Bitter is an alcoholic beverage that contains natural plant extracts—spices, fruit peels, medicinal herbs—and is characterized by a bitter (sometimes sweet) taste. Originally produced for medicinal purposes, primarily in monasteries, bitters today play an important role as digestifs and as balancing agents for sweet and sour flavors in cocktails.
...Bitter is an alcoholic beverage that contains natural plant extracts—spices, fruit peels, medicinal herbs—and is characterized by a bitter (sometimes sweet) taste. Originally produced for medicinal purposes, primarily in monasteries, bitters today play an important role as digestifs and as balancing agents for sweet and sour flavors in cocktails.
Bitters can be classified in various ways, mainly based on the plants used for flavoring. These include fruit bitters, which are highlighted by cherries, peaches, or cranberries; herbal bitters, such as Chartreuse and Fernet, made from a blend of many plant ingredients; spice bitters, featuring notes like cinnamon or cardamom; and citrus bitters, enriched with the refreshing notes of citrus fruits.
Bitters are an essential component in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Negroni. Just a few drops of bitters can elevate a cocktail, balancing sweetness, enhancing aroma, and adding an extra layer of flavor complexity.
