Bitters aren’t just an ingredient; they’re the alchemy that can transform an ordinary drink into a cocktail wonder. From ancient apothecaries to modern high-end bars, bitters have always added a special touch to the art of mixology.
As the drink’s world blossoms with innovation and experimentation, we’re thrilled to join this tradition with our twist. In this article, we dive into the history of bitters, learn more about the legendary Angostura, and share our unique bitter-making experience.
What Are Angostura Bitters?
Angostura is a strong, fragrant tincture of red-brown color, containing 45% alcohol. Unlike similar drinks, this is a very young product, and we know exactly the name of its inventor and the year of production of the first batch. According to its characteristics, Angostura belongs to bitters - bitter herbal tinctures. The exact recipe is kept in the strictest confidence, but it is known that the composition includes gentian, ginger, angelica, cinchona bark, cloves, cardamom, and more than a dozen roots, spices, and herbs. Where buy bitters? You can buy it at Mixopro.store.
Why Use Bitters in Drinks?
What are bitters for drinks? Angostura is an irreplaceable and unique component of many cocktails; with the help of the tincture, cocktails acquire their unique taste; the bitter for drinks gives them an unparalleled aroma and the love of gourmets. In its homeland in Trinidad and Tobago, any dish is rarely complete without Angostura: it is added to sauces, stews, porridges, and other dishes. In Europe, Angostura is also widely used in cooking and confectionery, obtaining incredible flavors of desserts and sauces. The price of Angostura is due to its high concentration: just 2-3 drops of tincture are enough, and your dish or drink acquires the desired qualities.
Types of Bitters
Like liqueurs, bitters were originally used for medicinal purposes and sold in pharmacies, but they became a drink for pleasure. This still medicinal drink originated in Europe, and then in America in the 19th century, became part of cocktail bitters. So, they became part of the bar culture instead of medicinal, leading to independent drinks.
Types of bitters:
- Beer - because the main ingredient that gives bitterness to alcohol is hops.
- Wine - because the herbs of the alcohol tincture are mixed with wine.
- Alcohol - The main ingredients that cause bitterness are wormwood, lemon peel, or cinchona bark.
How to Store and Use Bitters
Aperitif bitters in drinks are drunk before meals to stimulate the appetite; digestive bitters are drunk after meals to promote digestion, and concentrated bitters for drink are added to coffee or tea. They are combined with vodka, lemon and orange juice, soda, mixed, and garnished with a slice of lemon or orange. Bitters are usually not eaten with a snack and are served chilled.
An opened bottle of flavored bitters is stored for 6 months at 10°C to 25°C. It is hermetically sealed and kept away from direct sunlight and strong odors.
Conclusion
Traveling through the pages of bitters' history, from their humble beginnings as a healing elixir to their indispensable role in today’s mixology culture, we felt not only the depth and richness of this tradition but also the endless possibilities for innovation and creativity. We encourage you not to be afraid to experiment, to combine old with new, traditional with modern, and always remember that every drink you create carries a piece of you and your unique story. Share your inventions, inspirations, and stories with others because the art of mixology is not only about drinks but community, history, and shared moments of joy and discovery.
FAQ
- What is the best way to use Angostura bitters in cocktails?
Angostura is versatile and goes well with almost all alcoholic beverages, so the base for Angostura cocktails can be diverse: vodka, gin, scotch, bourbon, brandy, rum, and vermouth.
- How long do bitters last after opening?
An opened bottle of bitter is stored for 6 months at a temperature of 10°C to 25°C.
- Can I use Angostura bitters in non-alcoholic drinks?
Because of its delicious aroma and taste has become extremely popular in soft drinks, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages.
- Where can I buy Angostura bitters locally?
You can buy in your region in the mixopro.store.
- What are some alternative brands to Angostura bitters?
Campari, Absinthe, or Amaro are all great options! 4 drops of Angostura bitters can be replaced with 1/4 teaspoon of these liqueurs.
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