When I first started scouting out alternative spirits and mixers sans alcohol, bitters were the first ingredient I wanted to learn more about.
One of my favorite cocktails is the Manhattan for its short ingredients list. Though bitters make up only a few dashes of the recipe, they play an integral role in the overall flavor of the drink, giving it the nuance you may not immediately realize.
I then knew I had to find quality alcohol-free bitters because even though I’m not opposed to using a few dashes of “regular” bitters, I knew there had to be some options completely free of alcohol.
DRAM Apothecary was one of the first companies I found to produce non-alcoholic bitters of high quality for low and no-ABV cocktails. I highly recommend trying them if you’re looking for alternatives to traditional bitters.
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What Are Bitters?
Bitters are a highly concentrated liquor infused with herbs, spices, and other plant materials typically used as a cocktail enhancement but not uncommon in some food and dessert recipes.
Bartenders don’t consider bitters the backbone of any cocktail recipe but more like the seasoning to bring out the flavors in the spirits, which are typically the show’s real stars.
Most cocktail recipes only call for a few dashes or drops at most, usually less than one teaspoon; this even applies to some non-alcoholic drinks.
Do Bitters Have Alcohol?
Yes. Most brands, like Angostura Bitters, will contain 35-45% alcohol within each bottle.
However, bitters are considered an extraction product in the US, so most are labeled as non-alcoholic, more closely related to food extracts like vanilla than a spirit like a whiskey.
But just because the alcohol police consider bitters non-alcoholic, and a few dashes are negligible, it doesn’t mean people want to consume them, especially for anyone looking for low-ABV and zero-proof drink options.
Bitters Without Alcohol
With movements like Dry January, the sober curious are driving more innovation and interest in non-alcoholic beverages. More and more companies are catering to this group with unique products; here are a few that I like:
DRAM Apothecary
I use their Black bitters to make Manhattans, but rest assured; they have a full lineup ready for any type of cocktail you’d like to make or simply for use with unflavored sparkling water.
All The Bitter
After not finding quality non-alcoholic bitters on the market, sommeliers Carly and Ian created their own.
All The Bitter only uses organic, functional herbs and can be used in cocktails, sparkling water, coffee, beer, tea, and even non-alcoholic wine!
Try their highly-rated Classic Bitters Trio. You’ll get aromatic, orange, and New Orleans bitters for all your beverage desires.
Bab Louie & Co.
Try their 3-pack sampler of non-GMO and Gluten free bitters for your next round of AF cocktails.
Bab Louie Bitters are a blend of 15 Special botanicals, including fruits, herbs, spices, and roots handpicked from local farms to enhance your beverages of choice.
El Guapo
All products at El Guapo are 100% alcohol-free, including their extensive selection of bitters.
I like their option to build your own bitters set to mix and match what you want, but they have many great options.
Don’t be scared off by the names of the bitters; just read the descriptions to understand their use cases and how be applied to your favorite AF cocktails.
Do I have to Be 21 to Buy Bitters?
No. Even if you’re purchasing bitters with alcohol, because they are more closely associated with extracts, you don’t need to be 21 to buy bitters in person or online.
However, store policies can vary, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked for ID, especially in stores that specialize in liquor like BevMo or Total Wine & More.
What’s Next?
As you can see, a handful of companies are producing some high-quality, alcohol-free bitters for your beverage needs.
Learn how to use bitters to create a non-alcoholic Manhattan, one of my favorite simple ingredients cocktails.
Cheers!