Cocktail Bitters: A Starter’s Guide

Cocktail Bitters

What are cocktail bitters?

Cocktail bitters are a concentrated flavoring made from a blend of herbs, fruits, spices, and botanicals steeped in alcohol (usually neutral spirits). They are used as a flavoring agent in cocktails and other drinks, as well as in cooking and baking.

Bitters are known for their bitter and sometimes spicy taste and are often used in small amounts to add depth and complexity to cocktails. They are typically added to drinks in drops or dashes and can be used to balance out sweetness or to add a subtle flavor note.

What are cocktail bitters made from?

Bitters are typically made from a variety of herbs, spices, fruits, and botanicals that are steeped in alcohol to extract their flavors and aromas. Some of the most used ingredients in bitters include:

  1. Gentian root: This bitter herb is a key ingredient in many bitters and gives them their characteristic bitterness.
  2. Cinchona bark: This bark is used to make quinine, which is a bitter compound that is often used in tonic water. Cinchona bark is also a common ingredient in bitters.
  3. Citrus peels: Orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels are often used to add a bright, citrusy flavor to bitters.
  4. Spices: Bitters can include a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and allspice, which add warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
  5. Herbs: Many different herbs can be used in bitters, including wormwood, which is used in the production of absinthe, as well as chamomile, dandelion, and others.

These ingredients are typically combined in various proportions and steeped in alcohol, often for several weeks or months, to extract their flavors and aromas. The resulting mixture is then strained and bottled for use in cocktails and other drinks.

Some of the most common types of bitters include Angostura bitters, which are made with a blend of herbs and spices including gentian, cinnamon, and cloves, and are often used in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. Other popular bitters include Peychaud’s bitters, which are made with anise and other herbs and are a key ingredient in the Sazerac cocktail, and orange bitters, which are made with bitter orange peels and can be used to add a bright citrus note to drinks.

BARTENDER TIP: How to choose a bitter for your cocktail

There are a few things to keep in mind when pairing cocktail bitters with cocktail recipes:

  • The flavors of the bitters should complement the other flavors in the cocktail. For example, if you are making a cocktail with citrus fruits, you might want to use bitters that have citrus notes.
  • The bitters should also add something to the overall flavor of the cocktail. They should not simply be used to mask a bad flavor.
  • The bitters should be in balance with the other ingredients in the cocktail. They should not be too overpowering.

Here are a few examples of how to pair cocktail bitters with cocktail recipes:

  • If you are making a Manhattan, you can use Angostura bitters. Angostura bitters are a classic choice for this cocktail and they help to balance the sweetness of the vermouth and the spiciness of the bourbon.
  • If you are making an Old Fashioned, you can use Peychaud’s bitters. Peychaud’s bitters are a unique bitters that have a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. They help to balance the sweetness of the sugar and the bitterness of the whiskey.
  • If you are making a Margarita, you can use orange bitters. Orange bitters add a touch of sweetness and citrus flavor to the Margarita. They help to balance the tartness of the lime juice and the sweetness of the agave syrup.

These are just a few examples of how to pair cocktail bitters with cocktail recipes. There are many other possibilities, so experiment and find what works best for you.

Recap of popular types of cocktail bitters:

There are many different types of cocktail bitters, each with their own unique flavor profile and uses in cocktail making. Here are some popular types of bitters and their common uses:

  1. Angostura bitters: This is perhaps the most well-known type of bitters and is used in a wide range of classic cocktails including the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Champagne Cocktail. Its flavor is characterized by a mix of sweet and bitter notes, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and other spices.
  2. Peychaud’s bitters: Originally created in New Orleans in the 19th century, Peychaud’s bitters have a distinctive anise flavor and are used in classic cocktails like the Sazerac and the Vieux Carre.
  3. Orange bitters: As the name suggests, these bitters are made with bitter orange peels and are often used to add a bright, citrusy note to cocktails. They are a popular ingredient in drinks like the Martini and the Negroni.
  4. Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6: These bitters were created by cocktail expert Gary Regan and are known for their strong orange flavor, with notes of cardamom and other spices. They are a popular choice for adding a citrusy kick to classic cocktails.
  5. Scrappy’s Bitters: Scrappy’s makes a range of bitters in different flavors, including lavender, grapefruit, and chocolate. These bitters are often used to add unique and unusual flavors to cocktails and can be a great way to experiment with new drink recipes.
  6. Strongwater’s Bitters: Strongwater bitters is worth mentioning because they make a variety pack. We like this because bitters are used in very small amounts and a bottle lasts a long time. With the variety pack you get to sample a range of bitters at a reasonable price.

Overall, bitters are widely used in cocktail making to add depth, complexity, and balance to drinks. They can be used to enhance the flavor of spirits like whiskey and gin, to add sweetness or bitterness to a drink, or to create a unique and complex flavor profile in a cocktail.

What are typical costs of cocktail bitters?

The cost of cocktail bitters can vary depending on the brand, type, and where you purchase them. On average, a small bottle of bitters (around 4-5 ounces) typically ranges from $10 to $20 USD. However, some specialty or artisanal bitters can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 or more per bottle.

Keep in mind that bitters are used in very small amounts in cocktails (usually just a few dashes), so a single bottle can last a long time. While the upfront cost of bitters may seem high, they are a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys making cocktails at home and wants to create complex and flavorful drinks.

What are cocktail bitters used for?

Bitters are typically used as a flavoring agent in cocktails. They add depth and complexity to drinks by balancing out the sweetness and acidity of other ingredients. Here are some common ways to use bitters in cocktails:

  1. Old Fashioned – This classic cocktail is made with whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters. To make an Old Fashioned, muddle a sugar cube and a few dashes of bitters in a glass. Add ice, pour in whiskey, and garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
  2. Manhattan – This cocktail is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. To make a Manhattan, stir whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters over ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
  3. Martini – This classic cocktail is made with vodka or gin, vermouth, and bitters. To make a Martini, stir in vodka or gin, vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters over ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
  4. Gin and Tonic – Add a few dashes of bitters to a traditional gin and tonic to give it a unique flavor twist.
  5. Bloody Mary – Add a few dashes of hot sauce and bitters to a classic Bloody Mary recipe for added depth and complexity.
  6. Lemonade – Add a few dashes of bitters to homemade or store-bought lemonade for a unique flavor twist.
  7. Non-alcoholic drinks – Bitters can also be used in non-alcoholic drinks like soda water, tonic water, or ginger ale. Just add a few dashes to your favorite fizzy drink to give it a unique flavor twist.

Keep in mind that bitters are very concentrated and should be used sparingly. A little goes a long way! Start with just a few dashes and adjust to taste. Enjoy!

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