Have you discovered the delicious and intense flavors of bitter drinks? It’s an experience you should dare to enjoy.
Not only do they awaken your palate, but they also stimulate your appetite, especially during aperitif hour.
There are many drinks of this style, ranging from the classic Negroni to the Manhattan or the famous Garibaldi.
In this article, you’ll find an exquisite selection that you deserve to try at least once in your life. Why?
They are simply a spectacular gastronomic experience that allows you to discover a world of sensations.
All are truly pleasant for your taste. Try them, and you’ll see it’s true.
Table of contents
Flavor Categories of Bitter Drinks
You may be wondering, what makes bitter drinks so special? Well, it’s a combination of ingredients that makes them unique.
Among them are bitters or flavor elixirs made through an infusion of flowers, barks, roots, berries, and other botanical elements.
These give your liquor-based drinks that incredible touch. There are many types, as you’ll see below.
Aromatic
This category of extract is key to achieving complete harmony on your palate, as it balances the flavors.
It also envelops you with pleasant notes of spices, such as exotic nutmeg, warm cinnamon, and captivating clove.
Citrus
You could say that orange is the star of this group, as it’s the most used. But any citrus fruit can add its essence.
From delicate Meyer lemon to refreshing grapefruit or intriguing yuzu, all of them give your drinks a unique twist.
Spiced
They provide warm and intensely woody flavors that transform your sensory experience into something incredible.
The spotlight always falls on spices, such as allspice and cinnamon.
Nutty
They include a variety of delicious aromas like pistachio, almond, walnut, pecan, and many more.
Dare to infuse your drinks with these bitters or tinctures to personalize and enhance their flavors.
Herbal
With these bitters, composed of plants, each sip makes you feel like you’re in a garden full of freshness.
They always have a dominant herbal flavor, whether it’s lavender essence, thyme, mint, tarragon, etc.
Wildcards
Aside from the classics, there are other exceptional flavor extracts you can add to your drinks.
An example? Chocolate or coffee bitters, along with other exclusive options that will surely delight your palate.
Must-Try Bitter Drink Recipes
Are you craving bitter drinks now? In that case, check out this list of must-haves, although there are many more.
1. Negroni
This famous Italian cocktail is made with the distinctive Campari, fresh orange juice, and exquisite vermouth.
All in equal parts, giving it a sophisticated and balanced flavor that you’ll enjoy once you try it.
The combination of gin and Campari gives this drink bitter notes with hints of fruit and spices.
Meanwhile, the red vermouth adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. How to prepare it? It couldn’t be easier. Watch below.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce of dry gin
- 1 ounce of sweet red vermouth
- 1 ounce of Campari
Step-by-step
Mix equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with plenty of ice until well chilled.
Strain and serve in a rocks glass or a martini glass. If you prefer a milder version, add more ice. Finish with an orange peel for a citrus touch.
2. Garibaldi
This drink is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a revolutionary figure who fought for the unification of Italy.
It’s made with Milanese Campari and Sicilian orange juice, ingredients that evoke the essence of the country’s north and south.
Its foamy texture not only satisfies the taste buds but also transforms the experience of each sip.
It’s perfect to enjoy during brunch or as an irresistible sweet, smooth, and refreshing aperitif.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of orange juice
- 1 ½ ounce of Campari
- 1 slice or peel of orange
Step-by-step
In a tall glass or elegant Collins glass filled with ice, pour the Campari. Then, add the delicious orange juice.
Stir well to blend and intensify the flavors. The perfect final touch is adding an orange slice or peel to the drink.
3. Americano
This classic drink is a simple combination of Campari, vermouth, and soda water, and it’s the predecessor to the famous Negroni.
It takes you back to Italy in 1860, due to its roots, as it was born in a bar in Milan called Caffe Campari.
It’s at this very place that all the iconic drinks that left a mark on the cocktail world were created.
You must try this authentic legacy to delight your palate. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce of Campari
- 1 ½ ounce of red vermouth
- Carbonated water
- 1 orange wedge or slice
Step-by-step
Pour the measures of Campari and vermouth into a tall glass filled with ice. Complete your delicious drink with carbonated water.
Gently stir to combine the flavors and finish the presentation by garnishing with an orange wedge.
4. Espresso Martini
This is a cold drink that combines the strong, energizing flavor of caffeinated espresso with the elegance of vodka.
It’s perfect for treating yourself after a long day and staying energized during a night out.
Would you like to try this delicious 90s classic? Here’s the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce of vodka
- 1 ounce of espresso
- 1 ounce of coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
- Cocoa powder
- Coffee beans
Step-by-step
In a cocktail shaker, mix the vodka with the strong espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
Shake vigorously until the outside feels cold, and a delightful and attractive foam forms.
Double strain and serve in a cocktail glass. Garnish the top, with half covered in cocoa powder and the other half with coffee beans.
5. Classic Manhattan
One of the most legendary and simple bitter drinks is undoubtedly this one, made with whiskey, dry vermouth, and bitters.
It has a high alcohol content, so it’s best to drink in moderation to avoid getting dizzy while savoring its flavor.
It can be made with either rye whiskey or bourbon, the latter being preferred by many for its sweeter taste. Try it with whichever you like best.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- ½ ounce of Cynar amaro
- ¾ ounce of sweet vermouth
- Maraschino cherries
Step-by-step
In a large mixing glass, combine the listed amounts of whiskey, amaro liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
Stir the ingredients and then pour the strained mixture into a cocktail glass. Adorn your drink by adding two cherries.
6. Paloma
Imagine a margarita, but much smoother and with a delightful grapefruit flavor. That’s this refreshing cocktail.
Considered by many in Mexico as the best of the bitter drinks, it combines the freshness of tequila with the tangy flavor of the pink fruit.
You won’t want to miss the experience of trying it.
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 2 ounces of tequila
- 2 ounces of grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces of sparkling water
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 grapefruit wedge
- 1 lime slice
Step-by-step
Start by rubbing a lime slice along the rim of the glass where you’ll serve your drink. Then, dip it in salt, turning to coat the rim.
Fill the glass with ice and add the tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Top with sparkling water and gently stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge for a final touch.
7. Aperol Spritz
This is an Italian cocktail classic, also known as the Venetian Spritz, captivating with its bittersweet flavor.
It evokes the essence of caramelized orange and refreshing tart rhubarb, perfect for the warmer months.
Treat yourself to this iconic drink made with herbal liqueur and easy to prepare. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Aperol
- 3 ounces of Prosecco
- 1 ounce of sparkling water
- Orange slices
Step-by-step
Add ice to a wine glass, then place it in the fridge for about 30 seconds to get it extra cold.
Once chilled, add the Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water. Gently stir to blend the flavors.
To enhance your drink, garnish with a fresh, juicy orange slice. Simple, right?
Prepare these delicious bitter drinks now; they’re a true pleasure. It would almost be a sin to leave this world without trying them.