Bringing Bitters Back

Published on Monday, June 9, 2008, by The CHOW Editorial Team / Edit Post

Bringing Bitters Back (cont.)

How Bitter Can You Go?
All bitters originated centuries ago when apothecaries started combining herbs, bark, and berries with alcohol and promoting the results as medicinal tonics. But in 1906, selling bitters as health remedies was outlawed, so they’re now found only behind the bar.

The type we’ve addressed here is nonpotable—not because they are unsafe for human consumption, but because they’re not intended to be consumed alone due to their strong flavors and high alcohol content (usually between 70 and 90 proof). A few dashes of nonpotable bitters are used to round out a drink. They’re most commonly found in classic recipes such as the Champagne Cocktail.

The second type of bitters is potable, typically poured as a digestif, a drink that aids digestion after a big meal. While the digestive-aid factor is up for debate, these distinctively flavored liqueurs are popular. The best-known potable bitters are Fernet-Branca, Jägermeister, and Unicum.

Other Uses for Bitters
Though bitters can no longer be sold legally as health remedies, many people still turn to them for just that purpose. Here are a few of the more common (if unscientific) applications:

Hiccups
Take a lemon wedge, coat it in sugar, then douse it with some bitters. Bite down, and your hiccups are supposed to disappear.

Upset Stomach
A few dashes of bitters added to a glass of club soda or ginger ale may cure indigestion.

Everything Else
Bitters are nearly a panacea: It is suggested that a few dashes will cure anything from a headache to the flu.

Orange Bitters
A perfect citrusy match for a Casino.

Cherry-Vanilla Bitters
Take the angostura bitters and the cherry out of your next Old Fashioned and use this twofer for a smart variation.

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  • Made the aromatic with a few twists and it was fantastic. If you up the ginger, you can use this stuff to make your own ginger ale that will knock your socks off! Delicious. I ordered the gentian extract through Whole Paycheck (aka Whole Foods).

    Also, a word of caution, for any of you that (like me) tend to overdo things a bit the first time around, the infusion times that are given are very...+READ

    Made the aromatic with a few twists and it was fantastic. If you up the ginger, you can use this stuff to make your own ginger ale that will knock your socks off! Delicious. I ordered the gentian extract through Whole Paycheck (aka Whole Foods).

    Also, a word of caution, for any of you that (like me) tend to overdo things a bit the first time around, the infusion times that are given are very good. Leaving these infusions in for much longer can take your bitters a little too deep.-COLLAPSE

  • Please do not mix up gentian violet (otherwise known as hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride), with gentian extract. They are not the same.

    Gentian violet is a vibrant purple synthetic dye, used as an antimicrobial, and laboratory chemical. Gentian extract comes from gentian flowers, and roots, and is not vividly purple.

  • this sounds absolutely DELICIOUS!!!

    I love trying new twists on my drinks.

    I need to steer away from my usual (insert alcohol here) and soda.

  • we've used gentian to dye ourselves purple, so it can't be that uncommon ;)

  • mmmmmmmmmm

    no this realy is verry inviting!
    maby tonight

    outside

    with a grill
    and some adult bevies!

    I love you food people :)

  • Beautiful layout and photography and great information on a really timely subject. And I'm not just saying this because I work here.