Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsHell's Kitchen Inc.Housemade Aromatic Bitters Recipe

Housemade Aromatic Bitters Recipe

Time30m
Serves20

Brewed for over a month, lightly sweetened with demerara syrup.

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Ingredients

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Herbs and Spices

Liquid Base

Sweetening Agent

Method

Preparation of Bitters

  1. 1

    Combine Ingredients

    In a large glass jar, combine the dried gentian root, dried orange peel, dried wormwood, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and cardamom pods.

  2. 2

    Add Alcohol

    Pour the high-proof alcohol over the combined herbs and spices in the jar until they are fully submerged.

  3. 3

    Infusion Period

    Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Let the mixture infuse for at least 4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to mix the herbs.

Finalizing the Bitters

  1. 4

    Strain Mixture

    After the infusion period, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the mixture into a clean bottle, discarding the solid herbs.

  2. 5

    Add Water

    Add the 250 ml of water to the strained liquid to dilute it slightly.

  3. 6

    Sweeten with Syrup

    Stir in the demerara syrup until fully dissolved and incorporated.

  4. 7

    Bottle and Store

    Transfer the bitters into small dropper bottles or a glass bottle, seal, and store in a cool, dark place. The bitters will develop further flavor over time.

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