Craft Your Own Cocktail Bitters at Home
Bitters are the unsung heroes of mixology—small but mighty flavor boosters that bring balance and complexity to your favorite drinks. While store-bought options abound, crafting your own bitters at home is a rewarding way to personalize your cocktails and showcase your creativity. With NYC’s rich array of farmers' markets and specialty shops, sourcing local ingredients to make your own bitters has never been easier.
What Are Bitters?
Bitters are concentrated flavor extracts made by infusing botanicals, spices, and other ingredients into a high-proof spirit. They’re used in small amounts to enhance cocktails, adding depth and aromatic complexity. Think of bitters as the seasoning in your drink, akin to salt in food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making bitters at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple list to get started:
Base Spirit:
High-proof vodka, neutral grain spirit, or overproof bourbon (ideal for extracting flavors).
Bittering Agents:
Gentian root, wormwood, or dandelion root—these provide the signature bitterness.
Flavoring Ingredients:
Fresh, locally sourced NYC ingredients like:
Citrus peels (lemons, oranges, or grapefruits from Union Square Greenmarket).
Seasonal fruits (apples from New York orchards).
Herbs (rosemary, thyme, or mint from a rooftop garden).
Spices (cinnamon, cloves, or star anise from specialty spice shops like Kalustyan’s).
Sweeteners (optional):
Local honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bitters
Prepare Your Ingredients:
Wash and chop your botanicals, peel citrus fruits, and measure spices.
Combine in a Jar:
Add the base spirit and ingredients to a mason jar. Use approximately 1 part bittering agents, 2 parts flavoring ingredients, and enough spirit to cover.
Infuse:
Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2–3 weeks. Shake the jar daily to mix flavors.
Strain and Sweeten:
Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Add a small amount of sweetener if desired, then let the mixture rest for another week.
Bottle Your Bitters:
Transfer the bitters into dropper bottles for easy use in cocktails.
Using Your Homemade Bitters
Now that you’ve crafted your own bitters, experiment with adding a few dashes to cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or Whiskey Sours. The flavors you’ve created will elevate your drinks and impress your guests.
Bring the Art of Bitters to Life at Art of the Cocktail
At Art of the Cocktail, we celebrate the craftsmanship behind cocktails, including the art of bitters. Join our mixology classes in Midtown Manhattan to learn professional techniques, including how to incorporate bitters into your favorite drinks. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a curious beginner, our expert mixologists will guide you in creating unforgettable beverages.
Discover how homemade bitters can transform your cocktail experience and make every sip uniquely yours.
