Store at room temperature for 3 days, then uncover jar, skim surface of any debris and pass through a cheesecloth one last time. Using a funnel, portion bitters into smaller jars and label. The bitters will taste their best if used within 1 year. Bitters is traditionally and most commonly made with alcohol. Alcohol used to make bitters is typically between 40-50 percent ABV. Alcohol helps extract as much as possible from the bittering agents, while also preserving the shelf life of the bitters.

Aromatics can add flavor, fragrance, sweetness, and balance to bitters. Some aromatics even come with potent health benefits, such as turmeric, citrus, and lavender.Andreozzi P, et al. (2015). The bitter tastereceptor agonist quinine reduces calorie intake and increases the postprandialrelease of cholecystokinin in healthy subjects.

If you have an idea of what you want to put together, you can follow these instructions. Directions: Hosseinzadeh H, et al. (2015). Pharmacologicaleffects of glycyrrhiza spp. and its bioactive constituents: Update and review.DOI: Cinnamon chips: You can find cinnamon chips at most health food stores or online. Cinnamon chips are basically just dried, cut and sifted cinnamon bark. Joseph B, et al. (2013). Antidiabetic effects ofmomordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency.Start with quality ingredients: Use a high-quality rye whiskey or bourbon as the base for your Old Fashioned. Look for a whiskey with rich flavors and a smooth finish. This apothecary staple was first marketed in the 1700s as a remedy for common ailments such as digestion irregularities. Medicinal herbs and botanicals were preserved in alcohol and touted as a cure-all.