Bitters

A bitters (plural also bitters) is traditionally an alcoholic preparation flavoured with botanical matter so that the end result is characterised by a bitter, or bittersweet flavour. Numerous longstanding brands of bitters were originally developed as patent medicines, but now are sold as digestifs, sometimes with herbal properties, and cocktail flavourings. Since cocktails often contain sour and sweet flavours, bitters are used to engage another primary taste and thereby balance out the drink and make it more complex, giving it a more complete flavour profile.