Homemade Digestive Bitters
"Bitters" is what we call an infusion made from bitter and aromatic plant ingredients such as roots, barks, herbs, seeds, spices, and fruit. They taste... bitter! It turns out that activating the bitter receptors in our mouth and gut stimulates an increase in digestive juice secretions that promote the break down of food for better absorption of nutrients in the body. Not only that, but bitters can also help boost immunity, control sugar cravings, support the liver in detoxifying the body, and promote the metabolism of sugars and fats.
Making your own digestive bitters is super easy and is also a great way to recycle your white Rainbo tincture bottles!
The alcohol used to make bitters should be around 50% ABV. Alcohol is the best solvent for extracting the most out of the bittering agents. Check out your local herbal pharmacy for bittering agents such as gentian root, burdock root, dandelion root, and wormwood. Have fun and play around with the aromatics! Here are some suggested recipes that are perfect for mocktails.
Lavender Bitters
- 1 small handful of dried orange peels
- 1 tsp dried gentian root
- 2.5 Tbsp dried lavender
- 1 inch ginger root
- 1 1/4 cup 50% vodka
Orange Bitters
- 1 handful of dried orange peels
- 1.5 tsp dried gentian root
- 1 tsp cardamom seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp whole all spice
- 1/2 tsp whole cloves
- 1 1/4 cup 50% vodka
Coffee Bitters
- 1.5 Tbsp coffee beans
- 1.5 tsp raw cacao nibs
- 1 tsp dried gentian root
- 1 small handful dried orange peels
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 1 1/4 cup 50% vodka
Directions:
- Put all ingredients in clean jars and seal. Label your jars with the date and type of bitters!
- Keep the jars in a safe spot and shake them every day for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a cheese cloth to remove solids and transfer to your old Rainbo tincture bottle. Label.
- To aid in digestion, bitters should be taken directly before or after meals (in mocktails, cocktails, or directly onto the tongue).
