Long before they were a bartender's staple, bitters were created as a culinary medicine. For much of history, these heritage botanical preparations were intrinsic to numerous cultural traditions of preventative care. Crafted from bitter herbs, seeds, and roots, and added to beverages consumed every day; these remedies were trusted allies of the culinary medicine chest. They were widely regarded as having the ability to improve digestion and ease gastrointestinal distress.
 
Sometimes simple, often complex - recipes for bitters are steeped in ancient oral tradition - a memory from ancestors long since gone. Recipes such as these were often complex formulations passed down through regions, societies, and family lines.
 
These recipes are my own attempt at revitalizing this art. Crafted with wild, unexpected flavours: these preparations are a celebration of the cocktail bitter, and all of its glorious potential. 
 
 
SUMMER SHOWCASE COCKTAIL BITTERS 
 
GARDEN PARTY
Sun-warmed strawberry and lemon meet fresh basil and a pinch of black pepper in this bright, fruity blend. Light, green, and gently spiced - like a summer table set among the herbs.
Ingredients: Vodka, organic Fragaria x anassa (Strawberry), organic Citrus x limon (Lemon), garden-grown Ocimum basilicum (Basil), Piper nigrum (Black Pepper).
 
 
MEADOWLARK
Wild rose and cardamom unfold in this soft, floral blend: warmed in golden light with just a touch of maple. This cocktail bitter is light, aromatic, and meadow-bright. 
Ingredients: Vodka, locally foraged Rosa acicularis (Wild Rose), organic Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom), Canadian Acer saccarum (Maple) syrup.
 
 
MIDSUMMER MUSE
A herbalist’s take on a classic, our Midsummer Muse Cocktail Bitters is light and herbaceous - the perfect addition to your favourite mojito.
Ingredients: Vodka, organic Citrus x latifolia (Lime), garden-grown Mentha x villosa (Mojito Mint), garden-grown Salvia elegans (Pineapple sage), garden-grown Thymus vulgaris (Thyme).
 
 
PETALS & BRAMBLE
Inspired by Lacey of MahCha Tea, this blend is fresh, delicate, and lightly sweet.
Ingredients: Vodka, Jasmine Green Tea (Camellia sinensis, scented with Jasminum officinale), Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) leaves and berries.
 

RHUBARB REVERIE
Strawberry and rhubarb meet soft vanilla and thyme in these spring-time bitters, made for spritzes, gin, and slow evenings at the table.
Ingredients: Vodka, Jasmine Green Tea (Camellia sinensis, scented with Jasminum officinale), Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) leaves and berries.
 

TRUE ORANGE
Our classic True Orange Cocktail Bitters. Refreshing, bright, and fruity.
Ingredients: Vodka, organic Citrus x sinensis (Orange).
 
 

If you would like to sample the whole collection, our summer showcase is featured in our First Light Cocktail Bitters Collection.