bitters

[ bit-erz ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a liquid, often an alcoholic liquor, in which bitter herbs or roots have steeped, used as a flavoring, especially in mixed drinks, or as a tonic.
2. Pharmacology.
   1. a liquid, usually alcoholic, impregnated with a bitter medicine, as gentian or quassia, used to increase the appetite or as a tonic.
   2. bitter medicinal substances in general, as quinine.

bitters

/ ˈbɪtəz /

plural noun

1. bitter-tasting spirits of varying alcoholic content flavoured with plant extracts
2. a similar liquid containing a bitter-tasting substance, used as a tonic to stimulate the appetite or improve digestion

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitters¹

First recorded in 1705–15; bitter + -s ³

Example Sentences

He dashes in a few drops of bitters, and then gently crushes the sugar with a muddler.

From The Daily Beast

“Within its 1806 embodiment of the cocktail incarnate—spirit, sweetner, bitters, water—there is traditionalism,” Simonson writes.

From The Daily Beast

"Almost all of the bitters, whiskeys, or absinthes you see in Buenos Aires are illegal," he says.

From The Daily Beast

He adds two dashes of Peychaud's bitters, one shot of Los Tigres de la Ira's Suisse verte, some lemon juice, and an egg white.

From The Daily Beast

He makes me a 20's Sazerac with Jack Daniels, Peychaud's Bitters, simple syrup, and local Tigre de la Ira absinthe.

From The Daily Beast

Call'd for half a Gill of bitters to qualify my humours; & a dish of Tea to cheer me, & soon to Bed.

From Project Gutenberg

Madeira and bitters were first offered, together with a well-spiced vegetable soup.

From Project Gutenberg

"I ain't breakin' no law; this is yarb bitters," Jabe answered, with a pull at the bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall only observe that no smells or tastes can produce a grand sensation, except excessive bitters, and intolerable stenches.

From Project Gutenberg

But a glass of bitters, followed by half a grapefruit and a large cup of coffee, made him more nearly his usual cheerful self.

From Project Gutenberg