Herbal Citrus Bitters Digestif
A homemade botanical bitters infusion combining aromatic herbs and fresh citrus peels for a complex, sharp, and refreshing digestive drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together dried gentian root, dried orange peel, dried chamomile flowers 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 30 calories and feeds 20, 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
- 10 g dried gentian root
- 15 g dried orange peel
- 8 g dried chamomile flowers
- 5 g dried wormwood
- 10 g juniper berries
- 500 ml vodka (neutral grain spirit)
- 1 stick (about 3 inches) cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves cloves
- 2 whole stars star anise
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 10 g dried gentian root, 15 g dried orange peel, 8 g dried chamomile flowers, 5 g dried wormwood, 10 g juniper berries, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, and 2 whole star anise into a large glass jar.
- Step 2: Pour 500 ml vodka over the herbs and spices, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently.
- Step 3: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 14 days, shaking it once daily to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: After 14 days, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle, pressing gently to extract all liquid.
- Step 5: Let the bitters rest for 24 hours before using to allow flavors to mellow. Serve in small amounts as a digestive aid or cocktail ingredient.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbal Citrus Bitters Digestif take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Herbal Citrus Bitters Digestif?
Refrigerate any leftover herbal citrus bitters digestif 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 Herbal Citrus Bitters Digestif?
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 Herbal Citrus Bitters Digestif for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 20 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 20). 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 Herbal Citrus Bitters Digestif?
General 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.
