If your go-to drink is a Manhattan or old fashioned, you know that aromatic bitters are an essential ingredient. A dash or two adds a certain something to classic cocktails—but do you really know what bitters are?
What Are Bitters?
To answer our bitters questions, we chatted with Ira Koplowitz, founder and proprietor of Bittercube, a bitters producer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ira says that understanding bitters is simple: “They’re liquid spice.”
He describes the process of making bitters as “taking a high-proof spirit and adding fruit, spices and herbs.” Over the course of weeks, the flavors from the botanicals are imparted until that neutral spirit takes on the taste and scent of the added ingredients.
What Are Bitters Used For?
Taste of Home
Bitters are most commonly used to give mixed drinks extra flavor. Think of them as one of your bar cart’s secret cocktail ingredients. A dash or two of these aromatics provides complexity to cocktails like a scotch old fashioned.
It’s believed that people have been adding bitters to alcoholic beverages since ancient Egypt. The modern recipe for bitters was reportedly concocted in the early 1800s as medicine for relieving stomach pain. Soon, though, bitters’ aromatic properties were found to be even more useful in cocktails—not just as a digestif.
However, you don’t need to limit your use of these liquid spices to your go-to tipple. Bitters can also be used in baking, cooking and more. In fact, a few drops of bitters added to club soda makes for a satisfying mocktail.
Types of Bitters
Courtesy Bittercube
You’re most likely familiar with Angostura bitters, the paper-wrapped bottle that lines many a bar shelf. But there are other bitters options available to customize your drink of choice.
- Angostura bitters: This is the brand most people associate with cocktail bitters. Angostura’s classic aromatic bitters have notes of cinnamon and clove and a more bitter taste overall. These flavors play especially well with spirits like whiskey and brandy—this brand is a must when making your holiday Tom and Jerry.
- Peychaud’s bitters: Fans of the Sazerac know that to make this classic cocktail, you need Peychaud’s. This brand of bitters is sweeter than Angostura with notes of cherry and orange.
- Flavored bitters: There’s more to the world of bitters than the general “aromatic” options. Companies like Bittercube create cocktail bitters with unique flavor profiles that lend themselves well to specific cocktails and ingredients.
How to Make Your Own Bitters
Making your own bitters is a lot like making vanilla extract at home. This process isn’t for everyone—at least not impatient mixologists—but it’s a fun experiment. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
First, select a liquor that’s at least 100 proof for maximum flavor extraction and preservation. You’ll get the most neutral flavor using grain alcohol or vodka.
Then, round up the plant botanicals that will flavor your bitters. The list of options is nearly endless (from allspice berries to black walnut leaf and wild cherry bark) so we recommend starting with the bark, herbs, roots and spices in a homemade bitters kit like this one.
Step 2: Combine
Combine all the botanicals in an airtight jar with the alcohol. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for up to a month. To help distribute the flavors, you can give the jar a shake every few days. Just be sure to leave the jar sealed.
Step 3: Strain and bottle
Once it’s ready, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and store the bitters concoction in a new, clean jar or a tincture bottle with a dropper. Keep the bottles in a cool, dark place like your liquor cabinet or pantry.
Now, when you make cocktails at home, just add one to three drops of bitters for a more complex flavor profile. Cheers!
Vintage Drinks We Still Love to Sip
Mint JulepIt wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Martini RecipeMartinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Aperol SpritzAn Italian classic, this cocktail is light, refreshing and packed with citrusy orange notes from Aperol. The drink's bitterness is well-balanced with the combination of bubbly club soda and sweet prosecco, creating an enjoyable sip. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tom CollinsIt's easy to mix up this beloved, retro party drink! The classic Tom Collins had a straightforward set of ingredients: gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling club soda for a refreshing finish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Brandy Old-Fashioned SweetThe concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This
old-fashioned recipe, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder cocktail. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apple MartiniThis icy-cold appletini recipe is very refreshing with a nice hint of sour. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry BourbonThe subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Be sure to check our collection of the best
bourbon cocktails.
Moscow MuleHere's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
GimletFrom the Royal Navy's boats to your kitchen, the gimlet has always been a simple-yet-sophisticated cocktail. Made with gin, lime juice and simple syrup, it's perfect for fancy parties and everyday gatherings.
Bloody MaryMake the classic Bloody Mary your own with homemade mix and fun garnishes. Did someone say brunch?
Mai TaiThis party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. For a splash of color, garnish with strawberries and lime.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Strawberry SpritzerThree simple ingredients are all you need to create this fresh and fruity summer beverage. It's bound to become a warm-weather favorite.—Krista E Collins, Concord, North Carolina
Creamy Irish CoffeeMy maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. It's a great
Christmas drink alternative. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
