Bitters For Cocktail: What are Bitters? - Quick Guide
Cocktail Bitters are concentrated flavorings made from a combination of herbs, fruits, spices, and other botanicals that are used in small amounts to enhance the flavor of cocktails. They are typically added in drops or dashes to cocktails to give them depth, complexity, and balance.
Bitters were originally developed in the 19th century as a medicinal remedy to aid digestion and cure various ailments. However, bartenders soon discovered that bitters added complexity and balance to cocktails, and they became an essential ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan.
History of Bitters:
Bitters have a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used bitters for medicinal purposes, and the Romans consumed bitters as digestive aid. In medieval Europe, monks developed recipes for herbal bitters to be used as tonics and digestives.
In the 18th century, bitters were introduced to the world of cocktails. In 1797, a British Royal Navy surgeon named James Lind created a mixture of herbs and spices that he called "Stomachic Bitters," which was used to prevent seasickness. This mixture was later adapted by other sailors, who added it to their daily ration of rum, creating what became known as the "rum and bitters" cocktail.
Bitters continued to be used as a key ingredient in cocktails throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 1800s, bartenders in the United States began using bitters in cocktails to balance out the sweetness of the ingredients and add depth and complexity to the flavors. The most famous of these cocktails is the classic Old Fashioned, which contains bitters, sugar, whiskey, and a citrus peel.
During Prohibition in the United States, bitters became even more popular, as they were one of the few legal ingredients that could be used in cocktails. Even after Prohibition ended, bitters remained a staple in cocktail bars around the world.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in bitters, with many new brands and flavors being developed. Bitters are now used not only in classic cocktails but also in modern creations, and non-alcoholic bitters have also become more popular as people look for alternatives to traditional cocktails. And one such brand is Bab Louie & Co.
Bab Louie & Co. produces artisanal bitters made in small batches. They are based in India and their bitters are made using natural ingredients, including herbs, spices, fruits, and roots. Their bitters are non-alcoholic and are designed to be used in cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages. Their range of bitters includes Classic Orange, Spiced Aromatic, and Smoked Cherry Bitters. Their bitters are known for their unique flavor profiles, which are developed through a careful blending of ingredients. For example, their orange bitters are made using bitter orange peel, gentian root, and other botanicals, resulting in a complex and zesty flavor that can be used in a variety of cocktails.
Bab Louie & Co. bitters are also designed to be versatile, meaning they can be used in a variety of cocktails and other drinks. They can be added to classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Negroni, or used in more modern drinks like the Espresso Martini or the Margarita. Overall, Bab Louie & Co. bitters are a great addition to any home bar or professional bartender's toolkit.
Bitters are an important ingredient in many classic cocktails, and they can also be used to add depth and complexity to non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water or iced tea. They are an essential tool in the bartender's arsenal, and a small bottle of bitters can go a long way in elevating the flavor of your cocktails.
