Angostura Bitters

Angostura Bitters is a concentrated bitters made from a variety of botanicals and spices, including gentian root and cinnamon. With its signature reddish-brown color and complex flavor profile, it has become a staple ingredient in many classic and modern cocktails. Its intense and aromatic taste adds depth and complexity to drinks, while also balancing out sweetness and enhancing other flavors. Whether used as a few dashes in a traditional Old Fashioned or in more experimental concoctions, Angostura Bitters is a versatile and essential ingredient in mixology.
Check out the detailed information on Angostura Bitters
Category
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixer > Angostura Bitters
Origin
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trinidad and Tobago
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1824 (specific)
Strength
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0%

About Angostura Bitters

Angostura Bitters is a concentrated bitters derived from herbs and spices by the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago. Originally created in 1824 by Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German surgeon general in Simon Bolivar's army in Venezuela, it was initially designed as a tonic for soldiers' stomach ailments. However, its use quickly spread, and it became a key ingredient in cocktails and culinary recipes. Named after the town of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela), the recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a few people at any given time.

Despite its origins, Angostura Bitters is not bitter when added in moderation but instead provides a complex flavor profile that enhances and balances the taste of cocktails and food dishes. It is most famously used in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Pisco Sour. The bitters are made from a blend of water, 44.7% alcohol, gentian, herbs, and spices, and are recognizable by their distinctive oversized label and simple, clear bottle. The unique blend of botanicals in Angostura Bitters adds a layer of depth, bitterness, and aromatic floral notes to cocktails, making it an indispensable tool in bartending and culinary arts.

Q&A

ORIGINS_HISTORY

Who invented Angostura Bitters and why?

Angostura Bitters was invented by Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German surgeon general in Simon Bolivar's army, in 1824. It was initially created as a medicinal tonic to alleviate soldiers' stomach ailments and digestive issues during the Venezuelan War of Independence. The bitters were named after the town of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela), where Siegert was based. Its medicinal use quickly expanded into culinary and cocktail applications, leading to its widespread popularity today.

INGREDIENT_SPECIFICS

What is the alcohol content in Angostura Bitters?

Angostura Bitters contains 44.7% alcohol by volume. Despite its relatively high alcohol content, it is used in such small quantities in cocktails and food recipes that it doesn't significantly contribute to the overall alcohol content of the dish or drink. Its primary role is to add depth, complexity, and balance to the flavor profile.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

How should Angostura Bitters be stored for optimal freshness?

To maintain optimal freshness and flavor of Angostura Bitters, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The bottle should be tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation and degradation of the aromatic compounds. Properly stored, Angostura Bitters can last for several years, even after opening, without significant loss in quality.

NON_ALCOHOLIC_VARIATIONS

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Angostura Bitters in cocktails?

While there's no direct non-alcoholic substitute that perfectly mimics the complex flavor profile of Angostura Bitters, a combination of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters or a homemade mixture of herbal teas (like gentian root tea) with a splash of non-alcoholic Grenadine or fruit juice can provide a similar depth and bitterness in mocktails. However, these alternatives may not entirely replicate the unique flavors of Angostura Bitters.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What are some classic cocktails that use Angostura Bitters?

Angostura Bitters is a key ingredient in several classic cocktails, known for adding depth and complexity to the drinks. Notable examples include the Manhattan, a sophisticated blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters; the Old Fashioned, which combines whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters; and the Pisco Sour, mixing pisco, lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters. Its versatile flavor profile also makes it a popular choice for experimenting in modern cocktails.

Ingredients like Angostura Bitters

How it works

Easily create your bar from the ingredients you have at home, and we'll show you what you can make with the ingredients you have to hand.

Once you've added this ingredient head to your My bar page and fill up everything else you have.

We'll also show you cocktails that can make by substituting what you have for one of the ingredients you don't, riffing on the original. Now go forth and create something delicious!