co*cktail bitters are an essential part of your home bar set up. Bitters create the signature flavors in Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. But what are bitters? What are they made of? What about all the types of bitters? How do you use them in your co*cktails? We break down everything you need to know about bitters.
What are Bitters Made of?
Bitters are a neutral alcohol infused with spices, herbs, fruits, roots, and other ingredients. Common ingredients include cinchona bark, gentian root, cascarilla, orange peel, and others.
Most bitters are 35 to 45% ABV (alcohol by volume), so they have a relatively high alcohol content.
The first bitter to be mass-produced was Angostura bitters. Angostura bitters are currently manufactured by the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago. They originated as a medicinal tonic in 1824 in the town of Angostura, Venezuela, but their production was moved to the Port of Spain in Trinidad, where it remains today.
What do Angostura Bitters Taste Like?
Angostura bitters are spicy and bitter, with notes of cloves and cinnamon. Although the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, we know that they are made with gentian root and other herbs and spices.
Many classic co*cktails, like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, call for a dash or two of Angostura to add bitterness and spice.
A dash is anywhere between ⅛ and ¼ of a teaspoon.
Be careful not to add too much as the bitters are strong in flavor and could overwhelm your co*cktail.
Other Types of Bitters
There are many types of bitters available on the market today and people continue to find new mixtures to manufacture. Some of the most commonly used bitters, besides Angostura, are:
Orange Bitters
Orange Bitters originated in the 1800s but fell out of popularity until the 1990s when they started production again. In 2007, House of Angostura also introduced an orange bitters product called Angostura Orange.
Orange bitters are great to mix with any citrus-inspired co*cktail recipe, including the classic Pegu Club. This classic 1920’s gin co*cktail is sophisticated and refreshing, with a citrus and herbal finish.
Peychaud’s bitters
Peychaud’s bitters are popular because they are a main ingredient in the Sazerac co*cktail, the official drink of New Orleans. Peychaud’s bitters are sweeter than Angostura bitters, with hints of anise and mint.
Chocolate Bitters
Chocolate bitters bring a richness to co*cktails with infusion of cocoa to the bitter. These bitters also typically have notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices. Try mixing chocolate bitters with a sweet vermouth for your next co*cktail. Or try chocolate bitters with your Old Fashioned, and use our Port Rye Whiskey for a warm and rich co*cktail treat. The possibilities are endless!
Eight Oaks Bitters
Eight Oaks makes two types of bitters: Aromatic and Citrus. Our Aromatic bitters have notes of allspice and anise flavors, with a woody finish and hints of orange.
Our Citrus Bitters have even notes of orange and lemon peel. They will leave a bright citrus aroma with semi-sweet notes of lemongrass and ginger root, ending with a beautiful balance of anise star and fennel seed.
According to Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Carly Butters, “These bitters were the idea of our Farm Distillery & Kitchen Manager (FDK), Tessa Koss, or Mama T, as we like to call her. Our bitters are locally sourced and made, and are an important addition to our spirits line up. Over the years, Mama T always used bitters in the co*cktails she created at FDK, and eventually she thought, why not create our own line?!”.
Stop in and pick up a bottle of our bitters today!
Cheers!
At Eight Oaks we don’t just make whiskey, we make a difference™.
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As a seasoned mixologist and spirits enthusiast with extensive hands-on experience in the world of co*cktails, I can confidently delve into the intricate details of co*cktail bitters. Crafting exquisite drinks is both an art and a science, and understanding the nuances of ingredients like bitters is paramount to achieving that perfect balance of flavors.
co*cktail bitters, often underestimated, play a pivotal role in elevating the taste profiles of classic concoctions like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. These concentrated flavor enhancers are a blend of neutral alcohol infused with a myriad of botanicals, spices, herbs, fruits, and roots. The complexity of bitters arises from the combination of ingredients such as cinchona bark, gentian root, cascarilla, and orange peel, among others.
The origins of mass-produced bitters trace back to the renowned Angostura bitters, a creation that emerged as a medicinal tonic in 1824 in Angostura, Venezuela. The production later shifted to Trinidad and Tobago, where the House of Angostura continues to manufacture this iconic elixir. Angostura bitters, with its spicy and bitter profile complemented by notes of cloves and cinnamon, has become a staple in classic co*cktails, where just a dash or two can transform the entire drinking experience.
Moving beyond Angostura, the world of bitters has expanded to include various types catering to diverse palates and co*cktail preferences. Orange bitters, revived in the 1990s, add a citrusy twist to co*cktails, making them ideal for recipes like the Pegu Club. Peychaud's bitters, known for their role in the Sazerac co*cktail, offer a sweeter alternative with hints of anise and mint. Meanwhile, chocolate bitters introduce richness and depth with cocoa infusion, making them a versatile choice for experimentation in drinks like the Old Fashioned.
Intriguingly, newer players in the bitters market, such as Eight Oaks, have introduced unique blends like Aromatic and Citrus. These bitters, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, bring distinctive notes to co*cktails. The Aromatic variant features allspice and anise flavors with a woody finish, while the Citrus version offers a bright aroma with notes of orange, lemon peel, lemongrass, and ginger root.
As explained by Carly Butters, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Eight Oaks, their bitters were born out of the creative vision of Tessa Koss, the Farm Distillery & Kitchen Manager. These locally sourced and meticulously crafted bitters serve as a noteworthy addition to their spirits lineup, showcasing a commitment to quality and innovation in the realm of mixology.
So, the next time you reach for that co*cktail shaker, remember that bitters are not just an accessory; they are the key to unlocking a symphony of flavors in your favorite libations. Cheers!
