How to DIY Cocktail Bitters with Natural Botanicals

Create Orange, Chocolate, and Coffee Bitters at Home

If you love crafting your cocktails, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own homemade bitters. These small but mighty flavour boosters are key to transforming an ordinary drink into a beautifully balanced one.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your cocktail bitters using natural botanicals, and even better, we’ll walk you through three flavour-packed recipes: orange bitters, chocolate bitters, and coffee bitters. Whether you're experimenting for fun or putting together a thoughtful DIY cocktail bitters gift kit, this project is as rewarding as it is delicious.

How to DIY Cocktail Bitters with Natural Botanicals

What Are Cocktail Bitters?

Bitters are highly concentrated flavour extracts that infuse herbs, spices, roots, fruit peels, and other botanicals in alcohol. A dash or two can enhance the complexity of your cocktail, balancing sweetness and adding depth.

Think of them like the seasoning in your drink — small amounts make a big difference.

Why Make Your Bitters?

• Natural Ingredients – You control what goes in

• Custom Flavours – Create blends that suit your favourite cocktails

• Perfect Gifts – A DIY bitters kit makes a thoughtful present

• Cost-Effective – A little goes a long way

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Ingredients:

• High-proof alcohol (vodka or grain alcohol, at least 40%)

• Dried orange peel, cacao nibs, coffee beans

• Herbs and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, chicory root

• Optional: sweeteners like honey or maple syrup

Equipment:

• Small glass jars with tight lids

• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

• Dropper bottles for finished bitters

• Labels and a marker

The Basics of Bitters-Making

Making bitters is all about infusing flavour over time. Here’s how it works:

1. Combine your chosen botanicals with alcohol in a sealed jar

2. Infuse for 1–3 weeks, shaking daily

3. Strain out the solids using a cheesecloth or coffee filter

4. Bottle and label your bitters for easy use

Tip: Taste your infusion every few days. You’re aiming for bold but balanced.

DIY Bitters Recipes

Let’s dive into three beginner-friendly bitters recipes you can make at home.

Orange Bitters

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried orange peel

• 1 tsp gentian root (for bitterness)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 cardamom pods

• 1 cup vodka

Homemade Orange Bitter

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar

2. Seal and shake daily for 2 weeks

3. Strain and bottle

Perfect for: Martinis, Old Fashioneds, gin cocktails

Chocolate Bitters

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp cacao nibs

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves

• 1 cup vodka

Homemade Chocolate Bitter

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a jar

2. Infuse for 10–14 days

3. Strain and decant

Perfect for: Espresso Martinis, Negronis, rum or whiskey drinks

Coffee Bitters

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coffee beans (lightly crushed)

• 1 tsp cocoa husk or cacao nibs

• 1/2 tsp coriander seeds

• 1/2 tsp chicory root (optional)

• 1 cup vodka

Homemade Coffee Bitters

Method:

1. Combine everything in a jar

2. Shake daily for up to 2 weeks

3. Strain and store

Perfect for: Irish coffee, creamy cocktails, bourbon drinks

Bottling and Storing Your Bitters

Once you’ve strained your bitters:

• Pour into (amber) glass dropper bottles

• Label with the name and date

• Store in a cool, dark cupboard

They’ll keep for months (even years) if properly stored.

FAQ: DIY Cocktail Bitters Kit

1. How long do homemade bitters last? Homemade bitters can last for up to 1–2 years when stored correctly in a cool, dark place in a sealed glass bottle. The high alcohol content acts as a natural preservative, but always check for any off smells or signs of spoilage just to be safe.

2. Do I have to use high-proof alcohol? Yes – to properly extract the flavours and preserve your bitters, use a spirit that’s at least 40% ABV (80 proof). Vodka is a great neutral base, but you can also experiment with rum, whisky, or brandy for extra depth.

3. Can I use fresh ingredients instead of dried ones? You can, but it’s best to use dried botanicals as they have a more concentrated flavour and a longer shelf life. Fresh ingredients contain more water, which can shorten their shelf life and increase the risk of spoilage.

4. How much bitters should I use in a cocktail? Typically, you’ll only need 1 to 3 dashes per drink. Bitters are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start small and adjust to taste.

5. Can I mix different bitters? Absolutely! Once you’ve made a few, you can experiment by blending them to create your own custom house bitters. Try combining orange and chocolate for a rich, citrusy blend or coffee and va