Cocktails with Vanilla bitters
Vanilla bitters are cocktail bitters flavored mainly with vanilla, dashed in as an aromatic accent.
ABV: Strength varies a lot by maker, and no single figure describes the category. It makes no difference to the drink either way — these go in by the dash.
How it's used
Vanilla without the sugar that usually comes with it. A couple of dashes add the aroma and leave the sweetness to the rest of the drink. It suits fruit drinks such as those built on passion fruit, as well as flips and dessert drinks.
Substitutes for Vanilla bitters
Vanilla extract and aromatic bitters
Add the extract a few drops at a time and taste. Extract brings the vanilla, and a dash of Angostura or another aromatic bitters puts the bitterness back.
A barspoon is enough for the vanilla. Cut any plain syrup by the same barspoon.
Storage
Vanillin is stable, so the bottle keeps its aroma for a long time. Bitters made with natural vanilla can throw a fine dark deposit; it is harmless, so give the bottle a gentle roll before use.
