I love bitters. A recent afternoon at the Rusty Knot served as confirmation.
Ashley and I recently stopped off at the west-side spot (carefully designed to resemble a dive bar) for some drinks and pretzel dogs. Ashley said she had read about their piña colada and thought I might like it. She ordered one of her favorites, a Dark and Stormy, while I set aside my prejudices and tried the piña coloda. It’s rare for me to order such fruity drink–any rum drink is rare for me these days, actually–and I was even more apprehensive when I saw the glass.
Ashley and I recently stopped off at the west-side spot (carefully designed to resemble a dive bar) for some drinks and pretzel dogs. Ashley said she had read about their piña colada and thought I might like it. She ordered one of her favorites, a Dark and Stormy, while I set aside my prejudices and tried the piña coloda. It’s rare for me to order such fruity drink–any rum drink is rare for me these days, actually–and I was even more apprehensive when I saw the glass.
But she was right. The bitters transformed this potentially average, too-fruity froth into something dark, rich, and wonderful. The experience has inspired me to explore more uses for bitters–and maybe even make up a batch of my own. Anyone ever tried making bitters?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Homemade bitters? Oh wow. Let me know what you come up with.
my dad recently made me try bitters – i had never even heard of it! it's so interesting.
I had never even heard of bitters until a few years ago. A long-ago boyfriend had a mother who was a wonderful Italian lady. I had a stomach ache and she fed me a spoonful of bitters. It was gross, but it did the trick.
I'd love to try making it at home… hrm…
Bitters are incredibly interesting and I love the photos! xo
What perfect timing! I'm headed to NYC over Labor Day, and we've been looking for new places to try. This sounds like my kind of place.
As for the bitters, I think it does add a little something interesting to a drink!
I've never tried making it but I highly encourage you to do so! I love bitters and you're right, it transforms things into even better drinks.
I've never tried making bitters… Have you ever tried a drink – Lemon lime and bitters? Very popular drink in Australia – very refreshing with a slice of fresh lime! Definitely one of the drinks I miss the most living here in the USA.
Bitters are such a great addition to drinks! I'd love to hear how it goes if you try to make your own!
Love the dark and stormys at that place! You've got to try the cookies next time you go. I can imagine the bitters would do wonders for such a usually cloying drink. Have you guys tried the drinks at Prime Meats yet? The guys there seem to make up their own potions and I bet could give you some good tips on whipping up a batch of bitters.
mmm, we've been enjoying americano cocktails during the heat – campari, sweet vermouth and club soda with a nice squeeze of lemon. tastes like summer!
Making really good bitters is a commitment – it is a bit like being a mad alchemist. You have to commit to experimentation and finding pretty esoteric ingredients, and when all is said and done, it's hard to top Angostura, Peychaud + Fee Bro.s.
I used to work at a bar that used custom bitters, but the recipe is a secret!
I totally agree about Prime Meats–great cocktail list. And that americano cocktail sounds just up my alley. Stephanie, I'm not sure if you're making me want to try it more or less!
I love bitters, too, but never would have thought about including them in a pina colada.
Homemade? Color me intrigued. Have you done it?
Aron! I hope that all is well in New York.
I have 3 culinary recommendations that I've been meaning to send you since I left…
1. Lula's Sweet Apothecary
http://www.lulassweetapothecary.com/
2. Moma Restaurant… if you order in the bar you can get half portions for half price.
3. The Plaza Food Hall
http://www.theplazafoodhall.com/
… the butternut squash tortellini was unreal – plus the service was great, it was a lot of fun to order multiple small dishes, and they even made up a platter of dessert samples for us.
I recommended your blog to a few friends visiting NYC this summer.
Keep in touch! Let me know if you and Ashley are ever headed to Western Canada.
Courtney
courtney.spelliscy@gmail.com
I've never had bitters before but it sounds interesting!
hi
I have never made bitters – never even knew you could!
I love the image with the coconut cup – reminds me of our trip last month to fiji where we drank out of real coconuts