Oregon is a mecca for lovers of adult beverages. Beyond fabulous wine, we find craft beer, small batch distilled spirits, and would you believe even Oregon made cocktail bitters?
I was so excited I did a special spot on KGW Portland Today highlighting two brands of Oregon made cocktail bitters – The Bitter Housewife and Portland Bitters Project. See the clip and keep reading for more info.
What Are Cocktail Bitters?
Bitters are one of the key flavor components of a traditional cocktail. They add balance and a whole other layer of cool flavors. Think of them like the spice rack for your cocktail bar.
![Oregon Made Cocktail Bitters - The Perfect Cocktail](https://i2.wp.com/tastingpour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Oregon-Made-Cocktail-Bitters-The-Perfect-Cocktail.png?resize=472%2C571&ssl=1)
credit – The Bitter Housewife
But Seriously What ARE Bitters?
Very simple explanation with a complex array of explosive flavors. Basically bitters are the result of steeping (or soaking) spices, fruit, and botanicals in a base alcohol – like vodka- until the alcohol soaks up the flavor, and then straining the solids out. There is some water dilution and some sugar to round out the bitter.
![Making Bitter Housewife](https://i2.wp.com/tastingpour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Making-Bitter-Housewife.jpg?resize=680%2C510&ssl=1)
Making Bitter Housewife
But think about all of the spices and botanicals that exist and then think about the different combinations of blends… Here is just an array of flavors from The Bitter Housewife and Portland Bitters Project.
Portland Bitters Project
~ Rose ~ Woodland (made with Oregon Douglas Fir!) ~ Aromatic ~Cacao
![Portland Bitters Project](https://i0.wp.com/tastingpour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Portland-Bitters-Project.jpg?resize=647%2C554&ssl=1)
credit Liz Obert
The Bitter Housewife
~ Cardamom ~ Orange ~ Old Fashioned ~Grapefruit
![Oregon Made Cocktail Bitters - The Bitter Housewife](https://i2.wp.com/tastingpour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Oregon-Made-Cocktail-Bitters-The-Bitter-Housewife-e1533062204370.jpg?resize=680%2C544&ssl=1)
credit – The Bitter Housewife
Oregon Made Cocktail Bitters Make Me Want To Play
How about you? First here are the links so you can learn about all the flavors and where to find them.
Links
The Bitter Housewife
Portland Bitters Project
Then here is ratio guide so while you experiment, your cocktail stay balanced.
![Oregon Made Cocktail Bitters - The Perfect Ratio](https://i2.wp.com/tastingpour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Oregon-Made-Cocktail-Bitters-The-Perfect-Ratio.png?resize=474%2C557&ssl=1)
credit – The Bitter Housewife
We will share our experiments. Please share yours!!!
“The spice rack for your cocktail bar.” That’s a genius way of describing it. And I loved that dress you were wearing. You’re so darn cute on TV!!!
Ha ha. I stole that from Bitter Housewife. I thought it was a playful and accurate description. I love that dress too! Coral pink is my favorite summer color!