Bitters – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What are bitters?

Bitters are neutral and high-proof spirits infused with botanicals such as fruit, herbs, leaves, bark, and spices. They are commonly used as a flavoring component in cocktails. Since they are highly concentrated, they are used by the drop or dash, not the shot. Bitters can even be used in cooking. They add an extra boost of flavor to some recipes like soups, glazes, or dips. 

In the United States, most cocktail bitters are sold as non-alcoholic beverages since less than half of the bottle is actual alcohol. This allows them to be sold in grocery stores and not liquor stores. They can even be shipped to you in every state, unlike alcohol, which is limited in a few states. 

What are the origins of bitters?

Bitters may have originated in Egypt, where medicinal herbs were infused into small jars of wine. The practice was eventually refined even more in the Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance period, primarily used for digestive issues. Bitters became more concentrated during this period as distilled alcohol became more common and plant-based medicine improved.

The first recorded use of bitters in cocktail form can be traced to 1806. Angostura Bitters emerged during this time in the Venezuelan city of Angostura. It was used to treat seasickness in sailors. Another famous bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters, was created in New Orleans in 1830.

The English helped popularize bitters in drinks when they concocted a drink called canary wine. This was made from Spanish wine with a dash of medicinal bitters. 

Jerry Thomas wrote the book “How to Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant’s Companion” in 1862, which spurred the popularity of bitters as cocktail accessories in the United States. Previous to this book being released, they were primarily used as medicine.

How are bitters made?

Bitters are simple to make but take some time to infuse. The initial mixture contains a blend of bittering agents, including wormwood, horehound, mugwort, dandelion leaf, or sarsaparilla. The bittering agents are mixed with aromatic and flavoring agents, any herb, flower, fruit, or spice. The ingredients should be chopped, bruised, or smashed before mixing to provide more surface area to extract flavors from. 

The flavoring agents are then mixed with liquor at least 100 proof or higher, preferably neutral alcohol like grain alcohol or vodka to keep the flavor pure. The infusion process lasts anywhere from a day to weeks, depending on your tastes. The flavors can become strong very quickly, even with minor additions of ingredients, which is why you should sample the bitters often.

A more precise method of creating bitters involves making individual tinctures of each flavoring agent first. These tinctures can then be mixed drop by drop to create a very precise flavor, which should be easier to replicate.

What should I look for when buying bitters?

There are a few notable bitters that have very specific flavors. Some include:

• Angostura Aromatic Bitters: These famous bitters have a flavor of herbs, licorice, and burnt sugar. It is commonly used in the Manhattan cocktail. Legend has it that only five people know the recipe.
• Peychaud’s Bitters: The main flavor in this bitters is anise, but it also has citrus notes and a floral finish. It’s an important component of the sazerac.
• Regan’s Orange No. 6: This is the go-to orange-flavored bitters. Use it in any whiskey cocktail— but specifically in an old-fashioned.
• Fee Brothers: The Fee Brothers company has been making bitters since the mid-1800s. They create various flavors, like rhubarb and cardamom, instead of focusing on just one style.

There is also a category of bitters known as potable bitters. These are meant to drink on their own instead of adding to a cocktail. They are sold in 750ml bottles, just like other liquors. They may be known to some as digestifs. A few popular brands of digestifs are Campari, Fernet, Aperol, and Cynar.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for bitters via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for bitters. 

How to store bitters

Although bitters may never actually spoil due to the high alcohol content, they may degrade in quality over time, which usually takes a decade. If you don’t open your bottle of bitters, they will remain fresh forever. Bitters do not need to be refrigerated, so store them with the rest of your liquor. Try to keep them out of light to keep their quality from degrading. 

What can I substitute for bitters?

While the flavor of bitters makes them essential for cocktails, they do have substitutes. Just add the fruit, herb, or spice that matches the bitters flavor you need for the recipe. Add the substitute ingredients slowly, or they can completely take over the flavor of the drink.

How to find bitters near you

Since most bitters do not contain a high alcohol content in the United States, you can find them in any grocery store. Specialty bitters can be found in liquor stores as well. If you need more bitters to create another cocktail, you can have them delivered with Instacart! Have them delivered the same day or schedule a future delivery.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Cocktail Bitters (6.7 fl oz)

Distributed Consumables 10oz. Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters (10 fl oz)

Distributed Consumables 10oz. Regans Orange Bitters No. 6 (300 ml)

Fee Brothers Bitters (5 fl oz)

Elisir Novasalus Digestif (750 ml)

Distributed Consumables 5oz. Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters (5 fl oz)

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