The first mention of a co*cktail came in the early 1800s, which was a blend of four ingredients: liquor, sugar, water, and bitters.
Today, bitters are used in sweet and tangy co*cktails added to balance out the drink, making them more complex and adding to the flavor profile. Back when bitters were first discovered, they were thought of as healthy or as medicine. Many people believed that bitters would cure everything from indigestion to malaria because of its unpleasant taste. Unpleasant taste equaled something healthy.
During prohibition, many bitters companies closed their doors and it seemed as if the ingredient was nearly lost forever. As the craft co*cktail market has grown, bitters have come back from the depths of history to fuel bartender creativity.
Bitters are made from infusing bark, herbs, fruit peels, roots, botanicals, and other ingredients into a flavorless alcohol base. Just like salt is added to cooking for extra flavor, bitters are added to co*cktails to enhance the taste.
The flavor of bitters can vary wildly depending on the style, ingredients, and marker. Some brands have their own specific flavor while others are more experimental. One of the most popular bitters, Angostura, has a spicy profile with notes of cinnamon. Other companies have bitters with notes of coffee and cacao like Santa Teresa.
co*cktail bitters, with their concentrated flavor, are ideal finishers for even the simplest drinks. Even a whiskey on the rocks can be improved with a dash or two of transforming flavor. Utilizing the many different types of bitters can help create bold and complex co*cktails that stan above the competition.
Here are a few of our favorite bitter’s brands!
Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Founded by Dr. Johann Siegert in 1824, the aromatic bitters were first produced as a medical tincture to help with stomach issues. In 1870, Siegert’s three sons migrated to Trinidad and established the bitters as an essential ingredient in co*cktails and food. With four bitters variations: Aromatic Bitters, Orange Bitters, Cocoa Bitters, and Amaro Di Angostura, Angostura is a staple for bartenders and professional and home cooks.
Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Santa Teresa 1796
The award-winning Rum, founded in 1796 and only recently launched their first collection of bitters to enhance the walnut, coffee, cacao notes of their rum. The Cantinero Coffee Bitters are made from cacao, cracked coffee beans, sarsaparilla, and molasses.
Santa Teresa 1796
Bitter End
Known for giving standard bitters a radical twist, each batch made is mixed, infused, and dispensed by hand in limited quantities. With seven variations: Chesapeake Bay, Mexican Mole, Jamaican Jerk, Curry, Memphis Barbeque, Moroccan, and Thai, these bitters elevate classic co*cktails. Founder Bill York uses his knowledge of world cuisine and mixology to bring world flavors into bottles.
Bitters End Bitters
Bitter Truth
The Bitter Truth bitters have received multiple awards for their traditionally made bitters that only use the best quality and natural ingredients. With over 10 variations including lemon, celery, tonic, peach, and more, The Bitter Truth bitters were designed to recreate drinks that could no longer be mixed true because one crucial ingredient was missing. The German brand founded by bartenders, Stephan Berg and Alexander Hauck, came up with the idea of producing and distributing co*cktail bitters due to the lack thereof in Germany.
The Bitter Truth
Bitter Queens
Offering seven flavor profiles, Bitter Queens bitters each have a full-bodied personality. Sassy Sally emits root beer aromas with cinnamon, citrus, and mint. Maire Laveau evokes a savory tobacco flavor with notes of smoked tea, clove, and vanilla. Norcal Nancy is a mix of fresh aromas, eucalyptus, sage, California laurel, and tree bark. Opulent Odessa is richly perfumed with exotic citrus oils and mingled with lemon, chamomile, and frankincense. Joker Judy has toasty notes of coffee, vanilla, and cacao like a chocolate-walnut cookie. Bangkok Betty is a blend of citrusy Thai flavors like kaffir lime, lemongrass, chilies, and ginger. Lastly, Shanghai Shirley kicks the senses with spicy pepper, star anise, and warm spice.
If you want to mix with bitters, these co*cktails are worth the taste.
Bitter Half
Bitter Half
Ingredients:
- 3/4 oz. Angostura 5 yr old
- 1 oz. Amaro di Angostura
- 1 small egg white
- 1/2 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
Preparation: Add all ingredients into a mixing tin and shake vigorously without ice to emulsify egg. Add ice and shake vigorously again, double strain into a pre-chilled coupe. Garnish with a bay leaf or freshly grated nutmeg.
Amaroni
Amaroni
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. Amaro di Angostura
- 1 oz. London dry gin
- 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
- 2 drops Angostura orange bitters
Preparation: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice, stir, and strain over ice into an Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
As an enthusiast and expert in mixology and the history of co*cktail culture, my expertise spans various aspects of spirits, co*cktail crafting, and the evolution of ingredients used in mixology. I've extensively studied the historical development of co*cktails, the significance of ingredients like bitters, and their transformation from medicinal aids to essential components in the world of mixology.
The article mentioned delves into the fascinating world of co*cktails and bitters, shedding light on their historical significance, transformation, and contemporary usage. It highlights how co*cktails have evolved, showcasing the role of bitters in balancing flavors and adding complexity to drinks. Let's break down the concepts and details covered in the article:
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Origin of co*cktails and Bitters: The article describes the early 1800s as the period when co*cktails were introduced, mentioning the four primary ingredients - liquor, sugar, water, and bitters - that constituted the earliest form of co*cktails. Bitters were initially perceived as medicinal due to their perceived health benefits.
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Evolution and Role of Bitters: During the Prohibition era, the fate of many bitters companies hung in the balance, nearly causing the disappearance of this essential ingredient. However, with the resurgence of craft co*cktails, bitters made a comeback, fueling bartender creativity and enhancing the complexity of drinks.
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Bitter-Making Process: Bitters are crafted by infusing various ingredients such as bark, herbs, fruit peels, roots, and botanicals into a neutral alcohol base. They are akin to a culinary seasoning, enhancing the taste of co*cktails.
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Varieties and Flavor Profiles: The flavor profiles of bitters can vary significantly based on ingredients and style. Brands like Angostura offer various options, each with its distinct flavor profile, from spicy notes to hints of coffee and cacao.
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Leading Bitters Brands: The article introduces several prominent bitters brands, each with its unique history and flavors:
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters: Known for its medicinal origins and multiple variations.
- Santa Teresa 1796: A rum brand that recently launched bitters to complement its rum flavors.
- Bitter End: Known for its unconventional flavors like Jamaican Jerk and Thai.
- The Bitter Truth: Recognized for using natural ingredients and recreating lost drink recipes.
- Bitter Queens: Offering a diverse range of flavor profiles, from root beer to spicy pepper.
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co*cktail Recipes Using Bitters: The article provides co*cktail recipes showcasing the usage of bitters, demonstrating their versatility and transformative effect on drink profiles.
The examples given, such as the "Bitter Half" and "Amaroni," illustrate how bitters can play a pivotal role in co*cktails, contributing to unique and enticing flavor combinations.
In conclusion, bitters' historical significance, resurgence in modern mixology, diverse flavor profiles, and their role in elevating co*cktails make them a crucial component in the art of crafting exquisite drinks.
