Homemade Bitters (Selbstgemachte Bitter)
- 1 cup high-proof alcohol (like vodka or grain alcohol)
- 2 tablespoons dried orange peel
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried wormwood
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (optional)
- Filtered water (as needed for dilution)
- Glass jar for infusion
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Homemade bitters are a concoction of aromatics infused in high-proof alcohol, which are used to add flavor and complexity to cocktails and mocktails. The process involves macerating various herbs, spices, and botanicals, such as orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, in a strong spirit like vodka or grain alcohol. After a period of steeping, the flavors are extracted, the solids are strained out, and the resulting liquid is a potent bitters. Often, a sweetening agent like simple syrup or caramel is added. The bitters can be aged for several weeks to mellow and combine the flavors. They're a staple in any mixologist's repertoire and can elevate simple drinks to sophisticated cocktails.
Introduction:
Set your bar collection apart with these homemade CR-Inspired Maple-Infused Bitters by Truffles On The Rocks. These unique bitters, infused with an inventive selection of spices and a hint of maple, will elevate your cocktails to new heights. Whether you're perfecting a Sazerac or adding a twist to your favorite mixed drinks, these bitters are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp dried cherries
- 1 tsp star anise
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tsp gentian root
- Small toasted maple wood chip
- 350 ml vodka
- 1 drop mint essence
Equipment:
- Cream whipper
- NO2 cartridges (x2)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Nut milk bag (optional)
- Coffee filter (optional, for clarification)
Instructions:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour resting time
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 350 ml of bitters
1. Add the dried cherries, star anise, fenugreek seeds, gentian root, and the small toasted maple wood chip into the cream whipper.
2. Pour the vodka over the spices and wood chip in the cream whipper.
3. Seal the cream whipper and charge it with one NO2 cartridge, shake for 20 seconds.
4. Charge the whipper again with a second NO2 cartridge and shake for an additional 20 seconds.
5. Allow the mixture to infuse for 1 hour at room temperature.
6. After 1 hour, vent the cream whipper to release the gas all at once. Be careful as the liquid may spray out.
7. Once the gas is fully released, open the cream whipper and check the infusion. If there's a fizzing sound, similar to Rice Krispies, allow it to settle for about 15 minutes before proceeding to filter.
8. Add one drop of mint essence to the mixture. Even a small amount will significantly enhance the final flavor.
9. Use a fine mesh strainer to filter the bitters into a clean container. Optionally, you may then filter through a nut milk bag to further extract flavors.
10. For a clearer product, run the bitters through a coffee filter before bottling.
Cooking Tips:
- When using a pint-size cream whipper, perform the release of the gas over a sink to avoid messes.
- A nut milk bag can help extract the maximum amount of flavor from your solid ingredients after the first strain.
- You can enjoy the bitters immediately after making, but the flavor may mature and improve over the following days.
Remember to check out Truffles On The Rocks for more innovative recipes:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TrufflesOnTheRocks
YouTube channel - Truffles On The Rocks: https://www.youtube.com/@TrufflesOnTheRocks
Homemade Bitters (Selbstgemachte Bitter)
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