What are bitters in co*cktails? In short, they are one of the easiest ways to add complexity and flavor to a
Some co*cktail recipes call for a few drops of bitters, called a dash. But what does that mean? And what are bitters, exactly?
Bitters provide a finishing touch, adding complexity of flavor to many types of co*cktails.
In a sense, bitters are to co*cktails as a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or seasoning is to food. A dash or two of bitters can help to balance and improve a
I have been working on building up my arsenal of co*cktail resources for you to learn more about the ingredients you are putting into your drinks.
I recently shared my top bar tools and the best co*cktail cherries. I also wrote all about ginger beer and the best brands of ginger beer out there, and I want to do the same for bitters. So let’s dive right in, shall we?
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What are bitters?
Bitters are an alcoholic flavoring agent made of aromatic plant extracts that are often used to flavor co*cktails and drinks. They are made from a number of botanical ingredients such as herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, bark and roots.
A blend of any of these are steeped in alcohol for days, weeks or months to achieve complex flavor combinations. Sometimes they contain artificial coloring too.
The base alcohol can make a difference in the taste. Vodka provides a clean slate for any flavors, but gin and bourbon can add another layer of complexity.
co*cktails using bitters
Bitters are commonly used in spirit-forward co*cktails like the old-fashioned, Manhattan and sazerac. They also show up in the classic champagne co*cktail.
But bitters don’t stop there: Feel free to add a dash to a margarita or a glass of wine.
Bitters can also be used in low-alcohol drinks, too. Try adding them to coffee, tea or seltzer. The latter is referred to as bitters and soda.
Are bitters alcoholic?
Like vanilla extract, bitters contain alcohol, and both are very potent —you wouldn’t want to
However, sometimes bitters are used as a spirit alongside other ingredients, such as in the Trinidad Sour co*cktail, which calls for one and a half ounces of Angostura bitters to pack a powerful punch.
Newer to the market, non-alcoholic bitters do exist. California-based All the Bitter produces an array of zero-proof bitters made with vegetable glycerin and apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol.
History of bitters
Bitters date back to ancient Egypt, when wine was often infused with herbs. Distilled alcohol was also popular in the Middle Ages.
Similar tinctures boomed in the mid-1800s, when they were used for medicinal purposes to treat everything from stomachaches to malaria.
The earliest known co*cktail recipe using bitters dates back to 1806. According to Smithsonian Magazine, an agriculture periodical from Philadelphia called Farmer’s Cabinet, wrote a recipe for what would be considered a co*cktail today, calling for four ingredients: “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters.”
Angostura bitters
Angostura is a well-known brand of aromatic bitters, the most common type, which generally contains gentian, quassia and wild cherry bark.
Known for its oversized label — a printing mistake turned branding strategy — Angostura bitters dates back to 1824 when founder Dr. Johann Siegert created a medicinal tincture designed to alleviate stomach ailments.
Seigert’s three sons migrated to Trinidad in the 1870s and his son Don Carlos Siegert established the bitters as an essential ingredient for co*cktails and food. Today, bottles of these bitters have a seat at every bar.
However, there are lots of other brands of bitters and flavors on the market. Peychaud’s is another common aromatic bitter brand with a woodsy flavor profile of licorice, saffron, orange peel and caramel.
Angostura is delicious in the Pimm’s Cup and the pink champagne co*cktail.
How to use bitters
co*cktail recipes call for dashes, not drops, of bitters. A dash of bitters is typically six to eight drops or about an eighth of a teaspoon.
Some bottles come with a plastic dasher, a plastic stopper with a small hole, while others come with an eyedropper or a spray nozzle.
Plastic dasher: This is the most common way to distribute bitters and many bitters bottles come in this style. When tipped upside down, only a few drops are released at a time. This is considered a dash of bitters.Many bitters bottles come in this style, but you can also decant the liquids into pretty glass bitters bottles for your bar cart.
Eyedropper: A dropper lets you control how many drops of bitters you want to use. You can simply add a single drop or fill the entire dropper to add a dash.
Spray nozzle: The least common method allows you to spray the bitters as a light mist as opposed to heavier, concentrated drops. Intended as a fragrance to enhance the drinking experience through the nose, bitters sprays are more common at upscale co*cktail bars with creative menus, though you can certainly play with this method at home.
Flavors of bitters
Though aromatic bitters are a staple of many co*cktail recipes, there are many other flavors of bitters to choose from that can transform your drinks.
When deciding which bitters to use, choose flavors that complement your co*cktail. Fruit flavors, like orange bitters and cherry bitters, are a great place to start, and then you can layer on spices and herbs.
Seasonal flavors are another good starting point: Warm spices like cinnamon and clove are great for winter co*cktails like the apple old-fashioned. At the same time, bright citrus bitters work their magic in summery drinks like the champagne margarita.
