FAQs
Botanical and refreshing, bitters and soda is a great change of pace from your typical flavored sparkling waters. We drink it throughout the day, but because of the digestive qualities of bitters, it's also beneficial immediately before or after a meal (or the next morning after one too many drinks).
Are bitters legal to buy under 21? ›
Bitters are technically alcoholic, and they're usually between 35% to 45% ABV. Because they're sold in such small bottles and their flavor is so strong, most recipes call for just a dash or a few drops, making its overall alcohol contribution negligible, and why you don't need to be 21 or older to buy them.
Does bitters and soda settle your stomach? ›
1. Bitters and soda. A bar is probably the last place you'd think to look for relief from nausea, but many people swear by five or six drops of co*cktail bitters mixed into a cold glass of tonic, club soda, or ginger ale. Most common bitters brands contain a blend of herbs such as cinnamon, fennel, mint, and ginger.
Do bitters cleanse the liver? ›
Bitters give the liver a boost by aiding in the elimination of toxins and detoxification, coordinating the metabolism of sugar and fats, and helping release gallbladder-supporting hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK).
What mixes well with bitters? ›
The Old Fashioned is the quintessential co*cktail in the historical sense of the word. It's sugar (or simple syrup), Angostura bitters, whiskey, and a splash of water or club soda. Spirit and bitters recommendation: When he makes his Old Fashioneds with bourbon, Parsons likes Bulleit.
Who should avoid bitters? ›
Skip the bitters if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Gastritis.
- Hiatal hernia.
- Kidney stones.
- Liver problems.
- Peptic ulcers.
However, consuming bitters when you don't have digestive issues may actually lead to digestive problems. This includes acid reflux, nausea and an upset stomach. So digestive bitters shouldn't be casually added to your daily routine if you don't need any relief from digestive distress.
What happens to your body when you drink bitters? ›
Digestive bitters, specifically, are said to help digestion because of their bitter taste. They stimulate your bitter taste buds, which signal different activities in your digestive system to start, like making more saliva.
Will bitters get you drunk? ›
Can bitters get you drunk? Bitters can absolutely get you drunk. A few dashes won't even get you buzzed, but as many an enterprising alcoholic can tell you, a standard bottle of bitters is the same as nearly 3 shots of whiskey.
Can you drink bitters if you're sober? ›
Adding bitters to your soda water provides depth to an otherwise bland beverage, and there's no sugar. The best part is that most bartenders will give one for free. Not only can you stick to your resolution of staying sober this January, but you'll save some money.
Alcohol Content of Bitters
They are generally bottled at 35–45% alcohol. Since most bitters are used by dashes or in drops, the amount of alcohol is minuscular, making the ABV difficult to trace.
What alcohol is easiest on your stomach? ›
According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach. You'll be best served by a drink made with a light juice like apple, pear, or cranberry, but sometimes you just really want that kick of citrus.
Are bitters anti inflammatory? ›
Bitter foods are generally recognized as anti-inflammatory agents in traditional Chinese medicine.
What beer is easiest on your stomach? ›
Sour Beers
These tart and tangy brews undergo fermentation with wild yeast strains and bacteria, resulting in unique flavor profiles and lower acidity levels than traditional beers. Sour beers like Berliner Weisse, Gose, and Lambic styles are often well-tolerated by individuals with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs.
Can you drink bitters straight? ›
Just because you're "not supposed to" drink bitters straight doesn't mean you can't. It might not taste great, but it'll get the job done.
What is the best way to take bitters? ›
The ideal timeframe to take digestive bitters is right before a meal, or about 10 minutes before you start eating, according to Zellner. “Bitters can also be used after a meal, especially if you've eaten a little too much (Thanksgiving dinner, anyone?) or if you're feeling bloated or gassy,” says Zellner.
What alcohol is best for bitters? ›
No matter what kind of recipe you're concocting, all bitters should be created with high-proof liquor. This means liquor that is 50% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 100 proof. Vodka or grain alcohols, like Everclear, tend to work the best.
