Bitters

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Bitters are usually an alcoholic herbal preparation with a bitter or bittersweet flavour and quite often derived from patented medicines. Because of their function as a digestive aid and appetite stimulant bitters are often used in before- and after dinner cocktails (aperitifs and digestifs). They are also used in cocktails and for cooking. One of the most famous is Angostura Bitters - the formula was first compounded in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert, US Surgeon-General in the army of the great liberator of South America, Simón Bolivar. Angostura is the vital ingredient in a Pink Gin cocktail. Other bitters include Campari, Fernet Branca, Chartreuse and Jagermeister.