Ivan Bitter Essence

A bitter recipe of supposed Russian origin, however the varacity of the information is debatable. However, the recipe still looks quite usable.

Ivan Bitter Essence Recipe:

Nutmeg: 30 oz

Allspice: 30 oz

Ginger: 60 oz

Juniper Berries: 75 oz

Angelica Seed: 75 oz

Cassia Cinnamon: 75 oz

Cloves: 90 oz

Galanga Root: 105 oz

Bitter Orange Fruit: 140 oz

Bitter Orange Peel: 170 oz

Gentian Root: 284 oz

Alcohol (40%): 1.9 litre

Brandy: 100 ml

Simple Syrup (60%): 230 ml

Instructions

Combine the spices in a mortar and grind to a coarse powder. Pack in a percolator, or glass container and add the alcohol and macerate for 3 days. Strain off the liquid and add the brandy to the reserved liquid. This should produce roughly 2 litres of bitter essence.

To make Ivan Bitters take 30 ml (1 oz) of the bitter essence and mix with 1.75 litres of 40% alcohol and 230 ml of simple syrup.

Notes:

If the bitters isn't strong enough, you can increase the amount of essence used.

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