Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Angostura Aromatic Bitters is a concentrated 44.7% ABV aromatic cocktail bitters produced by the House of Angostura in Trinidad. Its recipe traces back to Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German surgeon who served in Simón Bolívar's army; Siegert began selling this bitters in 1824 in the Venezuelan town of Angostura (present-day Ciudad Bolívar). The full recipe remains a closely guarded secret to this day.

How is it used?

Angostura bitters is not meant to be drunk neat, but used in a few drops to add depth to drinks. The producer states that the bitters adds complexity to a drink, intensifies the taste of other ingredients, and balances the sharpness of sour or harsh components. It is an essential ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Pink Gin and Mai Tai; a few drops added to soda or tonic water can also make a light drink.

Why is its bottle so recognisable?

Its oversized label, which overhangs the bottle, and its yellow cap make it instantly recognisable behind any bar. The label features the medal the brand won at the 1873 Vienna World's Fair.

What food does it pair with?

As a flavouring, it is not paired directly with food but through the cocktail it is used in. Alongside whiskey-based cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, roasted nuts and mature cheeses make a classic accompaniment.