Angostura

The Pioneer of Cocktail Bitters

Every once in a while, there are brands that shape their entire industry. Angostura is one of those pioneering brands. The original cocktail bitters were created in 1824 by Dr. Johan Siegert, who moved to Angostura, Venezuela, to work as the Surgeon General to the armies of Simón Bolívar. The little tincture bottles were originally meant as a remedy to stomach ailments, but people soon began to recognize what they could offer to food and drink in terms of just pure flavor. Eventually, that became the bitters’ main purpose, and the promotion of them as a medical cure ceased.

Angostura Aromatic Bitters Gains International Recognition

Year after year, Angostura Bitters increased in popularity as an ingredient for food and cocktail recipes. Angostura Aromatic Bitters was awarded the Medal of Excellence in Vienna, Austria, in 1873, and the gold medal for Product Excellence at the World Trade Fair in Philadelphia, USA, in 1876. The brand even became the direct supplier to English monarchs King George V and Queen Elizabeth II!

Angostura developed alongside cocktail culture with the invention of classic cocktails like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned, as well as the rise of tiki cocktails. It actually wasn’t until 2007 that the brand began producing other flavors, like Angostura Orange Bitters.

How to Use Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Professional bartenders and mixologists depend on Angostura Bitters for all types of cocktail recipes on a daily basis. These cocktail bitters are an essential part of any bar. Even the casual cocktail enthusiast can add a few dashes of Angostura to gin, vodka, whisky, and rum-based drinks at home! These bitters can even act as ingredients in meat marinades and glazes, soups, and dips. Also try using Angostura Orange Bitters or Cocoa Bitters in baking recipes.