Angostura: What angostura bitters do and how to use them
Here’s a quick fact: Angostura bitters started as a medicine in the 1800s and now show up in classic cocktails and home kitchens. They’re a concentrated blend of botanicals — bark, spices and herbs — mixed with high-proof alcohol. That strong, bitter flavor is tiny in volume but big in effect: a dash changes a drink, and a few drops can nudge digestion after a heavy meal.
How to use Angostura
Most people know Angostura from bars. A dash or two in a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or even a citrus soda lifts other flavors without adding sweetness. In cooking, a drop or two can balance rich sauces, marinades or stews the way lemon or vinegar does. For digestion, traditional use and a handful of small clinical reports suggest bitters help reduce bloating and speeding up gastric emptying. Practical dosing is tiny: start with one dash (about 6–8 drops) in a drink, or 2–5 drops in a teaspoon of water after a meal if you want the digestive effect. Don’t expect a magic fix — it’s a mild aid, not a treatment for long-term GI issues.
Safety and side effects
Angostura contains alcohol, so avoid giving it to children, and be cautious if you need to drive or avoid alcohol entirely. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should skip it or check with a clinician first because of the concentrated botanicals and alcohol content. Allergic reactions are rare but possible if you react to spices or tree bark. Very large amounts can irritate the stomach; stick to the tiny drops recommended above. If you’re on medication, especially drugs that affect the liver or stomach acid, ask your doctor before using bitters regularly — interactions are uncommon but can happen.
If you want to use Angostura for digestion, treat it like a light home remedy: try it for a week or two after big meals and note any changes. If symptoms persist or you have severe pain, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss or ongoing heartburn, see a healthcare professional — bitters are not a substitute for medical care.
Pick your bottle carefully. The original Angostura aromatic bitters have a distinct flavor profile; cheaper knock-offs or other brands can taste quite different. Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place. Opened bottles keep well for years thanks to the alcohol, but if the aroma fades or the scent turns odd, it’s time to replace it.
Bottom line: Angostura is versatile. Use a dash to boost cocktails, a few drops to balance food, and consider a small drop after meals for mild digestive relief. Keep amounts tiny, avoid use in kids and pregnancy, and talk to a clinician if you have chronic digestive problems or take regular medication.
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13.05.23
Alistair Mukondiwa
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