Master the Art of Making Homemade Angostura Bitters: A Detailed Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of high proof vodka
  • 20 grams of dried orange peel
  • 10 grams of dried lemon peel
  • 10 grams of gentian root
  • 2 grams of cardamom
  • 1 gram of anise
  • 0.5 grams of allspice

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a glass jar with the high proof vodka.
  2. Add in the dried orange and lemon peels.
  3. Next, add the gentian root.
  4. Follow this with the spices: cardamom, anise, and allspice.
  5. Put a lid on the jar and shake it until the ingredients are well mixed.
  6. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 2 weeks. Shake the jar once a day.
  7. After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into another jar. Dispose of the solids.
  8. Your homemade Angostura Bitters is now ready to use for flavoring cocktails or cooking recipes.

Tools for making

  • Glass jar - A jar with a tight-fitting lid to hold the bitters mixture.
  • Cheesecloth - Used for straining the bitters mixture to remove solids.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the vodka and other ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - For precise measurements of the dried peels, roots, and spices.
  • Funnel - Helps to pour the mixture into the jar without spilling.
  • Storage jar - A clean jar with a lid to store the finished Angostura Bitters.

Recipe variations

  • Experiment with different types of citrus peels, such as grapefruit or lime.
  • Add a few dashes of other spices, such as cloves or cinnamon, for a unique flavor profile.
  • Infuse the vodka with additional herbs or botanicals, like rosemary or lavender.
  • Try using different base spirits, such as rum or whiskey, instead of vodka.
  • Add a sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, to create a slightly sweeter version of the bitters.
  • Include other bittering agents like wormwood or dandelion root to enhance the bitterness.
  • Experiment with different proportions of ingredients to customize the flavor intensity.
  • Age the bitters for a longer period of time to develop a more complex flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Learn to make your own Angostura Bitters with this simple recipe. A staple in many cocktails, Angostura Bitters add a delightful aromatic tang that enhances the flavor profile of your drinks. This recipe involves combining high proof vodka with citrus and spices, and then letting the mixture infuse over a period of two weeks. The process is straightforward and the result is a delicious, homemade version of a classic cocktail ingredient. Set aside a little time for preparation and patience for the infusion period, and you'll find that this homemade Angostura Bitters recipe is well worth the effort.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of vodka?
    It is recommended to use high proof vodka for this recipe as it has a neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine. Substituting with a different type of alcohol may alter the taste of the bitters.
  2. Where can I find the dried orange and lemon peel?
    You can usually find dried orange and lemon peel in the spice or tea section of your local grocery store. Alternatively, you can also purchase them online.
  3. How long can I store the homemade Angostura Bitters?
    When stored in a cool, dark place, the homemade bitters can last indefinitely. It is recommended to use it within a year for the best flavor.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of spices used?
    Yes, you can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference. However, keep in mind that altering the proportions may affect the overall flavor profile of the bitters.
  5. Can I use fresh orange and lemon peel instead of dried?
    Dried peels are preferred for this recipe as they provide a more concentrated flavor. Using fresh peels may result in a different taste and could affect the shelf life of the bitters.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Glass Jar - A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is essential for storing and infusing the bitters.
  • Cheesecloth - This fine mesh cloth is used for straining the bitters mixture, separating the liquid from the solids.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are necessary to accurately measure the ingredients, especially the vodka.
  • Spoon or Stirrer - A spoon or stirrer is needed for mixing the ingredients together in the jar.
  • Storage Jar or Bottle - Once the bitters are strained, a storage jar or bottle is needed to hold the finished product.

Origin stories

Angostura Bitters, a staple in many a bartender's toolkit, has an intriguing history. It was first concocted in the 19th century by a German physician named Dr. Johann Siegert. Siegert was serving as Surgeon General in Simon Bolivar's army in Angostura, Venezuela, during the fight for independence from Spain. He developed the bitters as a tonic to ease stomach ailments among the soldiers. However, its rich, complex flavor soon found favor in a different arena - the burgeoning cocktail scene. It became a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned. To this day, Angostura Bitters is made by the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago, with the original recipe remaining a closely guarded secret. Its distinctive oversized label that wraps around the bottle, is also a part of its charm, born from a miscommunication between the Siegert brothers who were in charge of the label and bottle design respectively.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.