Bitters are the secret weapon of sophisticated cocktail making! These concentrated flavour extracts, typically made from botanicals, spices, herbs, and roots, can transform an ordinary drink into something super special and refreshing.
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Here are five must-try bitter-based beverages that you need to try!
1. Old Fashioned
No list of bitters-based cocktails would be complete without the legendary Old Fashioned. Dating back to the early 19th century, this cocktail is as simple as it is balanced. Traditionally made with bourbon or rye whiskey, a sugar cube, and Angostura bitters, the Old Fashioned is a classic in anyone’s book.
Recipe:
- 60 ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel and cherry for garnish
Muddle the sugar cube with bitters, add whiskey, ice, and stir until well-chilled. Garnish with an orange peel and cherry, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping in.
2. Manhattan
Another cocktail classic, the Manhattan elevates rye whiskey with the complex notes of sweet vermouth and the aromatic punch of bitters. It is also typically made with Angostura bitters.
Recipe:
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until well-chilled, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
3. Sazerac
Originating in New Orleans, the Sazerac is a cocktail that showcases rye whiskey and Peychaud’s bitters, a variety with a vibrant red colour and unique flavour profile. The drink also features an absinthe rinse, which adds another layer of complexity.
Recipe:
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 7 ml simple syrup
- 3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
- Absinthe for rinsing
- Lemon peel for garnish
Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe, discard excess. Combine whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
4. Trinidad Sour
For the adventurous cocktail enthusiast, the Trinidad Sour is a unique drink that uses Angostura bitters as its primary spirit. This inverted cocktail might sound unusual, but it’s a complex and surprisingly balanced creation.
Recipe:
- 30 ml Angostura bitters
- 30 ml orgeat syrup
- 22 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml rye whiskey
- Egg white (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass. If using egg white, dry shake first to create a silky foam.
5. Steelworks
The Steelworks is a contemporary cocktail that brings together the robustness of bourbon with the complexity of multiple bitters. It’s a drink that pays homage to industrial craftsmanship while being deliciously refreshing.
Recipe:
- 60 ml bourbon
- 15 ml amaro
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 dash chocolate bitters
- Brandied cherry for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Bonus: Bitters mocktail
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, this mocktail celebrates the complexity of bitters without the spirits.
Recipe:
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml honey syrup
- 3-4 dashes of non-alcoholic bitters
- Ginger beer
- Fresh mint and cucumber for garnish
Combine lime juice, honey syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig and cucumber slice.
Tips for working with bitters
- A little goes a long way. Bitters are intensely flavoured, so use them sparingly.
- Experiment with different brands and types of bitters to find your favourite.
- Store bitters in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavour.
- For mocktails, non-alcoholic bitters can add depth and complexity to alcohol-free drinks.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Valeriya Avdeeva
