What are bitters and how do they improve your mixed drink? You’ve seen bartenders use them, and you know classic drinks like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan require them. But the main questions remain: how do you use bitters and why do they matter?
So What Are They?
Bitters are typically a dark liquid that comes in small bottles with dropper tops. Most are nearly 50 percent alcohol and are designed with several botanical ingredients including herbs, leaves, seeds, bark, flowers, bark and fruit. And you guessed it: they are bitter, sour and highly concentrated in flavor.
What’s The History?
Back then, bitters were first used for in the medical field to help ease stomach aches, however, they are now mostly used to make delicious co*cktails. They can bring new life to a drink by enhancing the unique flavors of a co*cktail, and by adding an aromatic layer to the drinking experience. Before Prohibition in the 1920s and ‘30s, bitters were used in nearly all co*cktails, but with the legalization of alcohol, the bitters industry was thrown into turmoil. Only large companies like Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters were able to thrive just enough to make it through the 13-year dry spell; all other brands disappeared.
Why should I Use Bitters?
Well, it’s kind of like looking at a spice rack and thinking to yourself, “Why should I use these spices on chicken or in my soup?” Like spices make food better, bitters make drinks better. It can balance to the flavor of your spirit or co*cktail. Try a “before and after” on a classic like the Old Fashioned, one with bitters and another without. This will give you a clear understanding of how bitters make a difference. Remember to add a few drops on a new recipe, too, just for kicks.
How To Use Bitters In co*cktails
Here’s a good question: Do I add bitters before or after a drink is stirred or shaken? The answer: Yes, add bitters before you begin the shaking or stirring process. However, there are exceptions. For example, you can add bitters by misting the top of the drink for aromatics or when decorating the foamy egg whites of a co*cktail.
What Are The Most Popular Drinks For Bitters
Although there is a surplus of recipes that call for bitters, a handful of drinks have stood the test of time and have become well-known staples at bars across the globe. These timeless drinks include the Pink Gin, Sazerac, Pisco Sour, the Sawyer, Old Fashioned, Manhattan and the Singapore Sling. These drinks are great places to start when first crafting your bitters skills.
There Are Tons of Bitter Flavors Now
As bitters become more and more popular, new companies have begun developing them in nearly every flavor you can think of. There are celery flavored bitters for Bloody Marys, cherry bitters for bourbon, spicy bitters for aged liquors, and even Palo Santo wood (normally used for incense) which gives off smoke, spice, wood, and vanilla flavors. We recommend trying 2019 Double Gold winner Carthusian Bitters by Ghost Coast Distillery, made with tens of botanical for the perfect herbal bouquet.
So there you have it, the beginner’s guide to bitters. Cheers!
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I'm a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the world of mixology and the use of bitters in crafting exquisite co*cktails. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience and a passion for exploring the diverse realm of flavors that bitters bring to the table.
Now, let's dive into the concepts presented in the article about bitters and their role in enhancing mixed drinks:
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Nature of Bitters:
- Bitters are dark, highly concentrated liquids found in small bottles with dropper tops.
- They typically contain around 50 percent alcohol and are crafted with various botanical ingredients, including herbs, leaves, seeds, bark, flowers, and fruit.
- The taste profile of bitters is characterized by bitterness, sourness, and a rich concentration of flavors.
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Historical Context:
- Originally used for medicinal purposes to ease stomach aches, bitters transitioned into the world of co*cktails.
- Before Prohibition in the 1920s and '30s, bitters were a staple in nearly all co*cktails.
- The bitters industry faced challenges during Prohibition, with only major brands like Peychaud’s and Angostura surviving the dry spell.
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Purpose and Benefits:
- Bitters can bring new life to a drink by enhancing unique flavors and adding an aromatic layer to the drinking experience.
- They play a crucial role in balancing the flavor of spirits or co*cktails.
- Comparing a classic co*cktail like the Old Fashioned with and without bitters demonstrates the significant difference bitters make.
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Usage in co*cktails:
- Bitters are added before the shaking or stirring process, with exceptions such as misting the top of the drink for aromatics or decorating foamy egg whites.
- They contribute to the overall balance and complexity of the co*cktail.
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Popular Drinks Featuring Bitters:
- Timeless drinks such as Pink Gin, Sazerac, Pisco Sour, Sawyer, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Singapore Sling prominently feature bitters.
- These classic recipes serve as excellent starting points for those exploring the world of bitters.
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Variety of Bitter Flavors:
- With the growing popularity of bitters, new companies are producing them in various flavors.
- Examples include celery-flavored bitters for Bloody Marys, cherry bitters for bourbon, and even unconventional flavors like Palo Santo wood, offering smoke, spice, wood, and vanilla notes.
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Recommendation:
- The article suggests trying Carthusian Bitters by Ghost Coast Distillery, a 2019 Double Gold winner with a perfect herbal bouquet.
In conclusion, bitters play a crucial role in mixology, elevating the taste and aroma of co*cktails. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, exploring the world of bitters opens up a realm of possibilities for creating delightful and well-balanced drinks. Cheers!
