Angostura Bitters cocktail ingredient

About Angostura Bitters

Angostura Bitters is a concentrated bitters derived from herbs and spices by the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago. Originally created in 1824 by Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German surgeon general in Simon Bolivar's army in Venezuela, it was initially designed as a tonic for soldiers' stomach ailments. However, its use quickly spread, and it became a key ingredient in cocktails and culinary recipes. Named after the town of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela), the recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a few people at any given time.

Despite its origins, Angostura Bitters is not bitter when added in moderation but instead provides a complex flavor profile that enhances and balances the taste of cocktails and food dishes. It is most famously used in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Pisco Sour. The bitters are made from a blend of water, 44.7% alcohol, gentian, herbs, and spices, and are recognizable by their distinctive oversized label and simple, clear bottle. The unique blend of botanicals in Angostura Bitters adds a layer of depth, bitterness, and aromatic floral notes to cocktails, making it an indispensable tool in bartending and culinary arts.

Q&A

Who invented Angostura Bitters and why?

Angostura Bitters was invented by Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German surgeon general in Simon Bolivar's army, in 1824. It was initially created as a medicinal tonic to alleviate soldiers' stomach ailments and digestive issues during the Venezuelan War of Independence. The bitters were named after the town of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela), where Siegert was based. Its medicinal use quickly expanded into culinary and cocktail applications, leading to its widespread popularity today.

What is the alcohol content in Angostura Bitters?

Angostura Bitters contains 44.7% alcohol by volume. Despite its relatively high alcohol content, it is used in such small quantities in cocktails and food recipes that it doesn't significantly contribute to the overall alcohol content of the dish or drink. Its primary role is to add depth, complexity, and balance to the flavor profile.

How should Angostura Bitters be stored for optimal freshness?

To maintain optimal freshness and flavor of Angostura Bitters, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The bottle should be tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation and degradation of the aromatic compounds. Properly stored, Angostura Bitters can last for several years, even after opening, without significant loss in quality.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Angostura Bitters in cocktails?

While there's no direct non-alcoholic substitute that perfectly mimics the complex flavor profile of Angostura Bitters, a combination of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters or a homemade mixture of herbal teas (like gentian root tea) with a splash of non-alcoholic Grenadine or fruit juice can provide a similar depth and bitterness in mocktails. However, these alternatives may not entirely replicate the unique flavors of Angostura Bitters.

What are some classic cocktails that use Angostura Bitters?

Angostura Bitters is a key ingredient in several classic cocktails, known for adding depth and complexity to the drinks. Notable examples include the Manhattan, a sophisticated blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters; the Old Fashioned, which combines whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters; and the Pisco Sour, mixing pisco, lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters. Its versatile flavor profile also makes it a popular choice for experimenting in modern cocktails.