Let’s settle this once and for all! How much is a dash of bitters? Find the answer below!
You’re trying out a new cocktail recipe, and you realize that it calls for a dash of bitters. What does that even mean? A drop? A pour? An exact amount?
As it turns out, there is both a short and long answer to this question. The truth is, it actually highly depends on your own personal taste and the type of cocktail that you’re making! Will the bitters be an anchor flavor to the cocktail, or simply add a touch of depth? Do you enjoy stronger flavors, or just a light touch from your bitters?
The answer to these questions often come from trial and error. Experimenting with the same recipe and trying out different amounts is the key to creating the perfect cocktail. Still, how much is a dash of bitters exactly?
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Table of Contents
- What Are Bitters?
- How Much is a Dash of Bitters?
- Tips for Measuring Bitters
- How Much Alcohol is in a Dash of Bitters?
- What to Make with Bitters
What Are Bitters?
In short, bitters are essentially flavor-infused spirits. They have a bittersweet and aromatic flavor and are used to add depth to cocktail recipes.
This alcoholic preparation is typically created by infusing a neutral, high-proof liquor with an aromatic, such as spices, roots, bark, leaves, fruit, and/or herbs.
How Much is a Dash of Bitters?
For those of us who like an exact amount in our recipes, here’s a simple guide:
1 Dash of Bitters
1 dash of bitters = 1/32oz or 0.92mls (about 1/8 of a teaspoon).
Since that amount is a bit difficult to measure out from the bottle, it’s best to gauge how much a dash means to you. This can be anywhere from a simple tilt of the bottle, resulting in a small drop, to a thrust that results in a couple of drops in your cocktail.
3 Dashes of Bitters
What if a cocktail recipe calls for 3 dashes of bitters? Technically speaking, this would be 0.09 oz or about 1/4 + 1/8 of a teaspoon. Non-technically speaking, this could be 3 simple tilts of the bottle or 3 quick thrusts of the bottle.
Ultimately, it’s important to taste and adjust as you go when creating a cocktail recipe!
Tips for Measuring Bitters
The best way to measure bitters is by the number of drops that come out of the bottle. Though the size of drops may vary depending on how you pour them out, it’s best to start with just a tilt of the bottle and add more as you see fit.
How Much Alcohol is in a Dash of Bitters?
Since a bottle of bitters has many “dashes” or servings, it’s difficult to determine how much alcohol is in a single dash. A bottle typically has anywhere from 35% to 45% alcohol, making the amount in a dash a very very small amount.
What to Make with Bitters
There are so many types of cocktails that use bitters! Here are a few ideas for what to make with bitters:
- Manhatten
- Old Fashioned
- Martini
- Whiskey Sours
- Champagne Cocktail
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