As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide a detailed answer to the question of whether bitters are legal in the United States. Bitters are indeed legal in the US, but there are some regulations and restrictions surrounding their production and sale.
In the United States, bitters are considered non-potable, meaning they are not meant to be consumed on their own but used as flavoring agents in cocktails or other culinary applications. This distinction allows them to be sold in grocery stores rather than being limited to liquor stores.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is the governing body that regulates the production and labeling of bitters in the US. According to TTB regulations, bitters are classified as a specialty product and must contain at least 35% alcohol by volume (ABV) to be considered non-potable. However, it's important to note that the majority of cocktail bitters on the market contain less than 35% ABV.
To comply with TTB regulations, most cocktail bitters manufacturers produce their products with a higher alcohol content and then dilute them with water or other non-alcoholic ingredients to reach the desired flavor profile. This ensures that less than half of the bottle is actual alcohol, allowing them to be sold in regular grocery stores.
It's worth mentioning that there are also non-alcoholic bitters available on the market, which are made without any alcohol content. These can be used as an alternative for those who prefer to avoid alcohol or for recipes where alcohol is not desired.
In my personal experience, I have come across various brands of bitters in grocery stores across the US. They are typically displayed alongside other cocktail mixers or near the alcohol aisle. The packaging and labeling clearly indicate the alcohol content, and it's common to find bitters with ABV ranging between 30% to 45%.
To summarize, bitters are legal in the US, but their production and sale are regulated by the TTB. Most cocktail bitters are classified as non-potable, allowing them to be sold in grocery stores. However, they must still comply with certain alcohol content requirements. Non-alcoholic bitters are also available for those who prefer or require alcohol-free options.