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What the heck are aromatic bitters? A cocktail mixer? The MSG for vermouth? Or a cure-all restorative? You might never have had a mixed drink that included aromatic bitters as an ingredient. You might never have had bitters straight up. This lens is about the romantic scientific history of one of bartending's most mysterious elements.
Defining the Droplets
What bitters are
"A highly concentrated flavoring agent made from roots, barks, herbs, and/or berries. Bitters are reputed to have medicinal qualities. Some, such as Compari and Fernet-Branca from Italy are believed to be such good stomach settlers and may even be useful in treating hangovers. Bitters such as Angostura are also effective in minute quantities as smoothing out the taste of a particularly harsh or bitter whiskey." -- courtesy Drink Recipes Bar's Drinks Glossary
Get Bit!
What you need to know about bitters
The first time I ever had a drink made with aromatic bitters, I fell in love. Not with the cocktail, but with the bitters. Turns out bitters have quite the interesting history. Here's a primer of sorts
- The History of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- In 1820 a German doctor moves to Venezuela, is named surgeon general by Simon Bolivar, invents an herbal remedy to treat injured soldiers, and creates a mixer that "alters the monotony of gin"!
- The History of Aperitifs and Bitters
- A more balanced look at bitters's background
- CocktailDB: Aromatic Bitters
- A brief introduction to bitters, as well as some of the drinks that use them
- The Bitter Truth About Bitters!
- Why bitters are a "Trini Ting"
- A Revival of Bitters? Sweeeet!
- Bitters are making a comeback in the City of Angels
Nontrivial Trivia
Comments for countertop conversation
The next time you order a drink made with bitters, impress your friends with your deep knowledge about the one ingredient nobody knows about. (One of the items is actually false; can you guess which one?)
- The word "Angostura" comes from the Venezuelan town in which the inventor of that brand of bitters was based
- The original name of aromatic bitters was Amargo Aromatico
- Angostura aromatic bitters do not contain the bark of the Angostura tree
- That tree was named after the same town in Venezuela, however
- Only five men know the recipe of Angostura aromatic bitters
- The secret formula is kept in four separate, unopened envelopes in a vault in Barclay's Bank in New York City
- Why four? One of the men is illiterate and can therefore not read the recipe
- Up to 40 different ingredients are rumored to be included in Angostura's formula
- Bitters can be used as a tonic to treat fatigue and stomach problems
Myth? Yes!
You read it here first
Contrary to popular belief, bitters are not too bitter to take by themselves. I'm not convinced of their medicinal benefits, but they do make an interesting breath freshener. Try it; you might like it! Bitter Brands
Makers of the mixer
Don't be fooled, Angostura may have a corner on the market, but it's not the only producer of this mysterious nectar. Here are other options
- Fee Brothers
- A four-generation-old manufacturer of cocktail moxes, bitters, flavoring syrups and other beverage ingredients
- Peychaud's Bitters
- A New Orleans tradition since 1793
Books to Tend Bar by
The best in "mix lit"
Here are the books that I recommend you get if you're interested in learning more about mixed drinks and the makings that make them
Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's and Party Guide (Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's & Party Guide)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009) 
Used Price: $3.18
Complete World Bartender Guide: The Standard Reference to More than 2,400 Drinks
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Field Guide to Cocktails: How to Identify and Prepare Virtually Every Mixed Drink at the Bar
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 11/16/2009)
Used Price: $4.00
Drink: A Social History of America
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
In the Arms of Morpheus: The Tragic History of Morphine, Laudanum and Patent Medicines
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Used Price: $3.74
The Cocktail Shaker: The Tanqueray Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Used Price: $32.00
The Cocktail Party
Amazon Price: $8.64 (as of 11/16/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Erica Sakurazawa: The Aromatic Bitters
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Used Price: $0.51
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Prepare and service beverages for servers and guests in a quick, efficient and friendly and professional manner. Ensure that guests are served in accordance to... ...
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