We know that the choices can be a little overwhelming, so here are some tips to help you decide on a kit.
Which flavor is the best?
There is no "best" bitters for all drinks. Some flavors pair better with certain spirits and drink styles than others. Each of our kits comes with spirit pairings and one or more suggested cocktails. Orange, Cherry, and Hibiscus are our most popular flavors.
I like to drink ___________. Which bitters should I use?
Old-fashioned: Angostura is the original recipe for old-fashioneds, but other flavors such as Orange, Cherry, Chocolate, and Sarsaparilla are popular too.
Tiki Drinks: Hibiscus with its anise-forward, sweet and sour flavor is a popular choice for tiki drinks. Smoky barbecue also stands up well to the strong flavors and sweet juices in tiki drinks.
Martini: For classic gin martinis or cold vodka in a martini glass, we recommend the lighter flavor of the Lemon Pepper Bitters. For espresso, apple, or other flavored "martinis" it really depends on the added flavors.
Negroni: A few drops of Orange bitters floated on top will enhance the scent of the drink without adding too much bitterness.
Bloody Mary: Celery bitters is a perfect match.
Tequila/Mezcal: Our Molé Negro bitters are inspired by the flavor of central Mexico's cuisine, and the rich flavor pairs well with the strong, smoky flavor of tequila or mezcal cocktails.
Which kit is best for a beginner?
Our Mini Kits are the simplest and least expensive. Just empty the packet of herbs into a jar and add vodka. Let steep on the shelf or in a sous vide hot water bath. Strain out the herbs and add sweetener for a finished product.
For more variety, our Apprentice Kit includes ingredients to make Orange, Lemon, and Sarsaparilla Bitters. Follow the recipes and add your own fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Bitters Builder Kits focus on groups of similar bitters, such as Citrus (#1), Sour Fruits (#2), Spicy (#3), and Woodsy (#4). Each kit includes larger quantities of ingredients for experimenting with several batches.
Mad Scientist, Ira Remsen, and Alchemist Kits are the most advanced and offer the most flexibility for creating bitters from recipe books.
I want to make ________ recipe. Which kit has all of the ingredients I need?
Each kit lists all of the ingredients that are included. If you are looking for a specific ingredient, check the list in our Custom Bitters Kit, we may have the item you need.
