If you want to up your drinks game, you’ve come to the right place. Cocktail bitters are the secret, flavor-packed ingredient that can add depth and complexity to any drink. But, if you don’t know what they are or how they work, today’s the day.
Here we’ll walk through everything you’ve ever wanted to know about cocktail bitters: what they are, why bartenders use them, their unique flavor notes, and tips for using them in drinks at home. So get ready – it’s time for a crash course on one of the essential tools in a bartender’s toolkit.
A Brief History Of Cocktail Bitters
Cocktail bitters have been around for centuries and have been used for their medicinal and flavoring properties. Initially made by soaking herbs, spices, and botanicals in a base of alcohol, cocktail bitters were once sold as a cure-all for everything from stomach ailments to snakebites.
As the popularity of cocktails grew in the 19th century, bitters were incorporated into many classic recipes, including the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. Today, bitters come in many flavors and are an essential ingredient in many modern cocktails.
How Are Bitters Used?
Bitters are typically added to a cocktail in small amounts, usually just a few dashes. They add complexity and depth of flavor and balance out sweetness and acidity. Bitters can also be used as a garnish by adding a few drops to a finished cocktail or spraying them directly onto the glass. In addition to alcoholic cocktails, bitters can be used in non-alcoholic drinks, such as sodas and mocktails.
Different Types Of Bitters And Their Unique Flavors
Many different types of bitters are available, each with its unique flavor profile. Aromatic bitters are the most well-known and are used in many classic cocktails. They have a robust and spicy flavor and are made with milk thistle seed, holy basil, and dandelion root.
As the name suggests, orange bitters have a citrusy, slightly bitter taste and are often used in gin-based cocktails. Other types of bitters include celery, lavender, and chocolate, to name just a few.
Ingredients In Non-Alcoholic Bitters
Non-alcoholic bitters are versatile and packed with health benefits derived from their plant-based ingredients. The common ingredients used such as apple cider vinegar, ginger root, dandelion root, burdock root, and Holy Basil (tulsi), have been valued for centuries in traditional systems of medicine for their anti-inflammatory, stomach-soothing and antioxidant properties.
Evidence shows that components found in these herbal roots may also help lower blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. With other possible side benefits of non-alcoholic bitters, including reducing nausea, cramping, and bloating, it’s understandable why many people are turning to them when seeking a delicious way to stay balanced and healthy without compromising on flavor.
Popular Mocktails To Incorporate Non-Alcoholic Bitters Into
Speaking of mocktails, here are a few popular recipes that incorporate non-alcoholic bitters:
- Non-alcoholic mojito: Combine lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, and a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters in a glass. Add ice and garnish with mint leaves.
- Non-alcoholic bitters & soda: Fill a glass with ice, add a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters, and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
- Non-alcoholic jungle bird: Combine pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
- Non-alcoholic Kentucky buck: In a shaker, combine lemon juice, honey syrup, and a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Non-alcoholic passion fruit martini: Combine passionfruit juice, lime juice, and a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.
In Conclusion
Cocktail bitters can seem intimidating if you’re unfamiliar, but they’re quite easy to use and can take your drinks to the next level. With so many different flavors available, there’s bitter out there for everyone.
And if you’re not drinking alcohol, non-alcoholic bitters can add just as much depth and complexity to a mocktail. So why not pick up a bottle of bitters and experiment with your favorite cocktails? Who knows, you might discover a new favorite drink. Cheers to the wonderful world of cocktail bitters.