Bitters occupy a strange liminal space between spirit and mixer. With just a few dashes, these highly concentrated infusions can transform a drink, like seasoning for your libation. Though bitters are somewhere between 35% and 45% alcohol, they’re used in such small amounts that their impact on a cocktail’s ABV is negligible. But that’s not the point. Bitters amplify flavor and aroma, and add discrete elements that shine through the heavier ingredients.
Because of this, bitters can be highly specialized and sometimes confusing. How do you know which cocktails require bitters? Which bitters go with which cocktails? If you’re a home bartender, what do you need to keep on hand? And what’s an X factor you can have in your bar cart to really wow your guests? Follow along as we map the universe of cocktail bitters, from the essential to the borderline gratuitous.
