bitters: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Informal (depending on context; specific in mixology, informal in general reference to bitter drinks).
Quick answer
What does “bitters” mean?
A concentrated alcoholic flavouring made by infusing bitter herbs, roots, or barks, primarily used as a key ingredient in cocktails.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A concentrated alcoholic flavouring made by infusing bitter herbs, roots, or barks, primarily used as a key ingredient in cocktails.
The plural noun can refer to the category of such flavourings (Angostura bitters, orange bitters) or, informally, to alcoholic drinks that have a bitter taste (e.g., certain spirits or aperitifs).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, centered on cocktail culture. The UK may have a slightly stronger historical association with 'bitters' as a digestive aid or tonic.
Connotations
In both varieties, primarily associated with cocktails and mixology. Can carry a slightly sophisticated or old-fashioned connotation.
Frequency
Equally common in contexts related to drinks and cocktail making. Less frequent in everyday conversation outside these domains.
Grammar
How to Use “bitters” in a Sentence
Add [QUANTIFIER] of bitters to [DRINK/OBJECT][DRINK] is made with bitters[BRAND] bittersVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the beverage industry, referring to product lines for bars and mixologists.
Academic
Rare. Possibly in historical or cultural studies of food and drink.
Everyday
When discussing or preparing cocktails at home or in a bar.
Technical
Precise term in mixology, bartending, and gastronomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bitters”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bitters”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bitters”
- Using it as a singular noun without the 's' (incorrect: 'a bitter'; correct: 'bitters' or 'a dash of bitters').
- Treating it as a plural countable noun in the mixology sense (incorrect: 'two bitters'; correct: 'two types of bitters' or 'two dashes of bitters').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural in form but usually uncountable and treated as singular in construction when referring to the flavouring (e.g., 'This bitters is very strong').
Traditionally, they are a highly concentrated flavouring meant to be used in dashes or drops within a drink, not consumed neat. However, some are marketed as digestifs and can be taken in very small servings.
Bitters are concentrated flavourings used in small amounts as a cocktail ingredient. Amaro is a category of Italian herbal liqueurs that are bitter but are meant to be sipped on their own as a digestif.
Virtually all traditional cocktail bitters contain a high alcohol content as a solvent for the botanicals. Some modern non-alcoholic brands exist, mimicking the flavour for those avoiding alcohol.
A concentrated alcoholic flavouring made by infusing bitter herbs, roots, or barks, primarily used as a key ingredient in cocktails.
Bitters is usually formal to informal (depending on context; specific in mixology, informal in general reference to bitter drinks). in register.
Bitters: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪtəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪt̬ərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To take the bitters with the sweet (accept both good and bad experiences).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BITTERS' adds a bitter S-park to a drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONCENTRATED ESSENCE IS A KEY (A key ingredient that unlocks flavour).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bitters' most accurately used?