Angostura Bitters is made in Trinidad & Tobago from plant and herb extracts which are bitter in their natural state, then distilled in natural alcohol which gives it an ABV of 44.7%. Angostura Bitters was originally formulated to be used as a tonic to improve the appetite and digestion. It is still used for this purpose by the Trinidadians (they swear by hot water and a few dashes of Angostura Bitters for an upset stomach), but it is more commonly used as a flavour enhancer, not only in drinks, but also in cooking. It is bright burgundy in colour, with a distinct herby flavour. Although 44.7% ABV, it is important to note that as Angostura Bitters is only used in drips and dashes in cocktail recipes, some cocktails where Angostura Bitters is the only alcoholic ingredient are classified as non-alcoholic cocktails or “mocktails”. For example on in-the-spirit we consider the Lemonade Lime and Bitters or the Virgin Mary recipes to be non-alcoholic. IMPORTANT NOTE: FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION TO ALCOHOL, OR NEED TO AVOID ALCOHOL FOR HEALTH/MEDICAL REASONS, ANGOSTURA BITTERS SHOULD NOT BE USED.