Bitters (also known as Cocktail Bitters) are an infusion of roots, bark, herbs and spices, usually in alcohol, that are legally classified as non-potable. This allows them to be sold in places that might not normally be able to sell alcohol, such as grocery stores. They are much more concentrated in flavor and bitterness than [ingredient=amaro Amari], but share flavor profiles and ingredients. Cocktail Bitters are usually dispensed into drinks by the drop or dash. They typically lack sugar (other than to color the liquid), and are high in alcohol, some approaching 90 proof.
The classic bittering agents include things like chinchona bark (the source of quinine), gentian root, wormwood, quassia bark, and angostura bark. Flavorings can include anything from citrus to cardamom to clove and cinnamon and licorice. Some modern bitters have cacao nibs or even chile peppers in them!
Some well known brands of cocktail bitters include:
- [ingredient=angostura Angostura] and [ingredient=angostura Angostura Orange]
- [ingredient=bittermens Bittermens]
- [ingredient=bitter-end The Bitter End]
- [ingredient=bitter-truth The Bitter Truth]
- [ingredient=bokers Boker's Bitters]
- [ingredient=fee-brothers Fee Brothers]
- [ingredient=peychauds-bitters Peychaud's]
- [ingredient=regans-orange-bitters Regans' Orange Bitters #6]
Cocktail bitters are an indispensable ingredient in most cocktails. In fact, the first use of the word cocktail as we know it was a recipe that included cocktail bitters — it was also known as a bittered sling. Even today, there are very few cocktails that are not improved by a judicious addition of bitters.
Some popular cocktails containing Bitters
- Bitter Loser — Bourbon, Campari, Orange liqueur, Mezcal, Bitters, Orange bitters, Orange juice, Orange
- Taylor Precedent — Sparkling white wine, Apple brandy, Sweet vermouth, Bitters, Cinnamon syrup, Brandied cherry
- Fireworks — Gin, Bitters, Tonic water, Hellfire Habanero Shrub, Grenadine
- Capone's Island — Rye, Aromatized wine, Orange liqueur, Bénédictine, Bitters
- It's Green, So it Must be Good For You — Blanco tequila, Jasmine Liqueur, Bitters, Cucumber juice, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Sparkling water, Fleur de sel, Dill
- Un Poivron en Vacances (Mr Pepper on Holiday) — Barbados Rum, Allspice Dram, Bitters, Orange juice, Lime juice, Mango juice, Hellfire Habanero Shrub, Passion fruit syrup, Yellow bell pepper
- Hijo de Cuba — Rum, Pecan Liqueur, Bitters
- Hulk Smash! — Bourbon, Bitters, Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa, Water, Lime, Mint
- The Battalion Three — Bourbon, Chicory Liqueur, Sweet vermouth, Mezcal, Bitters, Orange peel
- The Pastry War Cocktail — Reposado Tequila, Sweet vermouth, Bitters, Mace tincture, Honey syrup, Lemon juice, Nutmeg, Tea
