Updated on: 6/3/2025
Are Aromatic Bitters Alcoholic?
Aromatic bitters are a staple in classic cocktails, prized for their ability to add complexity and balance. But questions often arise about their alcohol content and whether they truly count as alcoholic ingredients. To clear up any confusion: yes, aromatic bitters do contain alcohol.
What Are Aromatic Bitters Made Of?
Aromatic bitters are highly concentrated infusions. They are typically created by steeping a blend of roots, spices, herbs, and botanicals in high-proof neutral spirits. This process extracts both the flavor and the aroma compounds, resulting in a powerful flavoring agent.
How Alcoholic Are Aromatic Bitters?
Most commercial aromatic bitters range from 35–50% alcohol by volume (ABV), very similar to whiskey or rum. Well-known brands such as Angostura or Peychaud’s fall into this range. While this level is high compared to liqueurs, bitters are specifically designed for use in drops or dashes, not for sipping on their own.
Impact on Cocktails: Does the Alcohol Matter?
The quantity of bitters used in most drinks is very small—a dash is about 1 ml. Even in cocktails calling for a few dashes, the total alcohol coming from bitters is usually only 2–5 ml, spread across a full serving. For perspective, a standard pour of spirits in a cocktail is usually 45–60 ml.
- Adding 2 dashes (2 ml) of 45% ABV bitters contributes less than 1 ml pure alcohol to the drink.
- For most people, this is a negligible addition to the cocktail’s overall strength.
Can Bitters Be Consumed by Those Avoiding Alcohol?
Because aromatic bitters are alcoholic, they are not suitable for anyone looking to avoid alcohol completely. Even though the quantity in any given drink is very small, those with medical, religious, or personal reasons to avoid alcohol should take note.
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Alcohol-free bitters are available for those who want the flavor complexity without any alcohol content. These are crafted with similar botanicals, but extraction is done with glycerin, vinegar, or water instead of spirits. They offer an option for mocktails and alcohol-free recipes, but the intensity and mouthfeel may differ from traditional bitters.
At a Glance: Key Points About Aromatic Bitters & Alcohol
- Aromatic bitters are alcoholic, usually 35–50% ABV.
- Used in small dashes (1 ml at a time); amount of alcohol per cocktail is minimal.
- Still not safe for those avoiding alcohol entirely.
- Non-alcoholic bitters can be used as a substitute for flavor, with a slightly different result.