Angostura bitters is extremely concentrated and may be an
acquired taste; though 44.7% alcohol by volume, bitters is not commonly ingested undiluted, but instead used in small amounts as flavouring.
Medicinal Angostura bitters are alleged to have restorative properties. Angostura brand bitters is often incorrectly believed to have poisonous qualities because it is associated with angostura bark (which it does not contain), which, although not toxic, during its use as a medicine was often adulterated by unscrupulous sellers, who padded out the sacks of bark with cheaper, poisonous
Strychnos nux-vomica or
copalchi bark. Angostura is still often used by Trinidadians to treat digestive problems, under the assumption that the ingredient
gentian may aid indigestion.
Cocktails Angostura bitters is a key ingredient in many
cocktails. Originally used to help soldiers with upset stomachs in Simón Bolívar's army, it later became popular in soda water and was usually served with
gin. The mix is stuck in the form of a
pink gin, and is also used in many other cocktails, such as
long vodka, consisting of
vodka, bitters, and
lemonade. In the United States, it is best known for its use in whiskey cocktails –
old fashioneds, made with
whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water, and
Manhattans, made usually with
rye whiskey and red
vermouth. In a
pisco sour, a few drops are sprinkled on top of the foam, both for aroma and decoration. In a
champagne cocktail, a few drops of bitters are added to a sugar cube. The
Trinidad sour is an unusual cocktail in that Angostura bitters serve as the base spirit rather than simply a flavoring. In this drink, the bitters are supplemented by
orgeat syrup,
rye whiskey, and fresh lemon juice. In Hong Kong, Angostura bitters are included in the local
Gunner cocktail. Though not in the classic recipe, bartenders sometimes add more flavour to the
mojito cocktail by sprinkling a few drops of Angostura bitters on top. Bitters can also be used in "soft" drinks; a common drink served in Australian and New Zealand pubs is
lemon, lime and bitters. In
Malawi, and many other countries, bitters is added to a mix of crushed ice,
ginger ale, and
Sprite to make a
rock shandy. The most prominent purveyor of Angostura bitters in the world is Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub on
Washington Island off the northeast tip of
Door Peninsula in
Door County, Wisconsin. The pub began selling shots of bitters as a "stomach tonic for medicinal purposes" under a pharmaceutical license during
Prohibition in the United States. The practice, which helped the pub become the oldest continuously operating tavern in Wisconsin, remained a tradition after Prohibition was repealed. As of 2018, the pub hosts a Bitters Club, incorporates bitters into its food menu, and sells upwards of 10,000 shots per year.
Popular recipes •
Bolivar sour •
Brut cocktail •
Champagne cocktail •
Cuba Libre •
Fallen angel •
Gunner •
Lemon, lime and bitters •
Manhattan •
Old fashioned •
Pink gin •
Pisco sour •
Prince of Wales •
Rum punch •
Queen's Park Swizzle •
Rob Roy •
Singapore sling •
Trinidad Sour •
Zombie ==See also==