Ahhh bitters, the spices that bring a bit of zing and zest to many cocktails. Whether it's Angostura, orange, or any other favorite, bitters are an essential element to a successful drink.
But what's the exact measurement when a recipe calls for “a dash of bitters”? That is the question. Let's explore how a dash is measured and the common uses for bitters in a cocktail.
What Are Bitters?
Bitters are an alcoholic beverage that are made from herbs, spices, fruits, roots, and barks. The most popular form of bitters are those used in mixed drinks, such as the original Angostura bitters. This typically involve a combination of alcohol, water, flavoring agents and other ingredients to produce a unique taste and aroma.
When mixed into drinks, bitters add notes of citrus, herb and spice, as well as helping to balance and highlight the flavors of the alcoholic base spirit used. Bitters are usually added by the dash, which is a unit of measurement equal to about 1/8 teaspoon. The exact amount of bitters you may want to add to a cocktail will depend on your individual taste, so start out with a small amount and adjust according to personal preference.
How Is a Dash of Bitters Measured?
A dash of bitters is a type of liquid flavoring typically added to cocktails or other alcoholic beverages. It is measured in small, imprecise amounts, and is usually added in a single splash, commonly referred to as a “dash”.
This measurement is extremely small, usually between an eighth teaspoon to a full teaspoon, depending on the person pouring the bitters. When using a teaspoon or measuring spoon to measure out a dash of bitters, it is best to measure it out just before adding it to the drink, to ensure accuracy and the correct amount of flavor. Alternatively, you can just measure by eye and develop your skill over time with practice.
Common Uses of Bitters in Cocktails
Bitters are a key component of many cocktails, providing a curious flavor to drinks that may otherwise be overly sweet. Commonly used bitters include orange bitters, Angostura bitters, and peach bitters. They can also be used to round out a drink, adding layers of complexity and masking nuances of the spirits or other ingredients being used.
Bitters are often used to provide an herbal, medicine-like flavor to cocktails, and a dash of bitters can be used as a finishing touch in a variety of drinks. Bitters can be used to add an aromatic flavor to a traditional martini and act as an extra ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan. A small dash of bitters can also be added to light, fruity drinks to provide a more complex flavor. The right amount of bitters can really bring out the best in a drink and add a new dimension of flavor.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, bitters are a powerful flavoring agent that can be used to bring out and enhance flavors in your food and cocktails. Although the quantity of a dash of bitters is small, its potency ensures that it can make a big difference in the flavor of whatever you’re working with. Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or just experimenting in your home kitchen, bitters can be a great addition to your culinary experience.
