Demystifying Bitters: A Flavorful but Low-Calorie Addition
Bitters are concentrated, highly aromatic spirits derived from botanicals. They are used in small quantities to enhance or add complexity to cocktails and other beverages. Since they are used in such tiny measurements, typically a 'dash,' their calorie contribution is usually minimal, though it can vary by brand and recipe. The primary source of calories in bitters comes from the alcohol base and, in some cases, added sugar.
The Calorie Count of Popular Bitters Brands
For most home bartenders, the question of calories boils down to the two most common brands: Angostura and Peychaud's. Their calorie counts, while still low, offer a great example of the variations you might find.
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters: At just 4 calories per dash, Angostura is a very low-impact ingredient. The alcohol content is high, but the serving size is so small that it's nearly inconsequential from a caloric perspective. Most of these calories are from alcohol, with trace carbohydrates.
- Peychaud's Bitters: This classic New Orleans bitter is surprisingly higher in calories than Angostura, coming in at 31 calories per dash. This higher count is likely due to a different botanical recipe and a higher sugar content, although the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret. While 31 calories is still very low in the grand scheme of a cocktail, it's a notable difference.
- Fee Brothers Bitters: Many of the Fee Brothers non-alcoholic bitters, such as Orange or Old Fashion, are listed as having 0 calories per dash, according to MyFoodDiary. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a true zero-calorie flavor enhancer.
How Bitters Impact Your Total Cocktail Calories
Consider a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. A standard recipe might contain:
- 2 oz Bourbon: Approximately 130 calories
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp simple syrup: 10-20 calories
- 2 dashes of bitters: 8 calories (using Angostura)
In this example, the two dashes of Angostura bitters add a mere 8 calories to the drink, which is less than 5% of the total caloric content. The spirit and any added sugar are the real calorie drivers. Even with a brand like Peychaud's, the total caloric impact remains a tiny fraction of the whole cocktail.
The Breakdown of Bitters' Nutritional Components
Most bitters offer little to no other nutritional value besides their minimal calories. They are virtually free of fat, protein, and dietary fiber. Their nutritional profile is incredibly sparse, which is to be expected for such a concentrated flavoring agent.
To better understand the differences, here is a comparison table of several popular bitters brands:
| Bitter Brand | Calories Per Dash (approx.) | Primary Calorie Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angostura Aromatic | 4 | Alcohol | The most ubiquitous aromatic bitter. |
| Peychaud's | 31 | Alcohol and sugar | A historic, anise-forward bitter. |
| Fee Brothers Orange (non-alcoholic) | 0 | N/A | Excellent for zero-calorie drinks. |
| Scrappy's Firewater Tincture | ~2 (based on alcohol) | Alcohol | A very spicy, potent option; a dash is smaller than a typical dash. |
| Regan's Orange Bitters | ~3 (based on alcohol) | Alcohol | A well-balanced, high-quality orange bitter. |
Is There a 'Healthier' Bitter?
If you are purely focused on calories, non-alcoholic options like those from Fee Brothers are the clear winner, with zero calories per dash. However, since the caloric impact of all bitters is so small, the choice between them should primarily be based on flavor profile, not nutrition. The calorie difference between 4 and 31 calories per dash is almost always insignificant to the final drink and your daily caloric intake. The choice is really about what flavor best complements your cocktail.
The Importance of the 'Dash' Measurement
A 'dash' is not a precise metric measurement but is generally accepted to be about 1 milliliter (or slightly less than 1/4 teaspoon). The slender neck and restrictive opening of most bitters bottles are specifically designed to dispense these tiny, consistent dashes. This small serving size is a key reason why bitters don't contribute a significant number of calories.
Lists of Bitters and Their Flavors
There is a huge world of bitters beyond the classic aromatic and orange varieties. Some popular categories and flavor profiles include:
- Fruit Bitters: These focus on a specific fruit, such as cherry, grapefruit, or peach. They can add a bright, fresh note to cocktails.
- Spiced Bitters: Examples include chocolate or tiki bitters, which feature complex baking spices like cinnamon, clove, and allspice.
- Herbal Bitters: Flavors like celery, lavender, and chamomile are available, adding an earthy or floral dimension to drinks.
- Nut Bitters: Black walnut bitters are a popular example, providing a deep, nutty richness.
Conclusion
In the grand scheme of cocktail ingredients, bitters are a calorie-friendly way to add immense flavor and complexity. Whether you use a brand with a few calories per dash or opt for a zero-calorie non-alcoholic version, the nutritional impact is minimal. The most important consideration should be the flavor profile you want to achieve. So, go ahead and add that dash of bitters; your waistline will barely notice, but your taste buds will certainly thank you. For further research on cocktail ingredients and their nutritional content, a great resource is the calorie comparison at VinePair.
