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Everyone knows that cocktails are usually made of spirits, vodka, gin, and rum, but do you know about bitters? Underestimated bitters are the secret ingredient that can take an average drink and make it great. You have seen that little bottle of bitters on the bar and wondered what it does. Think of it as the salt of the cocktail world: a little goes a long way and balances and enhances flavours to bring out the best in your drink.
Bitters have a long history, originally created as medicinal tinctures in the 19th century to treat indigestion. Today, they play a starring role in cocktails, adding complexity and depth; whether you are making an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan or even Negroni, bitters add that layer of flavour that makes the drink truly memorable. They can be herbal, spicy or even floral, depending on the type, making them magic.
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So, if you want to improve your mixology skills and make them taste better, try to add bitter to your next mix. Not only will they transform your drink, but you will also feel like a mixology pro. Ready to get started? Read on to see how this little addition can turn your cocktails from basic to bold.
What Are Bitters?
Bitters are highly concentrated flavouring agents made from a variety of herbs, spices, roots and fruits. They are used in small amounts to add flavour to cocktails and other drinks. The base of bitters is usually high-proof alcohol, which extracts flavours from the ingredients, resulting in a potent elixir that can add complexity to drinks.
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Created as medicinal tinctures in the 19th century, according to research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology 2016, bitters were used to aid digestion and alleviate various ailments. Today, they are a key ingredient in mixology and turn cocktails into sophisticated drinks. With countless varieties available, such as Angostura, Peychaud’s and orange bitters, each type has its unique flavour profile from aromatic and herbal to citrusy and spicy. By balancing sweetness and acidity in cocktails, bitters can take a drink from basic to bold and are a must-have for any home bar or cocktail enthusiast.
How Bitters Can Take Your Cocktails From Meh to Magnificent
Flavour Depth
Bitters add a ton of flavour to a cocktail; aromatic bitters can add spice and herbs, while orange bitters can add citrus. This depth allows you to create layered cocktails that dance on the palate and are way more interesting than a simple mix.
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Aroma
The aroma of bitters can engage the senses and elevate the whole drinking experience. The scents released from bitters draw you in before you even take a sip. Aromatic bitters like Angostura have a complex bouquet that can evoke memories and set the mood, so your cocktail is not just a drink but a journey.
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Balance
Bitters are great at balancing sweet ingredients like syrups and liqueurs. Adding a few dashes of bitters to your cocktail creates harmony and avoids being too sweet. Balance is key to a well-rounded drink. For example, when making a whisky sour, adding aromatic bitters can counteract the sweetness of the simple syrup and make the drink feel more balanced and sophisticated.
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Variety And Versatility
With all the types of bitters out there from orange, aromatic, herbal, to spicy, mixologists have endless options to play with. Each type of bitter can add a different profile to your cocktail, so you can customise and create your variations. For example, using cherry bitters in a classic Manhattan gives it a fruity twist, while using chocolate bitters in a martini adds depth and intrigue and shows off your creativity behind the bar.
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History And Tradition
Using bitters connects you to the rich history of cocktail making. Many classic recipes call for bitters, such as the Old Fashioned or the Sazerac. Adding bitters not only honours the traditions of past mixologists but also allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a well-balanced cocktail. It is a reminder of the art of mixology and the importance of each ingredient in the perfect blend.
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Adding bitters to your cocktails will take your mixology skills to the next level and turn a simple drink into a masterpiece. They add depth, balance sweetness and introduce many flavours so they are a must-have in any cocktail kit. As you try different bitters you will find endless possibilities for creating drinks that will tantalise your taste buds and any occasion.
