A Journey Through Flavor and Tradition
Bitters, the unsung heroes of the cocktail world, are potent concoctions made from herbs, spices, roots, and fruits steeped in alcohol. They’re akin to the spice rack of mixology, adding depth, complexity, and balance to drinks. From classic cocktails to innovative shots, bitters play a pivotal role in the art of drink-making.
The Role of Bitters in Cocktails
Bitters can transform a drink, adding layers of flavor that can be spicy, floral, bitter, or sweet. In cocktails like the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan, bitters are essential for balancing the sweetness of the spirits and mixers. They’re not just additives; they’re integral components that shape the drink’s character.
Popular Types of Bitters
- Angostura Bitters: Perhaps the most famous, originating from Trinidad and Tobago, known for its versatility and aromatic blend of spices and herbs.
- Peychaud’s Bitters: A New Orleans classic, essential in a Sazerac, with a lighter, more floral profile.
- Orange Bitters: Adds a citrusy zest, perfect for a Dry Martini or a Negroni.
- Chocolate Bitters: Ideal for dessert cocktails, adding a rich, cocoa flavor.
- Celery Bitters: Unusual but delightful in savory cocktails like a Bloody Mary.
Crafting Cocktails with Bitters
Bitters are typically used in dashes, and their potent flavor means a little goes a long way. A classic example is the Old Fashioned, where bitters meld with bourbon and sugar to create a timeless drink. In a Negroni, bitters balance the sweetness of the vermouth and the botanicals of the gin.
Adam Maitland’s Afterlife
Adam Maitland's Afterlife Old Fashioned blends classic and extraordinary. Bourbon, sugar, bitters, and an orange twist make it a drink to die for!
BAMBOO
BAMBOO We may have sherry’s resurgence to thank for the Bamboo, a cocktail made with one-and-a-half parts sherry, one-and-a-half parts dry vermouth, two dashes Angostura bitters, and two dashes orange bitters. 1.5 oz Sherry1.5 oz Dry Vermouth1 Dashes Bitters1 Dashes Orange Bitters Add all of the ingredients in a mixing glass with cracked
Benton’s Old Fashioned Cocktail
Explore Benton's Old Fashioned: a unique, smoky twist on the classic. A blend of fat-washed bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters for a bold taste.
Bourbon & Berries Cocktail
Discover the Bourbon & Berries Cocktail, a summer-inspired Old Fashioned with a delightful strawberry-vanilla twist, perfect for any season.
Bourbon Old-Fashioned
The timeless Bourbon Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has captivated drinkers for over 200 years. Despite its simple recipe of whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters, the drink remains popular and relevant today.
Bourbon Toscano Cocktail
Explore the smoky sophistication of the Bourbon Toscano, a unique Old Fashioned with cherrywood-smoked ice, blending bourbon and Aperol for a complex taste.
Brandy Crusta
Brandy Crusta The Brandy Crusta is a complex creation inspired by New Orleans cocktail culture. It is a delicate combination of brandy, curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and Maraschino liqueur. 1.5 oz Brandy.5 oz Cherry Liqueur3/4 oz Triple Sec3/4 oz Lemon Juice1 dash Bitters1 dash Peychaud's Bitters Combine all
Brown Butter Old Fashioned
Discover the Brown Butter Old Fashioned, a creative twist on the classic, blending brown butter-infused bourbon with traditional ingredients.
BURT REYNOLDS’ MUSTACHE COCKTAIL RECIPE
BURT REYNOLDS' MUSTACHE This drink is a charismatic blend of vivid flavors and colors, reminiscent of the iconic Burt Reynolds. With a concoction of Hound's Black Vodka, Chartreuse, Rye, and Campari, this cocktail is bold but undeniably refreshing. Dive into the layers of this drink and experience a burst of
Caribbean Old Fashioned
Escape to the tropics with the Caribbean Old Fashioned, a sunny blend of exotic rum and traditional bitters
Champagne Cocktail
Champagne Cocktail 2 Dash(s) Bitters1 tsp tsp SugarChampagne1 Twist(s) Lemon Place one lump of sugar with bitters in a chilled champagne flute. Fill with chilled champagne. Add the twist of lemon peel and serve. Cocktail
Emerald Isle Martini
Discover the elegance of the Emerald Isle Martini - a perfect blend of gin, crème de menthe, and bitters. A sophisticated, minty twist on the classic martini.
Handbook for the Recently Deceased Cocktail
Summon the quirky spirit of "Beetlejuice" with the Handbook for the Recently Deceased cocktail! A bourbon base, exotic Falernum, and a fizz of prosecco.
Irish Whiskey Sour
Indulge in the refined taste of the Irish Whiskey Sour, a harmonious mix of whiskey, lemon, egg white, and bitters. Perfect for any celebration!
Kentucky River
Indulge in the Kentucky River Cocktail, a luscious take on the Old Fashioned, blending bourbon with creme de cacao and peach bitters.
MANHATTAN
A sophisticated mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, often garnished with a cherry. It's a staple of the classic cocktail scene.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep, famously associated with the Kentucky Derby, is a bourbon cocktail worth savoring beyond race day. Comprised of bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice, this refreshing drink has a rich history dating back to the 18th century in the southern United States.
Normandie Old Fashioned
Experience the Normandie Old Fashioned: a unique blend of coconut-infused bourbon and apple brandy, offering a tropical twist on a classic.
Oh Il-nam – Squid Game Cocktail
Oh Il-nam - Squid Game Cocktail Recipe It's only right that you should drink the world's oldest cocktail that started it all, just like Oh Il-nam. The Sazerac Absinthe (to rinse)1 sugar cube1/2 tsp cold water3 dashs Peychaud’s bitters2 dashs Angostura bitters1 1/4 oz rye whiskey1 1/4 oz cognaclemon peel
Old Fashioned Cocktail
Savor the timeless elegance of the Old Fashioned cocktail, a classic blend of whiskey, bitters, and sugar, embodying the essence of sophistication
Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned
Savor the flavors of fall with the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned, a sophisticated twist on the classic, featuring homemade pumpkin syrup.
Ritz Old-Fashioned
Indulge in the luxurious Ritz Old-Fashioned, where premium spirits and elegant garnishes create a lavish experience
Vieux Carre
Vieux Carre The Vieux Carré is an American cocktail invented in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Similar to the Manhattan, it’s made with brandy, whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, Angostura, and Peychaud’s bitters. 1 ¼ oz Rye Whiskey1 ¼ oz Cognac1 oz Sweet Vermouth1 Bar spoon Benedictine Herbal Liqueur1 dash Bitters1 dash
Whiskey Sour Old Fashioned
Experience the best of both worlds with the Whiskey Sour Old Fashioned, where tart meets sweet in a classic blend.
Wisconsin Old Fashioned
Savor the unique Midwestern twist on a classic with the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, where brandy meets bitters and soda.
Zapatero Cocktail
Explore the Zapatero, a unique cocktail blending mezcal's smokiness with bourbon's richness, perfected with orgeat and bitters.
Innovative Shots with Bitters
Shots, too, can benefit from the complexity of bitters. A Lemon Drop shot with a dash of orange bitters adds a surprising twist, while a Chocolate Martini shot becomes more nuanced with chocolate bitters.
DIY Bitters and Personalization
Adventurous mixologists can even create their own bitters, experimenting with various ingredients to find unique combinations. Homemade bitters can personalize cocktails and shots, offering a signature touch to any creation.
