What are Bitters?

Bitters are an alcoholic derivative typically used to give drinks a boost of flavor. However, many people don’t really understand what they are, why they’re used, or what their purpose is in a cocktail.

Bitters are essentially a flavor enhancer. They are made from a blend of spices and herbs, typically taken from plants, roots, and barks that are concentrated into an alcoholic liquid. Historically, Bitters had been used for medicinal purposes, but the modern use of Bitters is in cocktail creation.

Historic Uses of Bitters

Bitters were first used in the 1700s as medicinal tinctures. They were used to treat various ailments, from indigestion to insomnia and were often made from plants like gentian root, orange peel and cinchona bark. In the early 1800s, bitters started to be used as a flavoring for cocktails. The earliest cocktail recipes typically included some type of bitters, with Angostura bitters being one of the most popular.

How Bitters are Used in Cocktails

Bitters are an integral part of cocktail creation. They are used to add both flavor and complexity to a drink. Bitters are usually added in small amounts, usually a few drops at a time, and they are typically used to help enhance the other flavors in the drink. In addition, they can also be used to balance out the sweetness, bitterness, or acidity of a drink when combined with other ingredients.

Types of Bitters

There are numerous types of bitters available that range from traditional Angostura bitters, to more modern and unique flavors such as lavender, celery, and rhubarb bitters. Bitters come in various concentrations and flavors and can be used to create unique and creative drinks. It is important to understand the purpose of each type of bitters when creating a cocktail, as different types of bitters can affect the taste and balance of the cocktail.

In conclusion, bitters are an important component of cocktail creation. They are used to create flavor depth and complexity, as well as balance out the other flavors in a drink. There is a wide variety of types of bitters that can be used to create unique drinks, and understanding when and how to use each type of bitters is key. So, if you’re looking to experiment and create your own unique cocktails, don’t forget the bitters!