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The Essential Guide to Bitters in Cocktails: A Comprehensive Exploration

Updated: Sep 17

Cocktail bitters

Bitters are among the most indispensable yet often overlooked ingredients in the world of cocktails. While they are added in small quantities, their influence on the overall flavor profile of a drink is significant. Their complex, aromatic, and sometimes bitter qualities provide a balance to sweetness and acidity, making them essential in both classic and modern cocktails. This article delves into the history, types, uses, notable brands, pricing, and an exhaustive list of bitters flavors currently available in the market.


What Are Bitters?

Bitters are concentrated alcoholic infusions made from a variety of botanicals, including herbs, roots, spices, fruits, and even flowers. They were originally created for medicinal purposes but eventually became a vital ingredient in the world of cocktails. The bitterness in these concoctions typically comes from plant compounds such as alkaloids or phenols, which are extracted through steeping or macerating plant matter in alcohol.

Although bitters are potent in flavor, only a few dashes are usually added to cocktails, allowing their complex flavors to enhance the drink without overpowering it.


A Brief History of Bitters

The use of bitters in cocktails can be traced back to the 18th century. Originally, bitters were medicinal, used to alleviate digestive problems, treat nausea, or improve appetite. The earliest reference to bitters in a cocktail comes from an 1806 newspaper article, where a "cocktail" was described as a drink made from spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.

By the 19th century, bitters had become an integral part of the bar culture, particularly in drinks like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, which are still popular today. Over time, the cocktail industry has expanded, and bitters have evolved from being merely a functional ingredient to a flavorful one, with modern mixologists experimenting with a vast range of botanicals.


Types of Bitters

Bitters come in various types, each contributing unique flavors and enhancing different cocktails. Below is a breakdown of the most common bitters categories:


  1. Aromatic Bitters: Aromatic bitters are the most commonly used in cocktails. They are complex and often include spices, herbs, and citrus peels. The flavor is deep and rich, typically with a warming spice profile.Example: Angostura Bitters.

  2. Orange Bitters: Orange bitters have a citrus-forward taste with hints of bitterness. They are frequently used in gin-based drinks like the Martini or Negroni.Example: Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6.

  3. Herbal Bitters: Herbal bitters are made from a variety of herbs such as wormwood, gentian root, and other botanicals. These are known for their more earthy, herbaceous flavor.Example: Peychaud’s Bitters.

  4. Spiced Bitters: These bitters are infused with spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and sometimes chili. They bring warmth and a bit of heat to the cocktail.Example: Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters.

  5. Fruit Bitters: Fruit bitters are made from fruits such as peach, cherry, or grapefruit. These provide a lighter, more refreshing profile, making them ideal for spring and summer cocktails.Example: Fee Brothers Peach Bitters.

  6. Chocolate Bitters: Chocolate bitters infuse a deep cocoa flavor, which pairs wonderfully with dark spirits like whiskey or rum.Example: Scrappy’s Chocolate Bitters.

  7. Celery Bitters: Celery bitters bring a savory, vegetal profile to cocktails. They are often used in Bloody Marys or other savory drinks.Example: Fee Brothers Celery Bitters.

  8. Tropical Bitters: These are typically made with ingredients such as coconut, pineapple, and passion fruit, offering a sweet yet bitter balance.Example: Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters (includes some tropical elements).

  9. Floral Bitters: Floral bitters are made with flowers such as lavender, rose, or hibiscus, imparting delicate floral notes to a drink.Example: The Bitter Truth Lavender Bitters.

  10. Bitters for Craft Cocktails: There are a variety of other specialized bitters used by contemporary mixologists for innovative cocktails. These include flavors like smoked rosemary, lavender, or even beetroot.Example: The Bitter Truth’s Celery or Lemon Bitters.


Common Uses of Bitters in Cocktails

Bitters are used to add balance, complexity, and depth to cocktails. Their versatility is seen in both classic and modern drinks, where they help to tie all the flavors together. Here are some of the primary ways bitters are used:

  • Classic Cocktails: Bitters are essential in traditional cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Sazerac. A couple of dashes can completely transform the drink’s flavor.

