MEYER LEMON BITTERS

FRESH LEMON BY THE DASH.

You don’t typically describe bitters as sweet. But you also don’t typically make them with fresh grown Meyer lemons. While your standard lemon will do, the smooth-skinned Meyer lemon provides a uniquely sweeter taste. And if you can find them in season, this recipe captures their essence for year-round experimentation.

Ingredients:

Dried:
6 Green cardamom pods (cracked)
½ tsp. gentian root
2 tbsp. lemon grass
½ tsp. coriander seed
1 tbsp. dried orange peel

Fresh:
1 tbsp. fresh chopped ginger
4 Meyer lemons (zest)

Liquid:
12 oz. EVERLCEAR® Grain Alcohol
12 oz. water

Instructions:
  1. Chop ginger and microplane lemon zest.
  2. Combine EVERCLEAR, lemon zest, ginger and dried ingredients in a large, sealable container.
  3. Let steep for one week, shaking and tasting daily.
  4. Strain off EVERCLEAR, storing in a mason jar and reserving the steeped solids.
  5. On stovetop, simmer steeped solids and water for 10 minutes.
  6. Let cool and store in mason jar for one week.
  7. Strain water with cheesecloth or fine strainer.
  8. Mix EVERCLEAR infusion with water infusion.
  9. Let rest for 5-7 days then fine strain with coffee filter.
  10. Bottle, store in a cool, dry place and enjoy.

Please Enjoy Responsibly.

 

Created By: Ted Kilgore

Make It Your Own’s in-house mixologist, Ted Kilgore, is a 17-year veteran of the bar and spirits world. Passing the B.A.R. with BAR Ready certification in 2007, he is now proprietor and Beverage Director at Planter’s House in St. Louis.