| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 72 hours (for infusion) | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 385 | 0.2g | 0g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 45g | 5g | 1g | 0.01g |
Homemade Orris Root Bitters truly steals the show in my kitchen, and for good reasons. Having grown up in the heart of Charleston, my palate and recipes have always effortlessly blended the robust Southern tradition with coastal seafood inspiration. However, the magic of the Homemade Orris Root Bitters recipe plays out a charming distinction. The unique sweet-bitter sensation in every single sip is an unmissable treat, akin to a love letter from your kitchen, penned by flavor profiles!
A Symphony of Flavors
Incorporating a medley of fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, this Homemade Orris Root Bitters recipe infuses a refreshing and vibrant twist on any meal and pairs excellently with fried chicken, biscuits, or a seafood platter. The bitters embody a certain nostalgia for my Southern roots, with the sweet undertones of the orris root taking me back to my mother’s kitchen, brimming with love and soul-soothing comfort food. The bold flavors of orange, lemon, and lime peels add an interesting contrast, elevating this recipe to stand out amongst its savory counterparts, such as the New York-based Angostura-style bitter.
A Toast to Good Health
Being a Southern belle, I do enjoy indulging in comfort food, but I am equally passionate about my surfing pastime which requires maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Luckily, Orris Root Bitters isn’t just lip-smackingly delicious, it also contains numerous health benefits. Orris Root, the star ingredient of this recipe, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, maintaining a steady intake of vitamin C from the citrus fruits contributes to overall health and building immunity. The Homemade Orris Root Bitters recipe achieves a delightful balance between indulgence and wellness, and that is one of the reasons I find myself drawn to it time and time again.
The Homemade Orris Root Bitters can be enjoyed standalone, or give a flavor-boost to your cocktails, mocktails, or desserts. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a seasoned mixologist, or simply someone who likes to experiment with flavors, this recipe calls out to you. It’s also an excellent companion to a wholesome Southern meal, or gifted as a homemade, heartfelt present to your loved ones!
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup of Orris root
- 1 cup of Vodka
- 1 cup of Distilled water
- 1 Lemon (for lemon peel)
- 1 Orange (for orange peel)
- 1 Lime (for lime peel)
- 2 cups of Dried mix of fruits such as; blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Allspice
- 2 Star anise
- 5 Cloves
Method
Step One
Begin by thinly peeling the skin of the lemon, lime and orange, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Set peels aside.
Step Two
Take a saucepan and add dried mix of fruits, allspice, star anise, cloves, sugar, and distilled water to it. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Three
After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the fruits have softened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step Four
Once the mixture is cooled, strain it into a clean jar, pressing on the fruits to extract as much juice as possible.
Step Five
Now, add the orris root and the lemon, lime, and orange peels to the jar. Pour vodka into the jar until everything is covered.
Step Six
Tightly close the jar and give it a good shake. Store it in a dark, cool place for about two to three weeks, shaking it once every few days.
Step Seven
After the steeping period, strain the bitters through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean jar. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Your homemade orris root bitters are ready to be used in cocktails, drinks or even cooking recipes.
