In today's episode, Shéa and Amy talk about how to balance your beverages with bitters - as well as how to make your own!

Mix yourself a cocktail (originally defined as spirits, water, sugar, and bitters) and learn about the energy you can find in the various roots and botanicals and how to combine them to make bitters and bring balance to the force ... er cocktails.

Remember to craft your bitters with intent, because you’re not just mixing a drink.

You’re mixing magic.

If you want to listen to the episode where we talk about the magical properties of cherry, head back to Amy's birthday 'sode (it's always a good time celebrate Amy!): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18739772

If you want to hear us discuss aperol and vermouth, check out Emma Hamm's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18921646

Cherry vanilla bitters

This super simple cherry bitters recipe requires only a few ingredients and 1–2 weeks of maceration to create a rich, aromatic addition to cocktails. Combine 1/2 cup dried tart cherries, 1 split vanilla bean, and 2 crushed cardamom pods in a jar with 1 cup of 100-proof rye or bourbon, shaking daily for 1–2 weeks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250ml) 100-proof rye whiskey or bourbon/vodka
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
• ½ cup sweet cherries
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
• 2–3 cardamom pods (crushed)
• 1 star anise
• 1 ½ tsp wild cherry bark

Instructions

1. Combine: Place all ingredients into a clean, sealable glass jar (like a Mason jar).
2. Macerate: Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks. Shake the jar once a day.
3. Strain: After 1-2 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a dropper bottle. Squeeze the cherries to extract all the liquid.
4. Store: Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Optional: If the mixture is too harsh, add a teaspoon of simple syrup to balance it.

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