Make bitters with a singular herb, or in a formulation. Below is a recipe that I have made, but feel free to adapt and change it by mixing and matching different bitters.
- 2 parts Dandelion Root not roasted.
- 1 part Gentian root
- 1 part Burdock root
- 1 part Orange zest fresh or dried
- 1/2 part Horehound
- 1/4 part Ginger root fresh or ground
- 1/4 part Fennel seeds
- 1/4 part Comfrey root leaf or both
- 1/4 part Cardamom pods crashed
- 1/8 part Caraway seeds
- Organic Cane, Grape or Potato Vodka (40%) or Organic Brandy
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To make a 20% tincture use ratio 1:5 if all your herbs are dried. Measure the herbs in grams and multiply x5 = you will get the number for vodka in milliliters. For example: for 400g of herbs you will need 2000ml of 40% (80 proof) vodka.
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Coarsely grind all your large roots and seeds in a food processor or a blender. Place all of the herbs in a glass jar, and pour your alcohol over the herbs, completely covering them. Stir well, so all of the herbs are wet.
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Cover with a tight-fitting lid, shake well and store in a cool, dry, and dark cabinet. Make sure to shake the jar daily, or as often as you can remember, and make sure to add more alcohol if needed so that the herbs are always completely submerged. Mold and bacteria can be developed in your product if the herb is exposed to air.
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Allow the bitters to extract for 4-8 weeks. Then, strain all of the herbs out using cheesecloth squeezing all the liquid out as much as you can. A wine press or a juicer can also be used to strain out all the tincture.
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Bottle the liquid into amber glass bottles. Make sure to label the bottles! This will keep for many years if stored in a dark, dry and cool space.
I used this Ocean Organic Vodka.
Using Bitters: Take bitters before beginning a meal, just a few drops are needed to stimulate the digestive system. You can also take 15-30 drops to promote your digestion, or if you feel sluggish following a heavy meal.
For best results, use bitters on a regular basis.
To use it for kids - make an alcohol-reduced tincture by adding the tincture to a small glass of almost boiling water and leaving it for 5 minutes allows the alcohol to evaporate.