Angostura Bitters

Angostura bitters is the most widely used cocktail bitter in the world, recognizable by its oversized label on a small bottle. It was originally formulated in 1824 by a German doctor in the Venezuelan town of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar) as a remedy for stomach ailments. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret. A few dashes transform an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. Despite being 44.7% alcohol, you only ever use it a few drops at a time.

Last modified on October 15, 2026