Orange bitters facts for kids
Orange bitters are a special kind of flavoring used in many interesting drinks. They are made from things like the peels of Seville oranges, along with spices such as cardamom, caraway seed, coriander, and anise. These ingredients are soaked in alcohol to pull out all their wonderful flavors. Orange bitters are different from the more common Angostura aromatic bitters. Today, orange bitters are becoming very popular again with people who enjoy making unique beverages. Even the famous House of Angostura makes its own orange bitters.
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What Are Orange Bitters?
Orange bitters are a type of "bitters," which are concentrated flavorings. Think of them like a very strong spice extract. Just a few drops can add a lot of taste to a drink. They get their name from the bitter orange peels used to make them, but they also have sweet, spicy, and sometimes earthy flavors from other ingredients. The alcohol helps to pull out and preserve these flavors, making a powerful liquid that can change the taste of a drink.
How They Are Made
Making orange bitters involves soaking dried orange peels and various spices in a strong alcohol base. This process is called "maceration." Over several days, the alcohol absorbs the oils and flavors from the ingredients. After soaking, the liquid is strained to remove the solid pieces, leaving behind the flavorful bitters. Sometimes, a little burnt sugar is added for color and a touch of sweetness.
A Taste of History
For many years, it was quite hard to find orange bitters, especially in places like the United States. Because of this, some old drink recipes that used to include orange bitters stopped using them.
Bringing Bitters Back
In the 1990s, a well-known drink creator named Gary Regan made his own version called Regans' Orange Bitters. He worked with Mark Brown, the main boss of the Sazerac Company, to bring this classic flavor back to life. Since 2006, a company in Germany called The Bitter Truth has also been making all-natural orange bitters. Now, there are many different brands of orange bitters available, which is great for people who love to experiment with flavors.
Mixing and Matching Flavors
Sometimes, people who make special drinks will mix different brands of orange bitters together. They do this to get exactly the right flavor for their drink. For example, a popular mix called a "Feegan's" uses equal parts of Fee Bros West India Orange Bitters and Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6. This mix helps to balance out the very sweet taste of Fee's with the strong cardamom flavor of Regans'. It's like blending different spices to create a perfect seasoning for food.
Making Your Own Orange Bitters
It is also possible to make orange bitters at home! This allows you to create unique flavors that you cannot buy in stores. The process of making homemade orange bitters takes several days, as the ingredients need time to soak and release their flavors into the alcohol. It can be a fun project for someone interested in how flavors work.
Drinks That Use Orange Bitters
Orange bitters are used to add a special touch to many different beverages. They can be found in recipes for classic drinks like the Old Fashioned and the dry martini. They are also used in newer creations, such as the revolver. Just a few drops can make a big difference in the overall taste of these drinks.
