Bitters are similar to extracts. They are a highly concentrated liquid with a sharp pungent taste and distinctive aroma. Bitters are made through many processes including steeping and dissolving in alcohol or glycerine, or distillation with spirits. Ingredients include herbs, spices, roots, bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruit, etc. Bitters used as flavorings usually are either aromatic or fruit/vegetable based. They can be either bitter or bittersweet. Bitterness should be derived from a variety of sources such as the bitter pit of pitted fruits or the rinds of citrus fruits. Other flavors can be added to give uniqueness. Finally, the addition of a bittering agent will assist the natural bitterness of the formula. Some of these include: angostura bark, cascarilla, quassia, gentian and quinine.
