The last few years have seen a phenomenal surge of interest in what was previously a lost category: cocktail bitters are intensely concentrated concoctions designed so that just a few drops can hugely enhance the flavour of the libation to which they are added. This is now a thriving category with new products appearing constantly.
A rum based bitters from Adam Elmegirab, formulated with tea at the forefront with Black Tea and Yerba Mate joined by hazelnuts, citrus peel, vanilla, ginger and more.
A Christmas bitters from Adam Elmegirab, inspired by some experiments conducted by Dr. Heather Duncan. Made with "the finest seasonal fruits" and spices.
A new style of bitters created by Fee Brothers for their ever increasing range - Black Walnut. It's got the bitterness of black walnuts with nutty notes and a whole host of spice.
An original bitters from Fee Brothers, kings of the cocktail additive. This one not only has the titular lemon but also lemongrass to add a bit of zing to your drinks.
Essential kit for bartenders and amateur mixing enthusiasts alike, and a vital ingredient in a string of classic cocktails including Mai Tai, Singapore Sling, Old Fashioned etc
An essential ingredient in the Ramos Gin Fizz, the non-alcoholic Orange Flower Water is also delicious when a few drops are added to champagne or sparkling wine.
Intense Coriander bitters from bespoke producer Bob. Bob's Bitters focus on creating concentrated individual flavours to create an intense essence of each specific aromatic, eschewing the normal practice of using lots of different ingredients.
Delicious fresh-tasting ginger bitters from bespoke producer Bob. Bob's Bitters focus on creating concentrated individual flavours to create an intense essence of each specific aromatic, eschewing the normal practice of using lots of different ingredients.
To-die-for choccy bitters from bespoke producer Bob. Bob's Bitters focus on creating concentrated individual flavours to create an intense essence of each specific aromatic, eschewing the normal practice of using lots of different ingredients.
Unusual, highly-sought-after liquorice bitters from bespoke producer Bob. Bob's Bitters focus on creating concentrated individual flavours to create an intense essence of each specific aromatic, eschewing the normal practice of using lots of different ingredients. These could work very well with whisky or bourbon cocktails if Tony C's Liquorice Sour is anything to go by.
Amazingly flavoursome citrus bitters from bespoke producer Bob. Bob's Bitters focus on creating concentrated individual flavours to create an intense essence of each specific aromatic, eschewing the normal practice of using lots of different ingredients. Legend has it that some 20 year-old orange peels are used in the creation of these bitters.
Boutique single varietal peppermint bitters from the secretive producer known as Bob, who creates individually-flavoured bitters as opposed to the more traditional method of blending lots of different ingredients together.
Handmade cardamon (aka cardamom) bitters from bespoke producer Bob. Bob's Bitters focus on creating concentrated individual flavours to create an intense essence of each specific aromatic, eschewing the normal practice of using lots of different ingredients.
A blend of flavours dominated by Tahitian vanilla, but backed up with cocoa and bitter chocolate. An excellent accompaniment to bourbon and less sweet dark spirits.
Wildly popular grapefruit bitters from bespoke producer Bob. Bob's Bitters focus on creating concentrated individual flavours to create an intense essence of each specific aromatic, eschewing the normal practice of using lots of different ingredients. These grapefruit ones are meant to be amazing with tequila or white rum.
Another excellent addition to The Bitter Truth's ever-expanding stable of essential cocktail ingredients, these grapefruit bitters have been produced in collaboration with the American specialist bitters producers Bittermens.
The craze for more varieties of bitters shows no sign of abating (hurrah!). These Creole bitters from the fanatics at The Bitter Truth look set to continue the revival of a bartending tradition that looked dead and buried a few years ago.