If you’ve ever browsed cocktail recipes or checked out a bartender’s shelf, chances are you’ve come across a small bottle with a big white label and an oversized cap—Angostura bitters. It’s one of those bar essentials that might seem mysterious at first, but once you understand how it works, you’ll realise why it’s a game-changer for cocktails.
In this article, we’ll break down what Angostura bitters are, how they’re used, where they come from, and how beginners can start experimenting with them at home.
What Are Angostura Bitters?
Angostura bitters are a concentrated herbal alcoholic preparation made from a secret blend of herbs and spices. Despite being high-proof (usually around 44.7% alcohol), bitters are used in small amounts—just a few dashes at a time—to enhance the complexity and balance of a cocktail.
They’re not meant to be consumed on their own. Instead, think of them like seasoning for your drinks—just as salt brings out flavour in food, bitters do the same in cocktails.
A Brief History of Angostura
Angostura bitters were first developed in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert, a German surgeon working in the Venezuelan town of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar). Originally created as a medicinal tonic for soldiers, the formula evolved into a staple in cocktail culture.
Today, Angostura bitters are produced in Trinidad and Tobago and are known worldwide for their signature yellow cap and classic label (which, fun fact, is intentionally oversized).
Angostura Bitters Uses
These bitters aren’t just for bartenders—home cocktail enthusiasts can also make the most out of this tiny bottle. Here’s how you can use Angostura bitters:
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Cocktails – Adds depth, bitterness, and spice to both classic and modern recipes.
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Mocktails – A few drops can bring complexity to non-alcoholic drinks.
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Cooking – Use it in marinades, sauces, or even desserts like chocolate cake.
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Digestive aid – Historically used to help with digestion, often added to soda water after a meal.
How to Use Angostura Bitters
When a recipe calls for “a dash” of bitters, it means a literal shake of the bottle—usually around 1/8 teaspoon. Because the flavour is so concentrated, a little goes a long way.
Tips for beginners:
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Start with one or two dashes and taste as you go.
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Bitters work best in drinks that have sweetness or acidity—they help balance the flavour.
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Store the bottle in a cool, dry place. No refrigeration needed.
Must-Try Angostura Cocktail Recipes
Here are a few classic cocktails that rely on Angostura bitters:
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60 ml bourbon or rye whiskey
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1 sugar cube
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2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
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Orange peel for garnish
Muddle sugar and bitters, add whiskey and ice, stir until chilled.
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60 ml rye whiskey
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30 ml sweet vermouth
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2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Trinidad Sour
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30 ml Angostura bitters
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30 ml orgeat syrup
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20 ml lemon juice
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15 ml rye whiskey
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
One Last Dash of Insight
Angostura bitters might be small in size, but they pack serious flavour. This is one bottle worth adding to your lineup. It’s versatile, timeless, and full of history—all in just a few dashes.
Need a bottle? Find Angostura bitters here, along with everything else you need to stock your home bar.
