Buying Guide for Cocktail Bitters
Cocktail bitters are alcohol-based mixers that are used to add flavor to cocktails. The most popular recipes, such as Manhattans, Gimlets, and Negronis are made with a cocktail bitters formula that includes ingredients such as Angostura bitters, Fernet Branca, and other popular bitters. Cocktail bitters were originally created in the late 19th century as a way to create a substitute for the white sugar that was then used as a sweetener in the United States.
Benefits of Cocktail Bitters
Digestion and Gut Benefits
When your digestion needs a little support, bitters can facilitate stomach acid and act as a digestive aid. This can not only ease indigestion, but also heartburn, nausea, cramping, bloating, and gas.
Immune and Inflammation
Burdock is an inflammation fighter that has been shown to have positive effects in people with osteoarthritis. Paired with common additions, like ginger and turmeric, bitters can become an immune-boosting powerhouse. The anti-inflammatory compounds in these ingredients have powerful antioxidant effects to protect the body from autoimmune diseases.
Sugar and Appetite Control
Curb sugar cravings quickly with the help of bitters, which help counter the brain receptors that drive us to consume sweets. Bitters can promote overall healthy eating habits and control overeating. Consuming bitter foods stimulates the production of PYY and GLP-1 hormones, which help control and suppress the appetite.
Liver Health
Certain bittering agents help support the liver at fulfilling its main job: removing toxins from the body and regulating our metabolic processes. Bitters give the liver a boost by aiding in the elimination of toxins and detoxification, coordinating the metabolism of sugar and fats, and helping release gallbladder-supporting hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK).
Factors to Consider Before Buying of Cocktail Bitters
Aromatic Bitters
The number of different bitters on the market can be overwhelming, especially for a budding cocktail enthusiast. If you’re looking to build your bitters collection, it is wise to start with a bottle of the aromatic variety
Versatile
Bitters are completely versatile products. One potion can be used for many drinks and produces many kinds of flavors. This makes them convenient to use and brings a twist with each drink.
Branded
Look for branded bitters. Branded selections use quality ingredients that won't harm you in any way. It is best to do some comparison before you buy.
Citrus Bitter
Orange isn’t the only citrus fruit to get the bitters treatment. These days, you can find bitters formulas focused on lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Some varieties, like those made by Hella Cocktail Co., combine all of the above in one potent bottle. The end result is typically bright and versatile. Citrus bitters complement a wide range of spirits.
Conclusion
While most bitters contain a different intensity of a variety of spices, some bitters allow a single spice to predominate. Cardamom bitters and ginger bitters are both examples. Other spice-forward bitters playfully evoke popular culinary spice blends like Mexican mole, BBQ, Thai, and Jamaican jerk seasoning.
To know more about your buying options, look through some of the best products that we have listed in our featured section above. They are reviewed and recommended based on their quality, taste, and durability.
