{"id":11584,"date":"2022-05-12T12:16:58","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T10:16:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.food-blog.co.za\/joburg\/?p=11584"},"modified":"2022-05-19T22:13:03","modified_gmt":"2022-05-19T20:13:03","slug":"celebrate-world-cocktail-day-with-angostura","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.food-blog.co.za\/joburg\/celebrate-world-cocktail-day-with-angostura\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate World Cocktail Day with ANGOSTURA"},"content":{"rendered":"

This month, 13 May, we celebrate World Cocktail Day, which marks the publication date of the first definition of a cocktail all the way back in 1806. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Defined by New York-based tabloid The Balance and Columbian Repository<\/em> as \u201ca stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters\u201d<\/p>\n

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You can\u2019t talk about the history of cocktails without, of course, mentioning Angostura aromatic bitters.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

We spoke to some of our favourite spirit enthusiasts to get their thoughts on what it is about ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters that makes it such a vital component of any cocktail.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

First taste of Angostura<\/strong><\/p>\n

Any mixologist worth their salt will know the benefits of using bitters and specifically recognise ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters as an essential ingredient for a bar. It is also one of those ingredients that has been with us for our whole lives. For mixologist at cocktail lounge Zioux<\/a>, Bheki Khumalo<\/a> aka Jozi\u2019s Dapper Bartender, his first introduction to the magic that is ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters was through his grandmother. \u201cI remember how, from an early age, she would use a few drops in my soda water whenever we had an upset stomach.\u201d Justin Shaw<\/a>, of Art of Duplicity<\/a>, who recently took second place at the Diego World Class Western Cape Regionals, too remembers it from his childhood. \u201cA Rock Shandy with a squeeze of lemon juice was my go-to drink from Spur when I was about 7.\u201d<\/p>\n

A bartender\u2019s best friend<\/strong><\/p>\n

ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters is truly the salt and pepper of the cocktail world. \u201cJust like spices when you cook,\u201d says Alecs Maai\u2019ke Powrie<\/a>, mixologist at Art of Duplicity<\/a> and holder of the number one spot at the Diego World Class Western Cape Regionals. \u201cANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters takes a drink from flat to layered in a few dashes.\u201d Bheki wholeheartedly agrees, \u201cIt\u2019s essential not only for aromatizing any drink but it also brings out the hidden notes in a cocktail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Award-winning editor and writer specialising in drinks and World\u2019s 50 Best Bars Academy chair Leah van Deventer<\/a> breaks it down for us, \u201cANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters acts as a balancing agent, adding savoury notes to the sweet and\/or sour elements that come from other ingredients, as well as tying the various flavours together. They also add complexity and depth, making a drink much more satisfying.\u201d<\/p>\n

But, for hospitality consultant, co-founder of TTB Beverage Solutions<\/a> and barman at Tobago’s Bar at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront<\/a>, AJ Snetler<\/a>, it\u2019s about more than its role in creating complex cocktails, \u201cIt’s almost the first point of contact that any first-time bartender will have not only to the wonderful world of bitters but with the bar industry as well. In the sense that as a brand, Angostura not only provides flavour and balance but a great sense of community as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just a few drops changes everything<\/strong><\/p>\n

The recipe behind the world\u2019s most famous bitters remains a secret, and ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters continues to intrigue and inspire bartenders and mixologists. \u201cI really enjoy a good shot of ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters on its own, or in a good ginger beer with fresh lime,\u201d adds AJ. \u201cI have also recently found that it makes a great addition to a peri-peri chicken on the braai.\u201d Bheki though keeps things simple. \u201cIt\u2019s perfect in stirred drinks as it allows the ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters to open up spirit-forward drinks.\u201d While Alecs says, \u201cMy favourite way to use Ango is in a Trinidad Sour! All out with the Ango!\u201d Justin, however, uses it in the most unlikely of places… his dessert. \u201cA couple splashes on some vanilla ice cream and you elevate the humble dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raise a glass<\/strong><\/p>\n

So, how will they be celebrating World Cocktail Day? With ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters of course. \u201cI\u2019m a huge fan of a Manhattan and Old Fashioned, both of which require good quality bitters like ANGOSTURA\u00ae aromatic bitters,\u201d exclaims Leah. Alecs and Justin say they will be whipping up a Whiskey Sour. Says Alecs, \u201cIt complements all kinds of whiskey and just levels it up.\u201d And Justin agrees, \u201cIn my opinion, you can’t make a good sours without bitters.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Mark Twain once said, \u201cNothing but Angostura Bitters will do.\u201d And who are we to argue with the Father of American Literature. So, raise a glass this World Cocktail Day with an Angostura aromatic bitters cocktail.<\/p>\n