  • Modern Cocktails: In contemporary mixology, bitters are often used to experiment with new flavor profiles. Unique bitters, like rhubarb or mole, can create exciting twists on classic recipes.

  • Aromatic Spray: Some bartenders use bitters as an aromatic spray or rinse to add a subtle scent and flavor to the glass before serving the drink.

  • Mocktails: Even non-alcoholic beverages benefit from a dash of bitters. They add a sophisticated, layered flavor to mocktails and sodas.


Notable Bitters Brands and Pricing

There are numerous bitters brands on the market today, each offering distinct flavors and blends. Here are some of the most notable ones, along with their approximate pricing in both USD and EUR:

  1. Angostura Bitters

    Price:

    • $8 - $12 (USD)

    • €7 - €11 (EUR)The quintessential aromatic bitters, Angostura is used worldwide in both classic and modern cocktails. It has a spicy, herbal profile with hints of cinnamon, clove, and other exotic spices.

  2. Peychaud’s Bitters

    Price:

    • $10 - $15 (USD)

    • €9 - €14 (EUR)Famous for its role in the Sazerac, Peychaud’s Bitters has a lighter, more floral profile compared to Angostura. Its distinct taste features notes of anise and cherry.

  3. Fee Brothers

    Price:

    • $7 - $14 (USD)

    • €6 - €13 (EUR)Fee Brothers offers a wide range of bitters, including Old Fashioned Aromatic, Peach, and Celery. Their products are versatile and commonly used in both traditional and contemporary cocktails.

  4. Scrappy’s Bitters

    Price:

    • $13 - $18 (USD)

    • €12 - €17 (EUR)A premium bitters brand, Scrappy’s uses organic ingredients to create finely balanced bitters, including unique options like Chocolate and Lavender Bitters.

  5. The Bitter Truth

    Price:

    • $10 - $15 (USD)

    • €9 - €14 (EUR)Known for their range of highly aromatic and flavorful bitters, The Bitter Truth offers options like Creole Bitters, Lemon Bitters, and their signature Celery Bitters.

  6. Bittermens

    Price:

    • $14 - $22 (USD)

    • €13 - €21 (EUR)Bittermens offers an array of interesting bitters, from the popular Xocolatl Mole Bitters to the savory and spicy Hellfire Habanero Shrub.


Comprehensive List of Bitters Flavors Available Today

  • Aromatic

    Examples: Angostura, Fee Brothers Old Fashioned, The Bitter Truth Aromatic.

  • Orange

    Examples: Regans’ Orange, Angostura Orange, Fee Brothers Orange.

  • Celery

    Examples: Fee Brothers Celery, Scrappy’s Celery.

  • Chocolate

    Examples: Scrappy’s Chocolate, Bittermens Mole, The Bitter Truth Chocolate.

  • Peach

    Examples: Fee Brothers Peach, The Bitter Truth Peach.

  • Lemon

    Examples: The Bitter Truth Lemon, Scrappy’s Lemon.

  • Lavender

    Examples: The Bitter Truth Lavender, Scrappy’s Lavender.

  • Rhubarb

    Examples: The Bitter Truth Rhubarb, Fee Brothers Rhubarb.

  • Cucumber

    Examples: Fee Brothers Cucumber, Scrappy’s Cucumber.

  • Grapefruit

    Examples: Bittermens Grapefruit, Fee Brothers Grapefruit.

  • Spiced

    Examples: Fee Brothers Spiced, The Bitter Truth Spiced.

  • Cinnamon

    Examples: Fee Brothers Cinnamon, The Bitter Truth Cinnamon.

  • Ginger

    Examples: The Bitter Truth Ginger, Fee Brothers Ginger.


Conclusion

Bitters are an essential ingredient in the art of mixology, adding a layer of complexity and depth to cocktails that elevates the drinking experience. Whether you're crafting a timeless classic like the Old Fashioned or experimenting with modern creations, the right bitters can transform a drink into something truly exceptional. With a wide range of flavors available in the market today, there's a bitter for every cocktail and every palate. Understanding how to use bitters—both in quantity and style—can make all the difference between a good drink and a great one.


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