Peychaud’s Bitters was created around 1830 in the New Orleans apothecary of Dr. Antoine Amédée Peychaud. The very word “cocktail” is said to be derived from his service of bitters-spiked cognac.

As a pharmacist, Peychaud was well-versed in the curative powers of botanicals and herbs, and his bitters quickly gained favor in reputable drinking establishments around the city. And to this day, Peychaud’s is irreplaceable in many classic cocktails, such as the Sazerac and the Vieux Carré.

Peychaud’s Bitters is one of the two most classic gentian-based bitters but, unlike Angostura, Peychaud’s has a lighter body and more floral aroma, with notes of anise and spiced cherry. Sometimes, nothing but Peychaud’s will do, and that is why it is one of only three brands to have survived Prohibition.