Bitters may be used in small volume, but they can pack a punch. These craft bitters will add a unique layer of complexity to a classic or signature cocktail.
Fee Brothers Plum Bitters
Rank: #1: Fee Brothers, Plum Bitters
Inspired by British plum pudding, these bitters add fruit and spice to a Manhattan.
Website: http://www.feebrothers.com Price: $10
Rank: #2: Dram, Hair of the Dog Bitters I can’t get over how amazing all of the Dram bitters are. This particular bitter is excellent in club soda or warm tea after a night of imbibing.
Website: http://drambitters.com Price: $18
Rank: #3: Dutch’s Colonial Cocktail Bitters One of the most exciting bitters I’ve had this year. Makes a great all-purpose.
Website: http://dutchsspirits.com/bitters/ Price: $20
Rank: #4: Basement Bitters, Bitter Frost Spices infused in rye marry with maple syrup to make a great addition to any winter cocktail.
Website: http://www.tuthilltown.com/products/aged-spirits/basement-bitters-bitter-frost-hitting-shelves-this-fall Price: $20
Rank: #5: Dram, Wild Mountain Sage The top notes are sage and citrus. Just do it.
Website: http://www.thebostonshaker.com/shop/cocktail-ingredients Price: $18
Rank: #6: Adam Elmegirab, Teapot Bitters Ancient tea and spice routes collide in this hand-crafted bitter. Lots of floral, fennel, cardamom, and nutty tones.
Website: http://bokersbitters.co.uk Price: $25
Rank: #8: Fee Brothers, Black Walnut Bitters This adds a delicious base note to a cold-weather Manhattan.
Website: http://www.feebrothers.com Price: $10
Rank: #9: Adam Elmegirab, Spanish Bitters A revival recipe, these bitters are a product of craft and research. Floral and spicy, they are truly one of a kind.
Website: http://bokersbitters.co.uk Price: $25
Rank: #10: Bar40, Umami Bitters This one is unique, adding savory complexity to a drink.
Website: http://www.thebostonshaker.com/shop/cocktail-ingredients?page=6 Price: $24
Maggie was enchanted by the alchemy of spirits at a ripe young age with her first dram in the Oban distillery in Scotland. Immersing herself in the world of wine, spirits and brewing she started as a bar-back before she could legally drink and dove into sommelier school as soon as she completed her degree in Philosophy at the University of Colorado. She went on to work in the boutique wine, craft brew and spirits world while founding the Denver Brewer’s League, developing a home still and winning the Denver Brewster’s Woman Brewing Competition. She attended the Sieble Institute in Chicago for their first ever course on Craft Distillation and Technologies and became Assistant Distiller at Germain-Robin in California. She is currently in the Level 4 Diploma program for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust out of London and working towards her MW. She holds the position of Head Distiller at Privateer Rum.