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Best gin drinks made with bitters

When it comes to gin cocktails, there’s plenty of ways to mix things up. From fruity syrups to liqueurs and other spirits; gin goes with almost anything. 

 

But have you tried adding bitters? These tiny drops of concentrated flavour can turn a good cocktail into a great one, making them a must-have in any home bar. 

 

Here we explore some of the best gin drinks made with bitters that you can shake up at home.

what are bitters?

Bitters are highly concentrated tinctures made from a variety of herbs, spices, fruits and other botanicals. Which is probably why they go so well with gin. 

 

They pack a punch in both flavour and aroma, and just a few drops can completely transform a cocktail’s taste. Originally created for medicinal purposes, bitters have become a staple in the cocktail world, adding depth to various well known drinks, the most common of which are the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and of course, the Negroni. 

 

Bitters can bring balance to a cocktail, cutting through sweetness and enhancing the overall flavour profile. They add a layer of complexity that can make a simple drink much more interesting.

 

There are several types of bitters, each of which vary in flavour. The most iconic is Angostura Bitters, known for its spicy, herbal profile. There’s also Peychaud’s Bitters which is slightly sweeter and great for lighter cocktails. Then there’s the flavoured kind. Like Orange Bitters, Chocolate Bitters and even Celery Bitters. The Italians also have their own collection of bitters that are often sipped after dinner to aid digestion. 

 

You can add bitters to almost any cocktail to change its taste. For instance, a few drops of orange bitters can add a bright citrusy note, while Angostura Bitters can introduce a spicy, herbal kick. Experimenting with different types of bitters can be a fun way to discover new flavours and create your own unique cocktails.

 

Now, let’s explore some gin drinks that incorporate bitters, featuring some classic recipes and exciting variations.

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NEGRONI

The Negroni is a timeless classic that perfectly showcases the magic of bitters. Made with equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, this cocktail is beautifully bittersweet.

 

The gin provides a robust botanical base, while the Campari adds a bitter, citrusy bite and the sweet vermouth offers a hint of sweetness. The simple yet elegant blend is then garnished with an orange peel, for a touch of zesty aroma.

 

There’s also plenty of variations on the Negroni that add exciting new flavours to the classic recipe. Try the extra citrus sweet Blood Orange Negroni. Or mix up a Hot Negroni to keep cosy on a cold day.

RECIPE HERE
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GIN sour

The Gin Sour is a refreshing cocktail that balances the tartness of lemon juice with the sweetness of simple syrup and the botanical flavour of gin. Adding bitters enhances it even further, adding depth and complexity. 

 

The classic Gin Sour is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, all shaken together and served over ice. A dash of bitters rounds out the drink, making it more sophisticated and nuanced. 

 

For a fruity take, try the Beefeater Berry Sour, which combines Beefeater Pink Gin with fresh berries to create a vibrant, berry sweet twist. Adding bitters enhances the fruity flavours while balancing the sweet tartness. 

Or for a more tropical twist, try our Coconut Pineapple Gin Sour. This rich, creamy cocktail has a exotic mix of tangy fruitiness, made even more interesting with a dash of bitters to cut through the sweetness.

RECIPE HERE
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martinez

The Martinez is often considered a precursor to the Martini and is a delightful blend of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters. This cocktail is rich and complex, with a lovely balance of sweet and herbal notes. 

 

The gin’s botanical flavours really shine through, complemented by the sweet vermouth’s richness and the maraschino liqueur’s burst of cherry.

gin old fashioned

A Gin Old Fashioned is a lighter, more aromatic twist on the classic whisky based recipe where bitters are a star of the show. This spirit swapping version really highlights the gin’s botanicals. Especially when you use Beefeater London Dry Gin, with notes of clean juniper, sweet citrus and almond.

 

Mix with simple syrup or sugar and a few dashes of bitters before serving over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Then garnish with a twist of orange or lemon peel for a fragrant finish. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of a classic drink with a ginny twist.

beefeater pink strawberry gin spritz cocktail

pink gin spritz

The Pink Gin Spritz is a refreshing, vibrant cocktail that’s made for summer sipping. Beefeater Pink Gin, Prosecco, tonic and elderflower combine to create a light and bubbly drink with a lovely pink hue. 

 

While the original recipe doesn’t include bitters, adding a few dashes can elevate the drink by adding depth and balancing the pink gin’s sweetness. The result is a more complex, sophisticated spritz that’s perfect for serving to a crowd. Build in a large wine glass with plenty of ice and garnish with fresh strawberries.

RECIPE HERE

Bitters are a fantastic addition to any cocktail as a way to enhance flavour and add complexity. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Negroni, a refreshing Gin Sour, or a sophisticated Martinez, bitters are sure to elevate your drinking experience. 

Find more gin cocktail recipes to experiment with including our favourite fruity gin cocktails.

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