T. Higgs Original Handmade Orange Bitters

Back in 2008 we were lucky to have a new neighbor move into the house next door.  Truman Higgins was a furry fluff ball with energy to burn.  He quickly became a regular in the Carondelet Kitchen and was welcomed as a member of our family here in South St. Louis.  When his family moved away, we were again lucky enough to be puppy-sitters for my buddy Truman.  I always said we got old together!  He’s quite a bit older now and not quite the spry puppy he once was but he’s still my buddy and adds spice to our lives just like the bitters that bear his name.

Isn’t it a little odd to think that as recently as 2004 there were only three commercial brands of bitters available in the United States?  Recently, with the rise of celebrity mixologists and the availability of the internet to inspire chefs and amateurs alike, handmade bitters are now available in a variety of tastes.
Bitters are simply a flavoring for cocktails made from infusing roots, barks, fruit peels seeds, spices, herbs, flowers, and botanicals into high proof alcohol.  I like to think of it this way:  bitters are liquid seasoning for drinks.  Think salt and pepper for food and you get the idea.

Our combination of bitter orange peel and several herbs and spices all macerated in alcohol works well with a variety of spirits, from Whisk(e)y and Rum to Vodka and Gin.  Think of it as the perfect complement to bring balance to any cocktail.  You can use bitters to balance a sweet drink and bring unity to the ingredients used in your cocktail as well as giving it an aromatic spiciness.
​
You can easily go out and buy a bottle of bitters but how easy is it to make your own at home and mix it into your own Manhattan or Old Fashioned?   Check out our recipe in the RECIPES tab!

---