Citrus and Gentian Root Bitters Cocktail

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A classic cocktail featuring homemade bitters infused with gentian root and fresh citrus zest, delivering a sharp, complex bitterness balanced with bright acidity. This recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together gentian root, orange peel, lemon peel 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 180 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp dried and chopped gentian root, 1 tbsp fresh orange peel, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon peel in a mason jar. Pour 1 cup high-proof neutral grain alcohol over the botanicals, seal tightly, and steep in a dark cool place for 10 days, shaking daily.
  2. Step 2: After 10 days, strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean jar. Stir in 1 tbsp simple syrup to balance the bitterness and bottle your homemade bitters.
  3. Step 3: To make the cocktail, fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey and 3 dashes of your homemade gentian citrus bitters.
  4. Step 4: Stir vigorously for 30 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 fresh orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it in the glass. Serve immediately.

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