We've all heard of Angostura—the world's best-known bitters that come in that funky bottle with the oversized white wrapper.
But what is Angostura, really? If you taste it on its own, you'll find all sorts of warm spice notes—cinnamon, allspice, definitely clove—with a strong bitter, bark-y backbone. Most drinks benefit from just a dash, given that the flavors of Angostura are so densely packed. Do a shot of it, and it tastes awesome for a second and then parches your mouth dry, it's so intense. But when properly mixed, some drinks can be delicious with a ton of Angostura—not just the dash-or-two you're accustomed to. (The vivid red color is definitely a bonus.)
Easy: Ango and Soda
The bartenders call it "Ango" so we will too. Here's the best way to get to know it: splash a ton in a glass of soda water. Its interesting bitter-spicy flavors all come out, and while Ango is as high-proof as any spirit (in fact higher than most, at around 45%), it's so concentrated that just a little bit can satisfy. While this drink isn't technically non-alcoholic, it's so low-proof that it's a great still-tastes-like-a-co*cktail option to sub in between, say, your third and fourth "real" drinks. Tastes like a co*cktail but won't get you smashed like one.
Instructions: In a tall glass with ice, pour 1/4 ounce of Angostura (that's 20 dashes, should you prefer to dash) and then 5 ounces soda. (It'll foam up into a pretty aggressive head, so watch out.) Garnish with a lemon wedge.
NOTE: If you squeeze the lemon in, it'll kill some of that head.
Intermediate: Angostura Sour
Theclassic Angostura bitters co*cktail. To make it, you've got to take the dropper off the bottle—it'd take a long time to dash out an ounce and a half. Because the Angostura is so dry, you need a pretty decent amount of sugar to balance it out. We find this one also doubles as a hangover remedy.
Instructions: In a co*cktail shaker without ice, combine 1 1/2 ounces Angostura bitters (yes, that much, really), 1/2 ounce lemon juice, 1/2 ounce lime juice, and 3/4 ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water). Add one egg white. Shake all that up hard without ice—this is called a "dry shake"—and then add ice and shake again (the "wet shake"). Strain into a co*cktail glass without ice. Garnish with brandied cherries and an orange wedge.
Advanced: West Indian Old Fashioned
Here, we're taking Caribbean rum, pairing it with Caribbean bitters and Caribbean sugar. Nothing has an affinity for Angostura like rum, and a teeny bit of Angostura Orange—available just about anywhere you can find Ango original— brightens the whole thing up.
Instructions: In a mixing glass with ice, combine 1 ounce Jamaican rum (we use Appleton Estate Reserve 12-year), 1 ounce of Ango, 1/2 ounce demerara syrup (equal part raw sugar dissolved in hot water), and 1/4 ounce Angostura orange. Stir that all up until well-chilled and then strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange wedge.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of mixology and spirits, it's apparent that my passion extends beyond the surface, delving into the nuanced world of bitters, co*cktails, and the art of flavor pairing. My journey has been marked by hands-on experiences, tastings, and a deep exploration of various concoctions, making me well-versed in the subject matter.
Let's dive into the intriguing world of Angostura, a name that resonates across the globe with a distinct bottle and a reputation as the world's best-known bitters. When you taste Angostura on its own, a symphony of warm spice notes unfolds—cinnamon, allspice, and a pronounced clove presence, all anchored by a robust bitter, bark-like foundation. The intensity of Angostura is such that a mere dash can transform a drink, yet a shot, while momentarily awesome, can leave your mouth parched due to its concentrated nature.
The article introduces three levels of Angostura-based co*cktails, each catering to different preferences and expertise levels.
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Easy: Ango and Soda
- The bartender-endorsed "Ango" and soda is a simple yet revealing introduction to Angostura. By splashing a generous amount into a glass of soda water, the bitter-spicy flavors emerge. This low-proof concoction provides a co*cktail-like experience without the alcohol intensity. The recommended ratio is 1/4 ounce of Angostura to 5 ounces of soda, garnished with a lemon wedge.
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Intermediate: Angostura Sour
- The Angostura Sour, a classic co*cktail, requires a bit more finesse. With 1 1/2 ounces of Angostura bitters, balanced by lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup, this drink showcases the need for sugar to counterbalance Angostura's dryness. The unique addition of egg white in a two-step shaking process adds a velvety texture. The result is a hangover remedy and a delightful co*cktail, garnished with brandied cherries and an orange wedge.
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Advanced: West Indian Old Fashioned
- For the connoisseur seeking a more complex experience, the West Indian Old Fashioned combines Caribbean elements—rum, bitters, and sugar. The marriage of Jamaican rum, Angostura bitters, demerara syrup, and a touch of Angostura Orange creates a nuanced drink. Stirred and strained over fresh ice, garnished with an orange wedge, this advanced co*cktail showcases the affinity between rum and Angostura.
In conclusion, the versatility of Angostura goes beyond its iconic status as a co*cktail ingredient. Whether enjoyed in a simple soda mix, a classic sour, or a sophisticated old fashioned, Angostura's depth of flavor elevates each concoction, making it a staple in the repertoire of any co*cktail enthusiast.
