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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.
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Mixer > Angostura Bitters
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Trinidad and Tobago
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1824 (specific)
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View the top 10 Angostura Bitters cocktails

With Angostura Bitters you can make

Singapore Sling

Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned

Piscola

Champs-Élysées

Manhattan Sweet

Martini Perfect

Rum Swizzle

Rosemary Old Fashioned

Winter Waltz

Pegu Club

We've got 183 cocktails that can be made with Angostura Bitters.

Find out what to make with Angostura Bitters

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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

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