Bitters
Bitters are highly concentrated alcohol-based extracts of herbs, roots, peel and spices that you add to a cocktail a few dashes at a time. They tie together the flavours in classic whisky cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan and add depth to the interplay of sweet and strong. We do not currently stock bitters, but here you can read what they do and how to use them.
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The best-known aromatic bitters is Angostura, originally from Venezuela and now made in Trinidad and Tobago. There are also orange bitters and Peychaud's, the bitters of the Sazerac, among others. For the mixing itself, we do offer shakers and cocktail accessories and books on whisky cocktails.
What exactly are cocktail bitters?
Cocktail bitters are alcoholic extracts of botanicals such as gentian root, cinchona bark, orange peel and spices. You use them in small amounts, by the dash, to make a cocktail spicier and more balanced; they are not drunk neat. Think of them as the salt and pepper of the bar: you do not taste them separately, but without them the drink tastes flatter.
How many dashes of bitters go into an Old Fashioned?
Usually two to three dashes of aromatic bitters, such as Angostura, to about 50 to 60 ml of whisky with a sugar cube or a little sugar syrup. A dash is what comes out of the dasher top with one firm shake. Start at the low end and taste, as bitters are powerful. A Manhattan typically takes two dashes with whisky and sweet vermouth.
Do bitters contain alcohol?
Yes, most bitters have a high alcohol content; Angostura aromatic bitters, for example, is 44.7% ABV. Because you only use a few dashes, it adds very little alcohol to a cocktail. If you want to avoid alcohol altogether, glycerine-based alcohol-free bitters also exist.
How long do bitters keep?
Thanks to their high alcohol content, bitters keep for years, even once opened. Store the bottle upright, tightly closed and out of direct sunlight. Over time the aroma may fade slightly, but they do not spoil easily. Since you only use a few drops per cocktail, a small bottle lasts a long time.
Can you add bitters to neat whisky?
You can, although it is not a common way to drink whisky. A single dash in a glass of whisky with a little water or ice makes it spicier and slightly drier, which can be interesting with a young or sweet blend. A complex single malt is best left to speak for itself. If you would like to experiment with flavour in another way, take a look at Make it yourself.