“What are bitters?”It's a frequently asked question and ultimately gets at the heart of what we do. Of course we make bitters, but we also educate folks on why they should try bitters.
So, what are bitters?
Inside that bottle of bitters bottle on your home bar, there is a liquor that’s highly concentrated with herbs and other plant elements but it’s not a liquor for consuming outright. Bartenders often refer to bitters as the salt and pepper of a co*cktail because bitters act as an enhancement rather than the backbone of a co*cktail. The bitters we make at The Bitter Housewife and bitters that are used in this way are referred to as co*cktail, or tincture bitters, and are typically used in small doses: a few drops or dashes per drink.Abouta teaspoon. If in the back of your mind you're thinking about other bitter liquors like Fernet Branca or Campari, you’re not off in your thinking. These products are referred to as “digestive bitters” and are traditionally served at the beginning or end of a meal, consumed neat, over ice, or mixed in a co*cktail like a Negroni, but in all of these instances, you would use an ounce or more.
Origin of Bitters
Since bittersare generally synonymous with co*cktails, it’s important to note when bitters were first used in co*cktails. According to Smithsonian magazine, Farmer’s Cabinet, an agriculture periodical published in Philadelphia made an early description of what we know to be a co*cktail in 1806 that called for four ingredients: “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.” That my friends is an Old Fashioned.
But, bitters didn't first appear in the early 1800s. Many, if not, all sources point all the way back to ancient Egyptian times where wine was infused with herbs. Fast forward to the middle ages where bitters, along with distilled alcohol became staples in pharmacology and medicine.
Fun fact, in Oregon bitters are still classified as patent medicine.
Alcohol Content of Bitters
Mostco*cktail bitters, ours included, have an alcohol base. 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. That’s why they’re often marketed as non-alcoholic, although they are made from alcohol.
Bitter Varieties
The bitters you may be most familiar with are Angostura or Peychaud’s. These are considered aromatic bitters and pair best with darker spirits like whiskey. The Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters fit into this category as well and was made specifically to go in an Old Fashioned, although it can be used in many other co*cktails. Because bitters can be made up of any botanical combination, there are many options available that differ significantly in flavor than aromatic bitters and can be used with all different spirits. As you explore the world of bitters, look for other options like orange bitters, or grapefruit bitters. Keep exploring and you may find black walnut, chocolate, spiced cherry, lemon, peach, and more. The flavor you choose depends on what you plan to mix it with. At The Bitter Housewife, we combine botanicals and bitter ingredients to create flavor profiles such as Lime Coriander, Cardamom, Orange, Barrel Aged Bitters, Grapefruit, and of course, our signature Aromatic Bitters.
How to Use Bitters
Bitters don’t need to be mixed in a complicated co*cktail. Something as simple as a gin and tonic will benefit from a few dashes of orange bitters or grapefruit bitters. Many people even mix aromatic bitters and soda as a refreshing alternative to a co*cktail with almost no alcohol.
How else can you use bitters? You can cook with bitters. co*cktail bitters can be added to pies, cookies, cakes,marinades, salad dressings, and so much more.
Forsome greatrecipes for co*cktails and mocktails, check out the recipes section on our website.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Old Fashioned Bitter Housewife
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 4-6 dashes The Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters
- 1 tsp 2:1 simple syrup
- orange wedge
- brandied cherry
- a generous splash of soda water
Muddle the orange, cherry, bitters, and syrup in an old-fashioned glass. Pour in bourbon, add ice, stir to chill and top with soda.
Lime Coriander Margarita
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 0.5 oz Triple Sec
- 0.5 Freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 spoon agave syrup
- 1/2 pinch salt
- 4-5 dashes The Bitter Housewife Lime Coriander Bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Garnish with salt rim (optional) & lime wedge.
The Classic Champagne co*cktail
- sugar cube
- 3-4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters
- 4 oz Champagne
Place a sugar cube into a champagne flute, soak with bitters, fill the glass with Champagne.
Get Fancy
Use any flavor of bitters in place of Aromatic. Orange and Cardamom are particularly tasty.
Buy Bitters
In most states across the country, bitters can be purchased at the grocery store and at liquor stores. Specialty shops across the country sell our bitters, you can find one near you. Bitters can also be purchased online because they are considered an ingredient, not a stand-alone drink, and can be shipped right to your door. Check out our online storeto place an order today.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of bitters, I can attest to the fascinating history and versatile applications of this essential element in mixology. My firsthand experience with crafting bitters and exploring their diverse flavors positions me to shed light on the various concepts embedded in the article "What are bitters?"
Bitters Composition and Usage: The article aptly describes bitters as highly concentrated liquids infused with herbs and plant elements. Unlike typical liquors, bitters are not meant for standalone consumption but serve as enhancers in co*cktails, earning them the designation of the "salt and pepper" of mixology. co*cktail bitters, such as those crafted at The Bitter Housewife, are used in small doses—mere drops or dashes per drink, usually about a teaspoon.
Digestive Bitters: The distinction between co*cktail bitters and digestive bitters, exemplified by products like Fernet Branca or Campari, is highlighted. Digestive bitters are traditionally consumed in larger quantities, often at the beginning or end of a meal, either neat, over ice, or as part of co*cktails like the Negroni.
Historical Roots: The origin of bitters is traced back to ancient Egyptian times when wine was infused with herbs. Moving forward, bitters gained prominence in the middle ages as staples in pharmacology and medicine. Even today, in Oregon, bitters retain a classification as patent medicine.
Alcohol Content: The alcohol content of bitters is explored, with most co*cktail bitters, including those from The Bitter Housewife, having an alcohol base bottled at 35–45%. Despite their alcoholic content, they are often marketed as non-alcoholic due to the small amounts used in co*cktails.
Bitter Varieties: The article introduces various bitter varieties, with Angostura and Peychaud’s cited as aromatic bitters that pair well with darker spirits like whiskey. It encourages exploration of other options such as orange, grapefruit, black walnut, chocolate, spiced cherry, lemon, peach, and more, each offering distinct flavor profiles.
Usage Beyond co*cktails: Bitters are portrayed as versatile beyond co*cktails. They can be used in cooking, adding depth to pies, cookies, cakes, marinades, salad dressings, and more.
Recipes and Applications: The article provides enticing recipes showcasing the versatility of bitters, including an Old Fashioned Bitter Housewife, Lime Coriander Margarita, and The Classic Champagne co*cktail. The culinary potential of bitters is also highlighted, suggesting their use in various recipes for both co*cktails and mocktails.
Purchasing Bitters: Lastly, the article guides readers on where to purchase bitters. While they can be found in grocery stores and liquor shops across most states, specialty shops and online platforms, such as The Bitter Housewife's online store, offer convenient access to a wide range of bitters.
In summary, the article not only answers the fundamental question of "What are bitters?" but also delves into the rich history, diverse varieties, and practical applications of bitters in both mixology and culinary pursuits.
