Angostura bitters is a versatile and widely used cocktail ingredient that is known for its distinctive flavour and aroma. It is made from a blend of herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients, and is often used to add depth and complexity to cocktails.
One of the most notable features of Angostura bitters is its strong, aromatic flavour, which is often described as being bittersweet and slightly spicy. The exact blend of ingredients used to make Angostura bitters is a closely guarded secret, but the formula is thought to include a mix of botanicals such as gentian root, cardamom, and orange peel.
In addition to its use in cocktails, Angostura bitters is also sometimes used as a digestive aid and can be added to food to add flavour. It is a popular ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned, and is often used to add depth and balance to mixed drinks.
Overall, Angostura bitters is a highly regarded and widely used cocktail ingredient that is known for its complex, aromatic flavour. If you are a fan of classic cocktails, it is definitely worth keeping a bottle on hand.
Angostura Bitters History
Angostura bitters is a type of cocktail bitters made from a blend of herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients. It was first developed in the early 19th century by Dr. Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German-born military doctor who served in the Venezuelan army. Siegert created the bitters as a tonic to help treat his patients’ stomach ailments, and it quickly became popular as a digestive aid.
Siegert’s bitters were originally made in the town of Angostura, which is now known as Ciudad Bolívar, in Venezuela. The bitters were later produced in larger quantities and exported to other countries, and they became widely used in the production of cocktails.
Angostura bitters is now produced by the House of Angostura, a company based in Trinidad and Tobago. It is sold in more than 160 countries and is widely used in the production of cocktails, as well as in cooking and as a digestive aid. The exact blend of ingredients used to make Angostura bitters is a closely guarded secret, but it is believed to include a mix of botanicals such as gentian root, cardamom, and orange peel.
Cocktails with Angostura Bitters
Here are a few classic cocktails that use Angostura bitters as an ingredient:
- Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail is made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, and Angostura bitters, and is served over ice. It is a simple, yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for sipping.
- Manhattan: This popular cocktail is made with rye or Canadian whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, and is typically served up in a cocktail glass.
- Rob Roy: The Rob Roy is a variation on the Manhattan that is made with Scotch whisky instead of rye or Canadian whisky. It is typically served up in a cocktail glass and garnished with a cherry.
- Mai Tai: This tropical cocktail is made with white rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and a splash of Angostura bitters. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a cherry and a slice of pineapple.
- Whiskey Sour: This classic cocktail is made with whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters, and is typically served over ice and garnished with a cherry and an orange slice.
These are just a few examples of the many cocktails that use Angostura bitters as an ingredient. It is a versatile and widely used cocktail ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of mixed drinks.
Similar Bitters to Angostura Bitters
There are many types of bitters that are similar to Angostura bitters, including:
- Peychaud’s bitters: a brand of bitters that originated in New Orleans and has a flavor profile that is similar to Angostura bitters, but is slightly sweeter and has notes of anise and licorice.
- Orange bitters: a type of bitters that is made with orange peel and has a citrus flavor.
- Regan’s orange bitters: a brand of orange bitters that is similar to Angostura bitters in terms of its versatility and uses in cocktails.
- Fee Brothers Old Fashioned bitters: a brand of bitters that is similar to Angostura bitters in terms of its flavor profile and uses in cocktails.
- Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters: a brand of bitters that has a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and spices.
- Scrappy’s Lavender bitters: a brand of bitters that has a floral flavor profile with notes of lavender.
- The Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas’ Own Decanter bitters: a brand of bitters that is inspired by the original bitters used by Jerry Thomas, the “father of American mixology.” This brand offers a range of bitters with different flavor profiles, including celery, chocolate, and old time aromatic bitters, which are similar to Angostura bitters.
