When it comes to creating bold and invigorating drinks, few ingredients are as essential, or as misunderstood, as cocktail bitters. These concentrated flavor infusions, traditionally used in mixology, are now taking center stage in the alcohol-free movement. If you’re sipping a Shimmerwood CBD seltzer, you’ve already experienced the subtle magic bitters bring to every can.
In this guide, we’ll break down what cocktail bitters are, why they’re a cornerstone of non-alcoholic mixology, and how they play a starring role in Shimmerwood’s line of mocktail-style CBD beverages.
What Are Cocktail Bitters? 🍸
Cocktail bitters are highly concentrated flavor extracts made by infusing herbs, spices, roots, fruits, and botanicals in a base liquid, usually alcohol but recently nonalcoholic bases as well. They’re often described as the “salt and pepper” of cocktails, used in dashes to balance and amplify flavor.
Bitters first gained popularity in the 1800s as medicinal tonics. Over time, they evolved into cocktail staples, making appearances in classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. Today, they’re essential not just for bartenders, but also for anyone crafting elevated non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails at home.
👉 For a detailed look at the history and formulation of bitters, check out this overview from Smithsonian Magazine.
Why We Use Bitters in Shimmerwood Seltzers 🌿
At Shimmerwood Beverages, we don’t believe mocktails should be boring. That’s why we incorporate cocktail bitters into select seltzer flavors like Chai Cherry to add depth, complexity, and a bartender-worthy finish.
Rather than imitate traditional sodas or overly sweet sparkling waters, Shimmerwood’s CBD seltzers are thoughtfully layered, using ingredients like bitters, spice extracts, and fruit shrubs to create a premium, functional drink experience.
Learn more about our approach to flavor on the Shimmerwood blog.
Key Ingredients in Cocktail Bitters 🧪
Common botanicals in bitters include:
- Gentian root (a natural bittering agent)
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit)
- Spices like clove, cardamom, and cinnamon
- Herbs such as chamomile, dandelion, or mint
Each element contributes to a drink’s aroma, complexity, and finish without overpowering sweetness or alcohol.
These ingredients do more than just flavor, they support digestive health, stress relief, and aromatic complexity, especially when paired with broad-spectrum CBD for full-body calm.
Bitters and the Rise of Alcohol-Free Mixology 🍹
As more people adopt a sober-curious lifestyle, cocktail bitters have found new life in non-alcoholic drinks. A few dashes can transform seltzer into a sophisticated mocktail, perfect for any occasion.
Whether it’s brunch, a yoga retreat, or a night in, a CBD seltzer with bitters offers a functional and flavorful option—no buzz, no hangover, just elevated vibes.
How to Use Bitters in Non-Alcoholic Drinks 🧊
If you’re experimenting at home, try:
- Adding citrus bitters to sparkling water for a zesty, grown-up spritz
- Mixing spiced bitters into apple cider or chai tea
- Creating your own mocktail with bitters, fruit juice, and herbs like rosemary or thyme
Not ready to mix your own? Shimmerwood’s seltzers are your shortcut to a mocktail-in-a-can experience.
Explore flavors like Ginger Orange to taste how bitters bring layered depth to every sip.
Final Sip: Cocktail Bitters Meet CBD Seltzer ✨
So, what do cocktail bitters and CBD seltzers have in common? Both are tools for crafting drinks that calm, uplift, and surprise the senses. And when combined, like in Shimmerwood, they become more than the sum of their parts.
Our use of bitters isn’t just about taste, it’s about delivering an intentional, elevated beverage that feels as good as it tastes. If you’re looking for a premium CBD drink that brings bartending craftsmanship to your daily calm, you’re in the right place. We even have mixology recipes for you to dial up each can of Shimmer Seltzer as well.
👉 Shop our Shimmer Seltzer Sampler to experience the bitters-powered brilliance in every can.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are cocktail bitters made of? Bitters are made from herbs, spices, fruit peels, and roots steeped in alcohol or glycerin. They’re highly concentrated and used in small amounts to add flavor complexity.
Are cocktail bitters alcoholic? Most bitters use alcohol as a solvent, but they’re used in such small quantities that their alcohol content per serving is negligible. Some brands also offer non-alcoholic versions.
Can I use bitters in non-alcoholic drinks? Yes! Bitters are a fantastic way to enhance mocktails, sodas, teas, or CBD seltzers. They bring richness, spice, and a sophisticated edge.
Why does Shimmerwood use bitters? We use bitters to enhance flavor complexity and mimic the experience of a well-crafted mocktail without the alcohol. It’s part of what sets Shimmer Seltzer apart.
Are bitters safe to use daily? In small amounts, yes. They’re often used as digestive aids and flavor enhancers. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, look for non-alcoholic bitters or naturally infused drinks like Shimmerwood.