The Story of Angostura Bitters
Travel Distilled brings you the story of Angostura Bitters, from its origins in 19th century Venezuela to cocktails which use Angostura Bitters today.
The Story of Angostura Bitters
Angostura Bitters, a small bottle with a big flavor, has a rich history that spans nearly two centuries. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century in the town of Angostura, Venezuela (now known as Ciudad Bolívar), where it was created by Dr. Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, a German surgeon and physician.
Dr. Siegert had arrived in Venezuela in 1820 to serve as a medic in Simón Bolívar’s army during the Venezuelan War of Independence. While tending to soldiers, he became fascinated with the local botanicals and their potential medicinal properties.
Angostura Bitters Experimentations
Dr. Siegert began experimenting with herbs, spices, and roots, aiming to create a tonic that could alleviate stomach ailments and improve digestion among the troops. After four years of trial and error, he perfected his recipe in 1824, blending ingredients like gentian, cinchona bark, and other botanicals to produce a concentrated, aromatic bitters. He named it Amargo Aromático (Aromatic Bitters) after the town of Angostura, where it was first made.
Angostura Bitters Beyond Venezuela
Initially, Angostura Bitters were marketed as a medicinal tonic, but its unique flavor profile quickly caught the attention of locals and travelers alike. By the mid-19th century, it had gained popularity beyond Venezuela, particularly in the Caribbean and Europe, where it was used not only as a digestive aid but also as a flavor enhancer in food and drinks. Its versatility made it a staple in households and bars.
Moving to Trinidad
In 1875, Dr. Siegert’s sons, Carlos and Luis, relocated the production of Angostura Bitters to Trinidad and Tobago due to political instability in Venezuela. They established a distillery in Port of Spain, where the bitters are still produced today. The move to Trinidad proved fortuitous, as the island’s thriving rum industry provided a natural synergy for the product. Angostura Bitters became a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Pink Gin, Champagne Cocktail, and later, the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
Angostura Bitters Bottle and Label
One of the most distinctive features of Angostura Bitters is its iconic bottle and label. The oversized, overprinted label was reportedly the result of a labeling error during production. Instead of discarding the misprinted labels, the company embraced the design, which has since become a trademark of the brand. The bottle itself is small, containing just a few ounces, but its potent flavor means only a few drops are needed to transform a drink.
Over the years, Angostura Bitters has maintained its status as a global icon in the world of mixology. Its complex blend of botanicals, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, gives it a unique flavor that is both bitter and aromatic, making it an indispensable ingredient in countless cocktails. Despite its widespread use in drinks, it remains true to its medicinal roots, often recommended as a remedy for nausea or indigestion.
Angostura Bitters Today
Today, Angostura Bitters is produced by the House of Angostura, a company that has expanded its portfolio to include rums and other spirits. The original recipe, however, remains – what else? a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. The brand’s enduring legacy is a testament to Dr. Siegert’s ingenuity and the timeless appeal of his creation.
From its humble beginnings as a medicinal tonic in a Venezuelan town to its status as a cornerstone of cocktail culture, Angostura Bitters has left an indelible mark on the world of spirits. Its story is one of innovation, resilience, and the enduring power of flavor. Whether in a classic cocktail or a modern mix, a few drops of Angostura bitters continue to elevate drinks and delight palates worldwide.
Angostura Bitters in Cocktails
Angostura bitters are a classic ingredient in many cocktails, adding depth and complexity with their aromatic and slightly spicy flavor. Here are three cocktail recipes that feature Angostura bitters:
1. Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp granulated sugar)
A splash of water (or soda water)
Ice
Orange peel or lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate it with 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
2. Add a splash of water and muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the whiskey.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an orange peel or lemon twist.
2. Pink Gin Cocktail
Ingredients:
2 oz (60 ml) gin
3–4 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice
Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 sugar cube
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
4 oz (120 ml) champagne or sparkling wine
Lemon twist or orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Place the sugar cube in a champagne flute and soak it with 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
2. Slowly pour the champagne over the sugar cube.
3. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or orange peel.
4. Manhattan
Ingredients:
2 oz (60 ml) rye whiskey (or bourbon for a slightly sweeter version)
1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice
Maraschino cherry or lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir well for about 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist.
Buying Angostura Bitters
You can buy Angostura Bitters on Amazon.
Buying Angostura Bitters
You can buy Angostura Bitters on Amazon.
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