Angostura Bitters-Glazed Popcorn Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

How do you use Angostura bitters in food? ›

So use them at the start: in the base of soups, or whisked into homemade vinaigrettes. Used at the right time, Angostura bitters provide the footing for varying flavors to meld together into something unified, deep, and complex. Even when—especially when—those flavors seem as far apart as England and the Caribbean.

Think of bitters like salt and pepper for a co*cktail: a sprinkle of seasoning that balances out the flavors of a dish. “Bitters are a wonderful way to augment the flavor profile of a drink,” says Lauren Mote, an award-winning mixologist and co-founder of Bittered Sling Bitters.

In the United States, it is best known for its use in whiskey co*cktails – old fashioneds, made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water, and Manhattans, made usually with rye whiskey and red vermouth. In a pisco sour, a few drops are sprinkled on top of the foam, both for aroma and decoration.

Many classic co*cktails, like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, call for a dash or two of Angostura to add bitterness and spice. A dash is anywhere between ⅛ and ¼ of a teaspoon. Be careful not to add too much as the bitters are strong in flavor and could overwhelm your co*cktail.

However, there's no need to refrigerate bitters. Even though there are organic compounds in bitters, the amount of alcohol acts as a natural sterilizer and preservation agent. So, feel free to leave it on your bar cart or in your liquor storage cabinets without having to worry.

Large doses of angostura might cause nausea and vomiting.

Your stomach contains different chemicals like pepsin and stomach acid that help you break down food. Bitters can make your stomach release more gastric juice. This can help with heartburn, cramping, and indigestion.

Once open, exposure to oxygen will cause the bitters' flavour to change, while heat will cause evaporation of the alcohol. Stored in a cool, dry location, you could in theory keep the same bottle for five years or longer. It won't spoil or be harmful to your health.

Bitters should be avoided by people with certain health conditions or anyone who's pregnant. Bitters may also interact with certain medications and should not be used by children. Always speak with your doctor about possible interactions of medicinal herbs and plants with your current medication.

“Excessive use can also cause cold damage to the digestive system, leading to digestive problems such as heartburn, excessive acid reflux, stomach upset, wheezing, and tongue irritation. “Certain herbs used in digestive bitters may cause sensitivities or allergies in some people.

Are Angostura bitters good for your stomach? ›

When your digestion needs a little support, bitters can facilitate stomach acid and act as a digestive aid. This can not only ease indigestion, but also heartburn, nausea, cramping, bloating, and gas.

The world of co*cktails has a similarly essential ingredient: bitters. A few drops of these potent tinctures can take a co*cktail from average to delightfully complex, adding dimension and balance to the drink. Bonus: You can deploy them to soothe an upset stomach (more on that in a minute).

When I was a waitress and had that problem, someone suggested a teaspoon in a glass of 7-UP or just club soda. It worked immediately.” Angostura bitters have been sold for more than a century as a digestive aid.