Cocktail Bitters 101: The Secret Ingredient Every Bartender Needs

Feb 25, 2025

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In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, we're taking a deep dive into one of the most essential yet often overlooked ingredients in cocktails – bitters. From the history of bitters to their role in cocktails today, we explore everything you need to know to master the art of balancing flavors in your drinks.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🍸 The History of Bitters:

How bitters started as medicinal tonics used by ancient civilizations
The role of bitters in the first-ever cocktail definition (1806)
How prohibition nearly wiped them out & the bitters revival of the 2000s

🍹 What Are Bitters & How Do They Work?

The difference between cocktail bitters (non-potable) and Amari (potable bitters)
Why bitters are the salt & pepper of the cocktail world
The science behind how bitters balance flavors & add complexity

🔬 Types of Cocktail Bitters & When to Use Them:

Aromatic Bitters (Angostura, Peychaud’s) – perfect for Old Fashioneds & Manhattans
Citrus Bitters (Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon) – brightens up Daiquiris & Margaritas
Spiced & Herbal Bitters (Tiki, Ginger, Allspice) – adds warmth to rum & whiskey drinks
Chocolate & Nutty Bitters (Mole, Coffee, Hazelnut) – great for Espresso Martinis & Sours
Savory Bitters (Celery, Olive, Umami) – ideal for Gin & Tonics or Bloody Marys

🥃 How to Use Bitters in Cocktails:

How a single dash can transform a drink
The right way to taste bitters (Hint: think Home Alone’s aftershave scene!)
Why bitters work as a seasoning for cocktails, not just a garnish

🔥 Famous Cocktails That Rely on Bitters:

Old Fashioned – The OG bitters-based drink
Manhattan – A classic that needs the right balance of bitters
Sazerac – Wouldn’t be the same without Peychaud’s
Trinidad Sour – A wild cocktail where bitters are the main ingredient! (Yes, really!)

🛠 Making Your Own Bitters at Home:

What ingredients you need (alcohol base, bittering agents, botanicals)
The simple infusion method to create custom flavors
Why DIY bitters can elevate your home bar (and save money!)

Homework for this episode:

✅ Try a Trinidad Sour and let us know if you love it or hate it!

✅ Experiment with different bitters in an Old Fashioned – how does it change the drink?