"What are bitters?" It's a question I truly enjoy answering. It's an opportunity to delve into the world of flavor, discuss what elevates a drink, and of course, spotlight the cocktail bitters we craft.
So, What Are Bitters?
In the simplest of terms, they are an extract. But unlike a single-note extract like vanilla, bitters are a complex blend of spices, botanicals, fruits, roots, and barks. Think of them as the spice rack for your cocktails. A few dashes of this potent elixir can bring balance and depth to any drink. My philosophy? You shouldn't overtly taste the bitters, but you'll absolutely notice their absence.
At The Bitter Housewife, we specialize in cocktail, or tincture, bitters. These are used a few drops or dashes per drink, typically less than a teaspoon.
Now, you might be thinking of other bitter liquors like Fernet Branca or Campari. You’re on the right track. These are referred to as Amaros, Aperitifs, or Digestifs and are traditionally enjoyed at the beginning or end of a meal, consumed neat, over ice, in a spritz, or mixed in a cocktail like a Negroni. However, these are used in larger quantities, usually an ounce or more.
How Are Bitters Made?
As mentioned, bitters are essentially a complex extract. We create them through a three-step process: first, we extract all the ingredients in high-proof alcohol, then we perform a second extraction in water, and finally, these two extractions are blended, and a touch of simple syrup (or honey, in the case of our Grapefruit Bitters) is added. You can learn more about our process here.
Alcohol Content of Bitters
Most cocktail bitters, ours included, have an alcohol base. They are generally bottled at 35–45% alcohol. Since most bitters are used by dashes or in drops, the amount of alcohol is minuscular, making the ABV difficult to trace. That’s why they’re often marketed as non-alcoholic, although they are made from alcohol.
Exploring Bitter Varieties
You’re likely familiar with Angostura or Peychaud’s bitters. These are considered aromatic bitters and pair best with darker spirits like whiskey. Our own Aromatic Bitters fall into this category, designed specifically for an Old Fashioned but versatile enough for many other cocktails.
As you explore the world of bitters, you'll discover a wide array of options: orange bitters, grapefruit bitters, black walnut, chocolate, spiced cherry, lemon, and beyond. The flavor you choose should complement the other ingredients in your drink. At The Bitter Housewife, we meticulously blend botanicals and bittering agents to create unique flavor profiles like Lime Coriander, Cardamom, Orange, Barrel Aged Bitters, Grapefruit, and of course, our signature Aromatic Bitters.
Want to know more about how I develop our unique flavors and recipes? Dive into this blog post.
How to Use Bitters
Bitters aren't just for elaborate cocktails. Even a simple gin and tonic benefits from a few dashes of orange or grapefruit bitters. Many people enjoy adding aromatic bitters to plain soda water as a refreshing alternative to a cocktail with almost no alcohol.
How else can you use bitters? Try adding a few dashes to tea, coffee, fruit juice, or soda. You can even cook with bitters. Incorporate them into pies, cookies, cakes, marinades, salad dressings, and much more.
For drink recipes, check out the recipes section on our website, and for more insights on how bitters enhance a drink, read this blog post.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Old Fashioned
2 oz bourbon
4-6 dashes The Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters
1 tsp 2:1 simple syrup
orange twist
Pour the bourbon, bitters, and syrup in an old-fashioned glass. Add a large ice cube, stir well to mix and chill. Garnish with a twist.
Classic Martini
2.5 oz gin
.5 oz dry vermouth
3-4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Orange Bitters
Pour all ingredients into a mixing, add ice, and stir till well chilled. Strain into a coupe and garnish with an olive or a twist.
The Classic Champagne Cocktail
sugar cube
3-4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters
4 oz Champagne
Place a sugar cube into a champagne flute, soak with bitters, fill the glass with Champagne.
Get Fancy
Use any flavor of bitters in place of Aromatic. Orange and Cardamom are particularly tasty.
In Conclusion
Bitters might seem mysterious, but they're incredibly easy to use. Just a few dashes can transform a drink that feels "off" or breathe new life into a classic. I encourage you to make a drink without bitters, taste it, and then add 2-3 dashes and taste it again. Experience firsthand how bitters elevate a drink, and then start experimenting with your own recipes and flavor combinations to discover your favorites.
