Few things make me feel more bitter than forking out for a noice cocktail at a fancy bar, only to find out that the bevvie I’ve ordered tastes like total crap.
Aside from still having to finish the damn drink (because it cost the same price as three wines) I also have to try and pretend that I actually like it. Sound familiar?
is that…coriander?
Yup, this nasty combination of overspending, too much sugar and straight-up regret is a recipe for pure bitterness.
As part of PEDESTRIAN.TV’s Selfish Weekend presented by The House of Angostura earlier this month, we sought to combat this very average cocktail experience by exploring a new mindful approach to drinking called ‘Conscious Cocktails’.
For those wondering what the heck ‘conscious cocktails’ actually are, the term was initially coined by Aussie nutritionist Shannon Rosie (of Living with Rosie) in her book by the same name, and it refers to incorporating self-care into your drinks order by opting for yummy, guilt-free drinkies that swap sugary syrups for natural ingredients like Angostura bitters.
To celebrate the savvy bevvy trend, Selfish Weekend played host to our very own Bitterology Station tasked with mixing up some delish concoctions, along with a dedicated panel discussion titled ‘Conscious Cocktails: A Guide To Mindful Boozing’.
In the same vein, we also asked folks what other everyday struggles make them bitter and how they deal with said pet peeves.
From abysmal driving etiquette to frustrating tardiness, we all have our own frustrations.
For those of you still thinking about those conscious cocktails, here’s a list of our favourite Angostura bitters-inspired recipes so that you can have a crack at home.
Angostura Endless Summer
- 4 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 75ml Pomegranate Juice
- 10 Mint Leaves
- 10ml Lime Juice
- Topped with Ginger Beer
Method:
- Add all ingredients- except the ginger beer – to a highball glass.
- Press the mint lightly.
- Add ice and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with mint sprig and lime cheek.
Angostura Forever Young
- 2 Dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 2 Dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
- 45ml Elderflower Cordial
- 8-10 Basil Leaves
- 2-3 Cucumber Ribbons
- Topped with Sparkling Apple Juice
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a highball glass.
- Add ice to fill 3/4 of the glass.
- Stir to move the cucumber and basil around.
- Add more ice to fill and top with more sparkling apple juice.
- Garnish: Apple Fan.
Angostura Lemon, Lime & Bitters
- 5 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 150ml Lemonade
- 15ml Fresh Lime Juice
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a highball glass over ice.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
The takeaway? Add the right kind of bitter to your life with The House of Angostura.
Nab a copy of Shannon Rosie’s Conscious Cocktails ($40) here.