Use your nose before adding them to a co*cktail. Bitters are usually added last, so a quick whiff of your
Common bitters flavors
These common, beginner flavors will go with many recipes:
- aromatic
- orange
- lemon
- cherry
- ginger
- cinnamon/cassia
- chocolate/cocoa
Interesting bitters flavors
Flavors of bitters can get pretty inventive. Sometimes a bottle has a single flavor, other times a combination of several. If you’re ready to upgrade your bitters collection, try one of these:
- peach
- grapefruit
- coffee
- fig
- cardamom
- jalapeño or habanero
- sassafras
- pecan
- lemon pepper
- tiki
- mole
Where to buy co*cktail bitters
Collecting bitters for your home bar is a great way to improve homemade co*cktails.
You can usually find the key players — orange bitters, Angostura and Peychaud’s — at the grocery store and some liquor stores, usually near the co*cktail mixers.
Wine shops and specialty food stores may carry a wider variety of flavors from small-batch bitters brands, such as Hella Bitters, The Bitter Housewife and Bittermen’s.
Collecting bitters is one of my favorite things to do. As you can see by the photos here, I have built up quite a collection. This is only about… maybe a third of my collection! I’ll tell you more about it soon.
Some of my favorite brands are Woodford Reserve, Hella Bitters, Bittermen’s, Crude Bitters, Infuse Bitters and The Bitter Housewife, but there are lots more out there.
Tips for using bitters
When using bitters in co*cktails, consider these tips:
- Bitters are usually added last. Smell the
drink , then decide which type of bitters to add. - Start with a few drops, then smell or taste the co*cktail. Add more as needed.
- Store bitters in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They last, on average, about five years.
- Have fun with bitters and build a collection of flavors you love and that inspire you.
Creative co*cktails with bitters
Make a chai old-fashioned. Cinnamon, cardamom and ginger bitters would be really tasty.
If you make an old-fashioned with peanut butter whiskey, so you might try berry bitters for a or you could go chocolate bitters for a chocolate PB cup flavor.
For a maple manhattan, you might try pecan bitters or orange bitters. Ditto for a maple old-fashioned.
A champagne Moscow mule gets extra ginger flavor from ginger bitters.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of co*cktail culture and ingredients, let's delve into the comprehensive world of bitters.
What are Bitters?
Bitters are a sophisticated alcoholic flavoring agent crafted from aromatic plant extracts. This versatile ingredient, akin to a sprinkle of sea salt in food, elevates co*cktails by imparting complexity and depth of flavor. Composed of botanical elements like herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, and roots, these components are meticulously blended and steeped in alcohol for days, weeks, or even months to achieve intricate flavor profiles. Some variations may include artificial coloring.
co*cktails using Bitters
Bitters find a home in various co*cktails, especially in spirit-forward classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Sazerac. They also make appearances in the champagne co*cktail and can be a delightful addition to low-alcohol drinks such as coffee, tea, or seltzer.
Are Bitters Alcoholic?
Yes, similar to vanilla extract, bitters contain alcohol and are highly concentrated. While they're not typically consumed straight, they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall drink experience. Notably, there are non-alcoholic bitters available for those seeking a zero-proof option.
History of Bitters
The roots of bitters trace back to ancient Egypt, where wine was infused with herbs. The use of distilled alcohol gained popularity in the Middle Ages. In the mid-1800s, tinctures surged for medicinal purposes, treating a range of ailments. The earliest known co*cktail recipe incorporating bitters dates back to 1806.
Angostura Bitters
Angostura, a renowned brand, emerged in 1824 as a medicinal tincture. Known for its aromatic blend, featuring gentian, quassia, and wild cherry bark, Angostura bitters became an essential co*cktail ingredient in the 1870s.
How to Use Bitters
co*cktail recipes typically call for dashes of bitters, equating to around six to eight drops or an eighth of a teaspoon. Distribution methods include plastic dashers, eyedroppers, and spray nozzles, each offering a unique way to control the amount added to a drink.
Flavors of Bitters
While aromatic bitters remain a staple, a plethora of flavors exists to transform drinks. Fruit-infused options like orange and cherry bitters provide a great starting point, with spices and herbs adding further depth. Seasonal choices, such as cinnamon for winter or citrus for summer, can enhance specific co*cktail experiences.
Where to Buy co*cktail Bitters
Key players like orange bitters, Angostura, and Peychaud's are commonly found in grocery and liquor stores. For a broader selection, explore wine shops and specialty food stores, showcasing small-batch brands like Hella Bitters, The Bitter Housewife, and Bittermen's.
Tips for Using Bitters
When incorporating bitters, consider adding them last, smelling the drink before deciding on the type to use. Begin with a few drops, adjusting to taste. Store bitters in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, with an average shelf life of about five years.
Creative co*cktails with Bitters
Expand your mixology horizons by experimenting with creative co*cktails. For instance, a chai Old Fashioned could benefit from cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger bitters. Tailor your choices to complement specific flavors, like berry bitters for a peanut butter whiskey Old Fashioned or chocolate bitters for a chocolate PB cup experience.
In summary, bitters are a nuanced, historical, and indispensable component in the world of co*cktails, offering endless possibilities for those who appreciate the art and science of mixology.
