Bitter Bastards Cocoa Bitters – 10 cl

These Cocoa Bitters from the Bitter Bastards range won't make your drinks taste like you've been slapped in the face with one of those hilariously oversized 1kg chocolate bars which were so popular in the late 1990s/early 2000s. Rather, they'll add richness and depth similar to that of a good dark chocolate to your cocktails - we recommend rum-based cocktails...

Country: England

ABV: 40%

A subtle combination of bitter orange skin from Haiti and sweet orange zest from the south of Spain. The addition of aromatic plants gives the characteristic touch specific to Marie Brizard Triple Sec.

It is an infusion of bittere herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water. The blend is a secret family recipe, originally created by Gaspare Campari in 1860 in Novara, Italy. It is versatile and fits in well with classic cocktails, without losing its strong and unique taste. It is perfect for the Negroni.

Grand Marnier is a popular orange liqueur made in France from a blend of French cognac and bitter orange liqueur. That familiar bottle that adorns bars worldwide is technically called Cordon Rouge, though it's most often simply called Grand Marnier. It is the best-known French liqueur on the market and among the top choices for orange liqueurs in the world. Grand Marnier is a brilliant cocktail ingredient and it offers a smooth citrus taste when drunk on its own.

Substitutions Grand Marnier is sometimes used as a generic term for an orange liqueur and there are plenty of substitutes available. The best options are those that also use a brandy base, such as the Italian Gran Gala. For many recipes, you can also use a premium-quality triple sec (Cointreau is a favorite) or curaçao. Grand Marnier can be a substitute for any of these in most cocktails as well. To retain the quality of your cocktail, avoid extremely cheap orange liqueurs as they can be syrupy and throw off the drink's balance.

Fast Facts

• Ingredients: Orange peel, brandy
• Proof: 80
• ABV: 40%
• Calories in a shot: 76
• Origin: France
• Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter citrusy
• Serve: On the rocks, cocktails, shots

Cristal clear, light spirit, busting with the taste of tree-ripe peaches. A superb mix-drink anytime. Also straight on ice over desserts. 

Made in Italy, Isolabella is a contemporary spirit, the essence of creativity and style.

Fresh, chic and modern, Isolabella sets the tone for enjoying life the Italian way. Unique and beautifully balanced, Isolabella Sambuca is bursting with complex and intense flavours - both sweet and spicy at the same time.

Cool and intense, Isolabella is a remarkable sambuca with a distinctive character which captures the imagination. Only the finest aromatic herbs are skillfully used to create Isolabella - a harmonious tasting sambuca with a smooth taste, full body and rich aroma.