Bittermilk New Orleans-Style Old Fashioned Rouge Mix 8.5 oz — Barrel-Aged, Bartender-Crafted

Bittermilk No.4 New Orleans Style Old Fashioned Rouge Mix is a bartender-crafted cocktail mixer that turns whiskey into a spiced, barrel-aged New Orleans–style Old Fashioned with a single pour.

This 8.5 oz bottle from Bittermilk was developed by bartenders and finished in freshly emptied whiskey barrels to concentrate botanical flavors like wormwood, fennel, and gentian root. Ready-to-use and free from artificial ingredients, the Rouge Mix simplifies cocktail-making at home while preserving layered, bar-quality character. A single bottle yields roughly 17 servings when mixed to the recommended ratio, making it practical for casual gatherings or an elevated weeknight drink.

How do I make a New Orleans Style Old Fashioned with No.4?

Mixing this cocktail is deliberately simple so the mixer highlights the spirit rather than masking it. Use rye whiskey for a traditional flavor profile, pour over lots of ice, stir until chilled, and finish with a citrus twist to brighten the aromatics.

• Ratio: 1 part Bittermilk No.4 to 4 parts rye whiskey (about 0.25 oz mixer per 2 oz spirit)
• Method: Stir with plenty of ice until well chilled, then strain over fresh ice
• Garnish: Lemon twist or expressed orange peel complements the mix
• Yield: One 8.5 oz bottle makes approximately 17 cocktails at the recommended ratio

What flavors should I expect from this barrel-aged rouge mix?

No.4 balances herbal bitterness with warm, rounded barrel notes so it reads like a classic New Orleans drink. Wormwood and gentian contribute bitter backbone, fennel gives a subtle anise lift, and barrel aging softens and integrates the botanicals with whiskey-like depth.

• Bitter backbone from wormwood and gentian without synthetic aftertaste
• Anise-like fennel that adds aromatic lift and complexity
• Barrel-aged warmth that enhances caramel and oak nuances
• Designed to complement rye or other robust whiskeys

When and where is Bittermilk No.4 most useful?

No.4 is intended for home bartenders, hosts, and pros who want consistent bar-quality Old Fashioned–style cocktails with minimal prep. It’s especially handy for small parties, dinner pairings, or anytime you want a classic cocktail without bottling bitters and syrups separately.

• Quick cocktail service at at-home gatherings or dinners
• Portable and shelf-stable for take-along cocktail times
• Pairs well with sparkling wine for a Rouge twist on brunch mimosas
• Works as a finishing touch in whiskey-centric cocktail menus

How do I store and use the bottle for best results?

Keep the bottle sealed and stored in a cool, dark place; refrigeration after opening is optional but will maintain peak freshness. Shake lightly before measuring to integrate any settled botanicals, then follow the suggested pour ratios for consistent results.

• Storage: cool, dark pantry; refrigerate if you prefer
• Before pouring: give the bottle a gentle shake
• Shelf life: use within several months after opening for optimal flavor
• Serving tip: lots of ice and a citrus twist enhance aroma and balance

Who is this for? Bittermilk No.4 is aimed at whiskey drinkers who want an easy, bartender-developed shortcut to complex Old Fashioned–style cocktails. It fits home entertainers, cocktail beginners seeking reliable results, and professional bartenders who need a consistent, time-saving mixer that preserves craft flavors without artificial additives.

Ingredients

Florida Golden Cane Sugar, Water, Fresh Lemon Peel, Spices, Wormwood, Gentian Root, Tartaric Acid, Cochineal