Maple-Cardamom Old Fashioned Bitters Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What to use cardamom bitters for? ›

Try adding cardamom bitters to milky tea, baked goods, or even savory main dishes for an intense and complex flavor profile.

Commonly consumed after a meal, cardamom is a terrific digestion aid and is frequently used to settle upset stomach, tame nausea, and even freshens your breath. Strongwater Golden bitters is infused with whole organic green cardamom pods. Try it in tea, coffee, desserts, or use alone as a natural breath freshener.

An Old Fashioned calls for two to three dashes of bitters—no more, no less—that are added to the glass once the sugar or simple syrup is in. While the amount seems small, having too many or too few dashes can dramatically change the taste makeup of the drink. The type and quality of bitters matters too.

Angostura bitters are a necessary ingredient for creating co*cktails like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned. What Do Angostura Bitters Taste Like? Angostura bitters have a spicy flavor with hints of clove and cinnamon.

Cardamom is an herb that is often used as a spice in foods. The seeds and the oil from the seeds are sometimes used to make medicine. Cardamom contains chemicals that might kill some bacteria, reduce swelling, and help the immune system.

“They add depth [to a co*cktail] and can tie different liquors and liqueurs together really nicely.” If you're ever sipping a drink and think it could use a boost, co*cktail bitters can add that missing element. Bitters are a classic garnish, particularly for Amaretto Sours and other foam-topped egg white co*cktails.

It is often considered safe for most people and usually causes no side effects. However, some people have experienced allergic reactions after consuming it, including skin rashes and breathing difficulties. It can also cause gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Potential Risks of Cardamom

People with gallstones should not take cardamom except to flavor food. We also need more research to determine the effects of large amounts of cardamom on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you're considering taking cardamom as a supplement.

Although there is a lack of scientific evidence to confirm this benefit, cardamom does appear to have some helpful effects on the liver, which plays a crucial role in removing toxins from the body. One study involved people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who were overweight or had obesity.

It's also important to remember that bitters are made with alcohol, so you shouldn't take them if you're pregnant or nursing, or if you're in recovery.

Do bitters cleanse the liver? ›

Bitters give the liver a boost by aiding in the elimination of toxins and detoxification, coordinating the metabolism of sugar and fats, and helping release gallbladder-supporting hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK).

How Long Do Bitters Last? While we hate to see a bottle of bitters collecting dust on your home bar they do last indefinitely. They are bottled at about 70 proof or 35% alcohol, so they are perfectly preserved. However, it is possible that the flavor will change over time.

On average, bitters last around 5 years.

However, there's no need to refrigerate bitters. Even though there are organic compounds in bitters, the amount of alcohol acts as a natural sterilizer and preservation agent. So, feel free to leave it on your bar cart or in your liquor storage cabinets without having to worry.

When it comes to choosing the best bitters for your Old Fashioned, one name stands out above the rest – Bablouie Bitters. Renowned for their exceptional quality and unparalleled flavor profiles, Bablouie Bitters is the preferred choice of top bartenders and co*cktail aficionados worldwide.

A classic Old Fashioned co*cktail calls for rye whiskey or bourbon. We like to stick with reliable, mid-range bottles. Four Roses is a fantastic everyday choice, especially for the price. Bulleit is popular, too (we've got their 10-year rye right now).

All you need to do is to crush the cardamom pod and extract seeds from it. Now add the pod peel and seeds in a glassful of water and leave it overnight. Drink it first thing in the morning to make the most of it. You could also use cardamom powder instead of the pods.

Here are a few ways to consume cardamom for weight loss:

Add a few crushed cardamom pods or a teaspoon of ground cardamom to boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy it as a warm beverage. This can help promote digestion and boost metabolism.

Prevents bad breath

Cardamom has a sweet, mint-like flavour that can help you keep bad breath at bay. Many chew cardamom post-meal as a mouth freshener. It may also help kill common mouth bacteria.

For the cardamom bitters: In a mason jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, cover cardamom pods and cinnamon stick with vodka. Secure lid and let sit at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. Strain and discard cardamom and cinnamon.