What a tip! You’ll want to add this secret ingredient to your coffee from now on
Coffee is sacred. The day doesn’t really begin until that first sip, and without caffeine in my system, I’m simply not at my best. But sometimes you want something a little different from that standard cup of black gold. Something with more depth, more character. Without it immediately becoming a sugar bomb. And that’s exactly where my latest discovery comes in: Angostura bitters! Sounds strange? Just wait until you try it.
Bitters? In coffee?
For those who only know bitters from cocktails: they’re concentrated, alcohol-based herbal extracts that were once intended as medicine, but are now mainly used to add depth of flavor to drinks. Think of a blend of herbs, spices and citrus fruits that together create a rich, aromatic bitterness. You may already know classics such as Angostura bitters, but did you know there are also orange bitters, walnut bitters and even spicy bitters? And believe me: they work wonders in coffee.
Why bitters in coffee are a great idea
I hear you thinking: “But coffee is already bitter, why would I add even more bitters?” Well, because bitters don’t overpower the coffee flavor; they deepen it. They make your cup more exciting, more layered and just a little different. As if your coffee gets an upgrade without having to pour in half a sugar bowl or bottle of syrup (some coffees contain almost as many calories as a Big Mac!). And the best part? There are so many different types of bitters that you can vary endlessly. Orange bitters add a fresh twist, walnut bitters bring nutty depth, and spicy bitters? They give your coffee a delicious kick.
How do you use bitters in coffee?
I’m not a fan of overly sweet coffee, but a little sugar or syrup can help bring all the flavors into perfect balance. Some coffee shops combine bitters with subtle syrups such as orange blossom or ginger, but you can also keep it simple: a pinch of sugar or a little sweetened coffee creamer is enough. Bitters are powerful, so less is more. Start with a few drops, stir and taste. Want more? Add a little extra. But be careful: otherwise your coffee will end up with a very pronounced character.
Also read:
- Trend tip for the weekend: open your own coffee shop at home for one day
- What exactly is hot honey and what can you use it for?
- Supermarket coffee shelves increasingly empty: what’s going on?
Source: thekitchn
