Chamomile and Gentian Root Infused Bitters Cocktail
A handcrafted cocktail showcasing botanical bitters made with gentian root and chamomile, delivering a complex bitter and floral flavor profile. This recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together gentian root, dried chamomile flowers, high proof neutral grain alcohol for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp dried gentian root
- 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup high proof neutral grain alcohol
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 strip, about 2 inches orange peel
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- as needed ice cubes
- 3 oz club soda
- 1 lemon twist
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp dried gentian root, 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and 1 strip of orange peel in a clean glass jar. Pour 1 cup high proof neutral grain alcohol over the botanicals, seal tightly, and store in a dark place for 10 days, shaking the jar gently every day.
- Step 2: After 10 days, strain the infused alcohol through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean jar. Mix in 1/2 cup water and 1 tbsp simple syrup to balance bitterness. Store in a dark bottle.
- Step 3: To make a cocktail, fill a rocks glass with ice cubes and pour 2 oz of the prepared bitters infusion plus 3 oz club soda. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Garnish with 1 lemon twist to add bright citrus aroma and serve chilled for a refreshing bitters-forward drink.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chamomile and Gentian Root Infused Bitters Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Chamomile and Gentian Root Infused Bitters Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover chamomile and gentian root infused bitters cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chamomile and Gentian Root Infused Bitters Cocktail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chamomile and Gentian Root Infused Bitters Cocktail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chamomile and Gentian Root Infused Bitters Cocktail?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
