Cardamom bitters are a type of cocktail bitters that are flavored with cardamom. Bitters are a concentrated, aromatic flavoring agent made by infusing various botanicals and herbs in high-proof alcohol. They are used to add depth and complexity to cocktails, much like how spices are used in cooking. Cardamom bitters, in particular, have a warm and spicy flavor that can add a unique twist to cocktails such as Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Martinis. They are typically added to cocktails in small amounts, usually just a few drops or dashes. Cardamom bitters can be purchased at many specialty liquor stores or online, and are also sometimes made at home by cocktail enthusiasts.
10 Cardamom Bitters Cocktails Recipes
Cardamom Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
In a mixing glass, combine bourbon or rye whiskey, simple syrup, and cardamom bitters with ice. Stir until well chilled and strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cardamom Manhattan
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cardamom bitters with ice. Stir until well chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Cardamom Hot Toddy
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz honey syrup
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Hot water
- Lemon wheel and cinnamon stick, for garnish
In a heat-proof glass or mug, combine bourbon or rye whiskey, honey syrup, lemon juice, and cardamom bitters. Top with hot water and stir to combine. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.
Cardamom Gin Fizz
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Soda water
- Lemon wheel, for garnish
In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cardamom bitters with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Cardamom Daiquiri
- 2 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Lime wheel, for garnish
In a shaker, combine white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and cardamom bitters with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cardamom Mule
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Ginger beer
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Combine vodka, lime juice, honey syrup, and cardamom bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cardamom Sidecar
- 1 1/2 oz cognac
- 3/4 oz Cointreau
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Combine cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cardamom bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cardamom Sour
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Angostura bitters, for garnish
Combine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and cardamom bitters in a shaker without ice. Shake until frothy, then add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters.
Cardamom Paloma
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/4 oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Grapefruit wedge, for garnish
Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and cardamom bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Cardamom Martini
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Combine gin, dry vermouth, honey syrup, and cardamom bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cardamom bitters are a type of bitters that feature the unique flavor of cardamom. Here’s some more information about cardamom bitters:
Origin: It is unclear exactly when cardamom bitters were first invented, but they likely originated in the United States or Europe, where bitters have been popular since the 19th century.
Ingredients: Cardamom bitters typically contain alcohol, water, cardamom pods, and various other herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, clove, and allspice.
Flavor: Cardamom bitters have a spicy, herbal flavor with prominent notes of cardamom. They add depth and complexity to cocktails and can enhance the flavors of many spirits, including gin, whiskey, and tequila.
Proof: The alcohol content of cardamom bitters varies depending on the brand, but most fall in the range of 40-50% ABV (80-100 proof).
Usage: Cardamom bitters are typically used in small amounts to add flavor and depth to cocktails. They can be used in a wide range of cocktails, including classics like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, as well as more modern creations.
Serving: To use cardamom bitters, simply add a few dashes to your cocktail and stir or shake to combine. They can also be used to add flavor to non-alcoholic drinks, such as soda or tea.
Production: Cardamom bitters are typically produced by macerating cardamom pods and other botanicals in high-proof alcohol for a period of time. The resulting liquid is then strained and bottled.
Manufacturer: There are several brands that produce cardamom bitters, including Fee Brothers, Scrappy’s.
Variations: Some brands of cardamom bitters may feature additional botanicals or spices, such as orange peel or coriander. Additionally, some brands may offer different levels of sweetness or bitterness in their bitters, depending on the intended use.