Cocktails are often considered the best way to unwind after a long day at work or socialize with friends and colleagues. However, a cocktail would not be complete without certain ingredients that bind all the flavors and make the drink taste better. Bitters are one such ingredient that every bartender must know how to add to a cocktail.
Bitters are one of the oldest cocktail ingredients, and they were first used for medicinal purposes. Nowadays, bitters are used in a variety of cocktails to add depth, complexity, and bitterness to the drink. In this article, we will discuss how to add bitters to your cocktails and enhance the overall flavor and aroma of your drink.
Understanding the Role of Bitters in a Cocktail
Bitters are a crucial element in cocktail-making. They are concentrated alcoholic solutions made by infusing herbs, fruits, spices, or roots in a base spirit such as vodka or brandy. The typical ABV (alcohol by volume) in bitters ranges from 35% to 45%, but only a few drops are enough to give cocktails a distinct, potent flavor.
Bitters work as seasonings in cocktails, providing a complex and aromatic bittersweet flavor that balances other ingredients like spirits, mixers, and syrups. They add depth, complexity, and balance to cocktails. Bitters also have an aperitif quality where they stimulate the appetite and uplift the mood, making them perfect additions to any drink. Depending on the type and amount used, bitters can enhance or entirely change the taste of the cocktail. Thus, it’s essential to understand the role of bitters in a drink before adding them to the mix.
Different Types of Bitters and Their Flavors
Bitters are crucial ingredients in many cocktails, particularly in classic recipes. Bitters serve as flavouring agents that enhance the taste of cocktails, similar to how salt enhances the flavour of food. There are various types of bitters, each with its distinct flavour and aroma.
Aromatic bitters are typically used in cocktails that require a hint of spice and bitterness. Angostura bitters are the most common type of aromatic bitters, with a sweet and spicy flavour that compliments gin, whiskey, or rum. Orange bitters have a citrusy flavour that can bring out the fruity notes in a cocktail. Besides the two mentioned, cherry, chocolate, lime, and grapefruit bitters are also popular types that can upgrade the cocktail experience. Bartenders often experiment with different types of bitters to create unique variations of classic cocktails.
The Right Technique for Adding Bitters
When it comes to adding bitters to a cocktail, the right technique can make all the difference in the world. The goal is to keep the bitters from overpowering the other flavors in the drink, while still giving it the desired aromatic qualities.
One common technique for adding bitters is to drop them directly into the mixing glass or shaker along with the other ingredients. Another method is to add them to a sugar cube or bar spoon and stir it into the drink. Whichever method you choose, be sure to measure out the recommended amount of bitters specified in the recipe to avoid any unpleasant surprises. By using the right technique to add bitters, you can master the art of cocktail making and create delicious and well-balanced drinks that are sure to impress.
Choosing the Right Amount of Bitters
When it comes to adding bitters to a cocktail, finding the right balance can be a delicate task. Too little and the drink won’t have the desired flavor profile, while too much can overpower the other ingredients and leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth. As a general rule, you should add between one and two dashes of bitters per serving, depending on the recipe and your personal preferences.
However, it’s important to note that not all bitters are created equal, and different types may require different amounts. For example, strong, bitter flavors like Angostura will need less than sweeter, more mild bitters like orange or grapefruit. Experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect amount that complements the other flavors in your cocktail and enhances the overall drinking experience.
Mixing Bitters with Other Ingredients in a Cocktail
Mixing bitters with other ingredients in a cocktail is an integral aspect of making a balanced and flavorful drink. Bitters work as an essential ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the cocktail and adds depth to its flavor profile. When mixing with other ingredients, bitters help to mellow down the sweetness and bring about a well-rounded and complex taste.
To mix bitters with other ingredients, start by pouring the measured bitters into the glass or shaker. Add the other ingredients one by one, making sure to maintain a balance between the bitter and sweet elements. For instance, adding a few dashes of Angostura bitters to a whiskey cocktail with a splash of vermouth can help balance out the sweeter notes in the vermouth and draw out the flavors of whiskey. Therefore, if you want to up your cocktail game and add depth and complexity to your drinks, mixing bitters with other complementary ingredients is a must-try technique.
Popular Cocktails That Contain Bitters
Bitters, though an essential component in many cocktails, are often underutilized. They add depth and complexity to a drink, balancing out the sweetness or acidity in the other ingredients. Some of the most popular cocktails that contain bitters include the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Negroni, to name a few.
The Manhattan, with its combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. The bitters in this cocktail play a major role in bringing out the flavors and aroma of the whiskey, making it a perfectly balanced drink. The Old Fashioned, another classic cocktail, features bitters muddled with sugar, then combined with bourbon or rye whiskey, and garnished with an orange peel. And if you are a fan of a bitter and herbaceous cocktail, the Negroni, a mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, is the perfect drink for you.
Experimenting with Bitters to Create Your Own Signature Cocktail
After getting familiarised with different types of bitters and how they work to enhance the flavours in a cocktail, you can begin to experiment and create your own signature cocktail. The key is to have a clear vision of what you want your cocktail to taste and smell like. Start with a basic recipe and add a few drops of bitters, one at a time, until you reach the desired flavour profile. Take notes while you experiment and make changes accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different bitters. For example, if you are making a gin-based cocktail, you might try adding a citrus bitter, such as grapefruit or orange, or a floral bitter, such as lavender or rose. Or if you are making a whiskey-based cocktail, you could add a spicy bitter, such as cardamom or cinnamon, to complement the smoky flavour of the whiskey. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, you’ll be able to develop your own unique and delicious cocktail that reflects your personal taste and style.
Final Thoughts
Adding bitters to a cocktail may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the overall taste and balance of the drink. Whether you’re using classic bitters like Angostura or branching out to experiment with different flavors, it’s important to measure carefully and start with small amounts. A few drops can go a long way in enhancing the flavor profile of a cocktail, and it’s always easier to add more than to try to fix an overly bitter drink.
Overall, incorporating bitters into your home bartending routine can be a fun and rewarding way to elevate your cocktails. With a little bit of experimentation and practice, you can learn to balance the flavors of your favorite drinks and create new and exciting concoctions. So next time you mix up a cocktail, don’t be afraid to add a dash or two of bitters to see how it changes the overall flavor and complexity of your drink. Cheers!