I picked up a bottle of bitters today to make some cocktails. Reading the bottle I was surprised to see it had recommendations for use other than adult beverages. I have never heard of it being used in anything but. Has anyone here used it for something different? Like in a salad?

I've only ever used it when making an Old Fashioned. I'm not sure I'm interested in trying it on food.

Stomach upset, I think, is a use.

Orange bitters seems to add a smoothness to my 5:1 martinis. They've also been used in vinaigrettes here.

I used to hang out with a guy who would always drink bitters an soda. It was actually sort of good.

I've used it to stop hiccups

Only used them in Manhattans... sipping one now...

I've heard of it being used in marinades, but I've never had anything prepared with it.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
I've used it to stop hiccups

If they occured after shore leave, you probably needed to see doc

quote:

Originally posted by NMPinNYC:
Only used them in Manhattans... sipping one now...

Occasional Manhattan for me too. Never occurred to me to look for other uses for the bitters

My wife and I toured the “House of Angustura” where the bitters is made on our honeymoon. They are basically rum steeped with a ton of secret spices, hence why they keep effectively forever. The tour guide said people on the island used them over their morning eggs, in many other cocktails and certain fish dishes. I do like to add a few dashes of bitters to a Rum and Coke, knocks back the sweetness a bit and makes it a lot better to my palate. I’ve had the same bottle that we bought there for 17 years now (it is bigger than you typically find in the stores).

quote:

Originally posted by ChuckWall:
Stomach upset, I think, is a use.

Former professional bartender here. Always bartender in clubs though, which means I never made old fashioneds except for myself of course.

Bitters are awesome for tummy aches, alcohol induced and otherwise. I have a bottle that I keep just for that reason. Mix it with some ginger ale and sour stomach is gone.

quote:

Originally posted by mbinky:

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
I've used it to stop hiccups

If they occured after shore leave, you probably needed to see doc

Doc was all about issuing 800 motrin, some throat lozenges and telling us to hydrate

Sounds like an Old-fashioned is in order for tonight.