Bitter Mac
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Bitter Mac
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.51 / 5
The Bitter Mac is a sophisticated cocktail that elegantly marries the warmth of whiskey with the crispness of white vermouth, the bitterness of Amaro, and a hint of floral sweetness from elderflower liqueur. This balanced concoction is ideal for those who appreciate a cocktail with complex layers of flavor, where herbal and floral notes play off each other to create a nuanced drinking experience. Typically served in a cocktail glass, the Bitter Mac offers an intriguing blend that caters to connoisseurs of classic, spirit-forward beverages with a bittersweet edge. The lemon peel garnish adds a citrusy aroma, further enhancing the cocktail's intricate profile.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Whiskey
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
170 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lemon
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.24% | 2.77 units *

Tags

Whiskey ingredient icon
Whiskey cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
White vermouth cocktail ingredient icon for the Bitter Mac cocktail
White vermouth
Whiskey cocktail ingredient icon for the Bitter Mac cocktail
Whiskey
Amaro cocktail ingredient icon for the Bitter Mac cocktail
Amaro
Elderflower Liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the Bitter Mac cocktail
Elderflower Liqueur
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Bitter Mac

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a lemon peel and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Bitter Mac with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Subscribe to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute a different vermouth for white vermouth in the Bitter Mac?

Yes, you can substitute a different vermouth for white vermouth if you prefer a different flavor profile. Dry vermouth could work as a close alternative, offering a slightly drier taste. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the intended taste of the Bitter Mac.

Garnishing tips icon

What garnish would complement the Bitter Mac cocktail?

A citrus peel, such as lemon or orange, makes an excellent garnish for the Bitter Mac. The citrus notes can enhance the cocktail's complexity by adding a fresh aroma and a hint of citrus flavor, balancing the bitterness.

Serving suggestions icon

Is there a specific temperature or way to chill the Bitter Mac for optimal taste?

The Bitter Mac is best served cold, but not overly diluted. Chilling the cocktail glass before serving can maintain the intended temperature and taste. Stir the cocktail ingredients with ice to chill, and then strain into the chilled cocktail glass.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of the Bitter Mac compare to a standard cocktail?

With an alcohol content of 28.24%, the Bitter Mac is moderately strong compared to standard cocktails, which typically range from 15% to 30% alcohol by volume. It provides a decent kick while remaining balanced in terms of strength.

Food pairings icon

What type of food would pair well with the Bitter Mac?

The Bitter Mac, with its complex and herbal profile, pairs well with rich, savory dishes such as roasted meat, or charcuterie. The bitterness from the Amaro and the sweetness from the elderflower liqueur complement fatty and umami flavors nicely.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

You might also like

Tipperary No.1

Classic

The Tipperary No.1 cocktail is a classic blend that exudes sophistication and depth, perfect for those who appreciate the art...

Raspberry Lynchburg

Classic

The Raspberry Lynchburg is a tantalizing cocktail that delivers a sweet and sour flavor profile, expertly combining the warmth of...

Godfather

Classic

The Godfather is a simple yet classic cocktail that exudes sophistication and subtle complexity. A harmonious blend of the sweet,...

Jack's Godfather Highball

Classic

The Jack's Godfather Highball is a tantalizing cocktail that offers a unique twist on the classic Godfather cocktail, blending the...
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image