Everyone has their drink of choice, but whether it’s a Negroni, Daiquiri, Old Fashioned or something in between, all the world’s famous cocktails are made a specific way with specific ingredients. Cocktails need something a little sweet or a little tangy to get the taste just right, and that's where syrups and bitters come in. Today we're going to serve up some classic and trending cocktail syrup and bitters recipes for your beverage program.
We scanned recent order data from Provi and picked up some trends worth noting. The top-selling bitters on the platform are brands of Aromatic Bitters, which recently increased market share by a combined 4%. On the side of top selling simple syrups, the fruity blends are reigning supreme! Peach and mango simple syrup brands hold more than 7% of the market share combined.
So grab your mixers, shakers and high school chemistry set as we jump into how you can make your own in-house batch of the top-selling cocktail syrup and bitters with these quick DIY recipes.
Bar Chemistry and Aromatic Bitters Recipe
No, not Angostura bitters. That brand name is practically synonymous with the Old Fashioned, but Angostura is just that—a brand name. Aromatic bitters, on the other hand—the largest and most well-known type of cocktail bitters—is more than just a sweetener for that equally famous cocktail. Its perfect blend of herbs, spices and barks gives it a special touch that can be added to mojitos, rum punch and even beer cocktails. Every bar worth its salt has it on hand, but we’re here to show you a cocktail bitters recipe that’s quick and easy next time you need to stock up.
To mix up your own aromatic cocktail bitters, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 quart jar
- 1 bottle of grain alcohol (the purer the better!)
- 40 drops of gentian flower extract
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 piece of fresh ginger, cut in two
- 4 allspice berries
- 4 whole cloves
Directions:
- Peel the lemon into zest strips.
- Combine zest strips with all other ingredients into your quart jar. Stir well and close tightly, setting aside for two weeks.
- Strain the alcohol from your quart jar into a tight-fitting container.
As long as you keep your cocktail bitters in an airtight container and out of the sun, it will last forever—or at least until your customers get wise to how great it tastes!
Original recipe found on Chowhound.com.
Bar Chemistry and Celery Bitters Recipe
If you think celery is only useful in a Bloody Mary then think again. Other than adding a watery, vegetal side to that well-known hangover potion, when made into a bitters this flavor adds a tasty kick to Gin Gimlets, Martinis, Daiquiris and more.
To mix up your own celery cocktail bitters, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh celery, chopped
- 10 mint leaves
- ¼ cup celery seed
- ¼ cup lemongrass (greens only), chopped
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- ½ tsp gentian root, cut
- 1 allspice berry
- 2 cups 100-proof vodka
- ½ cup water
Directions:
- Add the mint, lemongrass, coriander, allspice and gentian root together in a sealable jar, muddling them slightly.
- Add in the celery seed, celery pieces and vodka. Stir well and seal, letting steep for 12 days. Make sure to shake it daily to mix up those flavors!
- Strain out the solids using a sieve but preserve the liquid in the original jar.
- Place solids in a sauce pan and add ½ cup water and bring to a boil. Cook on medium for 5-7 minutes. Once cooled, return it all to the original jar and let it steep for another 2 days.
- Strain out the solids once again and filter the liquid through a coffee filter until a sealable jar.
As long as you keep your celery bitters in an airtight container, it can be stored up to a year.
Original recipe found on Seriouseats.com.
Bar Chemistry With Peach Simple Syrup
You don’t have to move to the country to get your fix of peaches. Just whip up this peach cocktail syrup recipe in a few minutes and you’ll have Georgia on your mind in no time. Whether you’re stirring up a classic Bellini or Fuzzy Navel, or opting for putting a twist on an old favorite, this is a sweet treat to try.
To mix up your own peach simple syrup, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 4 peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a medium saucepan.
- Bring ingredients to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to a low simmer, cover and let sit for 20 minutes. Do not stir! We want those peaches to stay chunky while the flavors flow.
- After 20 minutes, remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 30 minutes.
- Strain out the syrup and transfer into an airtight container.
This peach simple syrup can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
Bar Chemistry With Mango Simple Syrup Recipe
Let’s stick with the fruit theme but get a little more tropical this time. For a go-to refreshing drink, it’s no secret that the tropics hold prominence: the Pina Colada, Mai Tai and Mojito all top the list when it comes to fruit-inspired cocktails. Mix together this mango simple syrup recipe and you’ve got a way to freshen up some sangria or iced tea or just color up a Martini!
To mix up your own mango simple syrup, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 3 mangos, pitted and sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a medium saucepan.
- Bring ingredients to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to a low simmer, cover and let sit for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 30 minutes.
- Strain out the syrup and transfer into an airtight container.
This mango simple syrup should last you up to two weeks if stored in the fridge, but we’re guessing it’ll be used up in drinks quicker than that!
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