As an expert sommelier and brewer, I am well-versed in the world of alcohol and its regulations. When it comes to bitters, which are commonly used in cocktails and other beverages, there is often confusion about whether one needs to be 21 or older to purchase them.
Bitters, despite being classified as alcoholic, typically have an alcohol content ranging from 35% to 45% ABV (alcohol by volume). This puts them on par with many distilled spirits like vodka or whiskey. However, the key difference lies in their usage and the quantities in which they are typically consumed.
In most cocktails and drink recipes, bitters are used sparingly, with just a few drops or a dash added for flavor enhancement. This small amount of bitters contributes only a negligible amount of alcohol to the overall beverage. When you consider that bitters are usually sold in small bottles, often less than 5 ounces, the alcohol content becomes even more diluted.
Due to these factors, bitters are generally exempt from the legal restrictions on alcohol purchase and consumption. In many jurisdictions, including the United States, you do not need to be 21 years old or older to buy them. This is because the potential for misuse or abuse of bitters is significantly lower compared to other alcoholic beverages.
It's worth noting that bitters are also used in non-alcoholic beverages and culinary applications, such as adding flavor to desserts or sauces. In these instances, the alcohol content becomes even more negligible, as it evaporates during cooking or is diluted further by the other ingredients.
Personal experiences have also shown me that bitters are often found in grocery stores, specialty shops, and even online retailers, where they can be freely purchased without age restrictions. The focus is more on the flavor and culinary uses of bitters rather than their alcohol content.
To summarize, while bitters are technically alcoholic, their usage in small quantities and their dilution in various beverages make their overall alcohol contribution minimal. This is why age restrictions are typically not applied to the purchase of bitters. However, it's important to be aware of and adhere to the legal drinking age and regulations in your specific jurisdiction.