Bitters are a crucial component of many cocktails, but they are often misunderstood. Bitters are concentrated infusions of botanicals in an alcohol base that add sparks of flavour to cocktails like the old-fashioned and martini. They are a common bar mixer that create a more complete and well-balanced flavor profile in drinks.

Bitters can be made from a variety of ingredients, including fruit, spices, and herbs. They are created by taking a high-proof spirit and adding the botanicals, which impart their flavours over the course of weeks until the neutral spirit takes on the taste and scent of the added ingredients. Understanding bitters is simple: they are liquid spice.

While bitters are most commonly used in cocktails, they have a long history of use in traditional medicine as well. Bitters are an infusion that’s created from predominantly bitter ingredients, which comprise aromatics and botanicals that can include any combination of herbs. They are said to aid in digestion, stimulate appetite, and promote overall health. In this article, we will explore the different types of bitters, how to use them, their benefits, and some recipes to try at home.

Explore bitters as part of our mixology basics – or check out our list of best bitters for your cocktails!

What are Bitters?

Bitters are a type of alcoholic beverage that is infused with botanicals such as spices, barks, fruits, roots, flowers, leaves, and herbs. They are highly concentrated and are used in small amounts to add flavor and complexity to cocktails.

History of Bitters

Bitters have been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy to aid digestion and treat various ailments. In the early 19th century, bitters were marketed as a cure-all tonic and were often sold in pharmacies. However, as the use of bitters in cocktails became more popular, their medicinal properties were overshadowed by their flavorful qualities.

Types of Bitters

There are many types of bitters available, each with its own unique flavor profile. The most common types of bitters used in cocktails include:

• Aromatic Bitters: Aromatic bitters are made with a blend of herbs, spices, and roots, and are used to add depth and complexity to cocktails. Angostura bitters is a popular brand of aromatic bitters.
• Citrus Bitters: Citrus bitters are made with the peels of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. They add a bright, zesty flavor to cocktails.
• Herbal Bitters: Herbal bitters are made with a blend of herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and thyme. They add a floral, earthy flavor to cocktails.
• Fruit Bitters: Fruit bitters are made with a variety of fruits such as cherry, peach, and apricot. They add a sweet, fruity flavor to cocktails.

Bitters are an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Negroni. They are also used in modern cocktails to add unique flavor profiles and complexity.

Why Use Bitters?

Bitters are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor of cocktails and provide digestive benefits. Here are some reasons why bitters are worth using in your drinks:

Flavor Enhancement

Bitters can add depth and complexity to cocktails by balancing out the sweetness of other ingredients. They can also provide a bitter or herbal note that complements the other flavors in the drink. For example, a few drops of Angostura bitters can transform a simple whiskey sour into a more complex and interesting drink.

Digestive Benefits

Bitters have been used for centuries as a digestive aid, and for good reason. The bitter compounds in bitters can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which can improve digestion and reduce bloating and gas. Bitters can also help to settle an upset stomach and relieve nausea.

Some of the specific digestive benefits of bitters include:

• Facilitating stomach acid production
• Reducing inflammation in the digestive tract
• Increasing the absorption of nutrients from food

Overall, bitters can be a useful addition to your cocktail repertoire, whether you’re looking to add flavor or improve your digestion. Just be sure to use them in moderation, as a little goes a long way.

How to Use Bitters

Bitters are versatile ingredients that can add complexity and depth to a wide range of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Here are some ways to use bitters:

Cocktail Recipes

Bitters are a must-have ingredient for many classic cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. To make an Old Fashioned, for example, you’ll need to add a few dashes of bitters to a glass with sugar and water, then add whiskey and ice. Stir and garnish with an orange slice and cherry. Bitters can also be used to add depth and complexity to more modern cocktails, such as the Negroni or the Espresso Martini.

Here are some other cocktail recipes that use bitters:

• Whiskey Sour: Mix whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Add a few dashes of bitters and shake well. Strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
• Gin and Tonic: Add a few dashes of bitters to a glass with ice. Add gin and tonic water, then stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
• Margarita: Mix tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice. Add a few dashes of bitters and shake well. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a salt rim and lime wedge.

Non-Alcoholic Uses

Bitters can also be used to add flavor to non-alcoholic drinks. For example, you can add a few dashes of bitters to soda water or tonic water for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Bitters can also be added to hot tea or coffee to add depth and complexity to the flavor.

Here are some other non-alcoholic uses for bitters:

• Sparkling Water: Add a few dashes of bitters to sparkling water for a refreshing and flavorful drink.
• Iced Tea: Add a few dashes of bitters to iced tea for a unique and complex flavor.
• Smoothies: Add a few dashes of bitters to a fruit smoothie for a more complex and interesting flavor profile.

Overall, bitters are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to add depth and complexity to drinks. Whether you’re making a classic cocktail or a non-alcoholic drink, a few dashes of bitters can elevate the flavor and make your drink more interesting and enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Bitters

When it comes to choosing the right bitters for your cocktail, there are a few things to consider. The flavor profile of the bitters and the brand are two important factors to keep in mind.

Flavor Profiles

Bitters come in a variety of flavors, from citrus to floral to spicy. It’s important to choose a flavor profile that complements the other ingredients in your cocktail. For example, if you’re making a classic Old Fashioned, you may want to choose a bitters with a warm, spicy flavor profile like Angostura or Peychaud’s. If you’re making a gin-based cocktail, you may want to choose a bitters with a more herbal or floral flavor profile like Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit or Scrappy’s Lavender.

Brands to Try

There are many brands of bitters on the market, each with their own unique flavor profiles and styles. Here are a few brands to try:

• Angostura: This is one of the most well-known and widely used bitters brands. Their aromatic bitters are a classic choice for cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
• Peychaud’s: This brand is known for their bright red bitters with a slightly sweeter flavor profile. They’re a great choice for cocktails like the Sazerac.
• Bittermens: This brand offers a wide range of unique and interesting bitters flavors, like Xocolatl Mole and Hellfire Habanero. They’re a great choice for experimenting with new and exciting cocktail recipes.
• Scrappy’s: This brand is known for their high-quality, handcrafted bitters. They offer a wide range of flavors, including Lavender, Grapefruit, and Cardamom.

When choosing a brand of bitters, it’s important to consider the quality of the ingredients and the reputation of the brand. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and have a good track record of producing high-quality bitters.

Overall, choosing the right bitters can make all the difference in a well-crafted cocktail. By considering the flavor profile and brand of the bitters, you can create a delicious and perfectly balanced drink every time.

Frequently Asked Questions