Angostura Aromatic Bitters is a highly concentrated food and beverage flavoring essential to an untold number of classic cocktails. Made from a secret formula, it is a unique and highly secret blend of more than 40 spices and botanicals.

That “secret” was developed in 1824 by Dr. J.G.B. Siegert, the surgeon general in Simon Bolivar’s army in Angostura, Venezuela. He used his aromatic bitters as a medical elixir to improve appetite and digestive well-being of his soldiers. In time, the bitters were adopted by the 19th century American bartending community to add complexity to cocktails.

In 1875, production of Angostura moved to Trinidad, where they are still produced according to the same storied recipe. As the world’s quintessential aromatic bitters, Angostura adds depth, intensifies the flavor of other ingredients, and counteracts acidity and alcohol heat in cocktails.

A few dashes of Angostura bitters are required in classic Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Mai Tais, making a bottle of Angostura a must-have ingredient at your home or commercial bar. Add a dash of bitters (or two) to everything from cocktails to haute cuisine and enjoy the unique savoriness that is unmistakably Angostura!

Note: Angostura bitters are also available in and bottles.