Bitters and shrubs are both popular ingredients in the world of mixology, adding unique flavors and complexity to cocktails. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two.
Bitters are typically made by infusing a pure grain spirit with a variety of bittering agents, such as fruit peels, spices, roots, or even more unusual ingredients like bark or cassia. The purpose of bitters is to add a bitter element to a cocktail, which can help balance out the sweetness of other ingredients and enhance the overall flavor profile. Bitters are usually quite concentrated and are used in small amounts, often just a few dashes, in cocktails.
Tinctures, on the other hand, are simply botanical, fruit, or vegetable infusions in alcohol, without the addition of any bittering agents. Tinctures allow the flavors of the ingredients to shine through, without the added bitterness. They can be made by steeping the desired ingredient in alcohol for a period of time, allowing the flavors to infuse into the liquid. Tinctures can be used in cocktails in a similar way to bitters, adding depth and complexity to the drink, but without the bitter element.
Shrubs are a different category altogether. A shrub is made by combining fruit juice, sugar, and vinegar. The sugar helps to sweeten the fruit juice, while the vinegar adds a tangy and acidic element. The combination of sweet and sour flavors in a shrub creates a unique taste profile that can be used to add a refreshing and vibrant twist to cocktails. Shrubs are typically made by macerating fruit in sugar, then adding vinegar to the mixture and allowing it to steep for a period of time. The resulting liquid is then strained and can be used in cocktails, often in combination with other ingredients.
Bitters are made with a bittering agent and are used to add bitterness and complexity to cocktails. Tinctures are botanical, fruit, or vegetable infusions without bitterness, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Shrubs, on the other hand, are made with fruit juice, sugar, and vinegar, creating a sweet and sour flavor profile that can be used to add a refreshing twist to cocktails. Each of these ingredients brings its own unique characteristics and can be used to enhance the flavors of cocktails in different ways.