This is a simple classic drink
to ring in the New Year!
Angostura Bitters, you know, that easily recognized bottle with the oversized label and yellow lid in the grocery store and liquor stores...
It was 1824, when German born, Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, serving as Surgeon General in Simón Bolivar's army in Venezuela, developed Angostura Bitters for use in his medical practice, in the town of Angostura, now known as Ciudad Bolívar.
Dr. Siegert used his aromatic bitters as a medical tincture to improve the appetite and digestive well-being of the soldiers.
By 1875, the family business moved to Port of Spain, Trinidad and was run by 3 of the doctor's sons. The exact formula of Angostura bitters ~ a unique blend of natural herbs and spices ~ is a closely guarded secret formula.
To this day, people use a couple of drops of bitters in a little water or just plain to relieve an upset stomach, gas, hiccups and so forth.
The bitters are extremely concentrated and are an acquired taste, being used is small amounts as flavoring in cocktails, coffee, juices, salads, ice cream, marinades for meat, soups and sauces.
It's the key ingredient for many cocktails, including this classic champagne drink.
Classic New Year’s Eve
Champagne Cocktail
1 sugar cube
Angostura bitters
Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne
Lemon twist, for garnish
Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne
Lemon twist, for garnish
Soak the sugar cube in the
bitters and drop into a champagne flute.
Top with champagne.
Garnish with lemon twist.
Makes 1 serving
Top with champagne.
Garnish with lemon twist.
Makes 1 serving
This New Year I wish that ~
Fate never takes you for a bumpy ride,
Cupid strikes you with his sweetest
arrow,
Lady Luck bestows upon you health and
wealth,
Your Guardian Angel keeps your mind
alert and bright.
Have a Happy and Blessed New Year 2017!
The best,
Pam
You too have a blessed and happy New Year, Pam! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks,Angie! Cheers to you!!!
DeleteHappy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gloria! Cheers to you!!!
DeleteInteresting info on aromatic bitters! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI love the wish for the new year (fate, cupid, luck, guardian) concluding your post.
Happy New Year Pam!
Thanks, Duta! Here's wishing you the best in the new year! Happy New Year, Duta!
DeleteSO cool to learn about Angostura bitters! I make my own tinctures for health reason now, should make some for drinks! Have a Happy and Bubbly New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Evelyne! That's great with your tinctures! And a Happy Bubbly New Year to you!
DeleteDear Pam, Sounds delish to ring in the New Year with. Happy New Year to you. xoxo Catherine
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catherine! Have the best Happy New Year all year through! Hugs
DeleteVery interesting to read about the origin of Angostura bitters, Pam! Love the photo of the champagne cocktail. Wishing you all the best in 2017!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! It's a great cocktail for the New Year! Wishing you a great 2017!
DeleteLove your Wilkie Collins quote. Through the years, I've tried to read every single Victorian author I could find. Wilkie is a treasure with a little spookiness lurking in the wings. Happy New Year, Pam. Kathie
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathie! Right on with Wilke! I'm a breakfast lover and loved that! Like your spookiness lurking in the wings! :-) Happy New Year to you, the best!
DeleteWhile I do enjoy my Champagne, I haven't had a traditional Champagne cocktail in years. Wishing you and your family all the best in the New Year.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Karen! I like it on its own also. Happy New Year to you and yours!
DeletePam, Now I know the background and alternate uses for Angostura Bitters. Interesting... Don't know yet what we'll be toasting in the New Year with. Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dave! Here's wishing you a very healthy happy 2017!
DeleteThanks for the 411 on bitters. HAPPY NEW YEAR🎉🎊
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Geraldine! Happy New Year!
DeleteHappy New Year, Pam!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra! Happy New Year to you!
DeleteOne of the best drinks I know! Really nice. BTW, thanks for the heads up about Dottie -- I didn't know that. So sad. :-( Anyway, hope you have a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, John! I knew you'd like to know about Dottie, so sad, for sure! Happy New Year to you, the best!
DeleteHappy New Year Pam. I hope to visit you a whole lot more this year. One of my goals is to be dedicated to blogging....
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shug! I know what you mean. Happy New Year!
DeleteA great cocktail to celebrate new year!Happy New Year to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteThink I would prefer the champagne as is but everyone to their own taste. Have a great 2017 Diane
ReplyDelete