off their sweet-tart, rich citrusy notes, and we recommend the classic Bijou Cocktail as a drink living up to the delicious challenge. This ruby-hued jewel of a beverage was apocryphally developed by famed Prussian-born barman Harry Johnson in the late 19th century.
Bijou Cocktail
2 dashes Honest John Cara Cara Orange Bitters
1 oz Green Chartreuse
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Dry Gin
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass or coupe. Garnish with an orange swath and cherry.
