Whether it’s at the back of the liquor cabinet, in with the spices or hanging out on the front of the bar, everybody’s got one.

I’m talking about that bottle of Angostura Aromatic Cocktail Bitters. A classic. The original flavoring agent that paved the way for all other bitters.

Originally created by a German physician treating stomach maladies in Venezuela, Angostura bitters was the first blend of its kind to be used in cocktails.

Alcoholic drinks aren’t its only calling, however. Not only will aromatic bitters still calm an upset stomach, a few dashes can help you cure your hunger, when used in the appropriate dishes. There are a number of enticing recipes on the Angostura website. Angostura Shrimp Toasts, and Oriental Grilled Lamb looked pretty tasty to me, but I highly suggest you check out the rest as well.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, the options are almost endless. Looking to use fresh vegetables or spices? There’s a recipe or two (or ten) for that. Maybe you want to use milk, soda, or coffee? They’ve got you covered there, too. You can even mix your bitters with beer!

There’s also the option to experiment and see what happens. You never know what you might come up with, once inspiration strikes.

My point is, Angostura bitters have been sitting pretty at the top of the cocktail kingdom for a long time, and there’s a really good reason for that. Don’t let your bottle sit in the back of the cupboard just waiting for someone to ask for a Manhattan.

A few drops can do so much, and you’d be a fool not to use that kind of flavor to your advantage. There are tons of ideas and resources out there, so get out there and take advantage of them today. Not only is it smart and resourceful, it’s delicious.

Angostura Bitters | Cocktail Bitters | Cocktail Mixers