Do Bitters Contain Alcohol? A Guide to Non-Alcoholic Bitters
Anyone who’s ever stirred up an Old Fashioned or watched a bartender with a vest and a mustache wave a dropper bottle over a coupe glass has probably encountered bitters. These tiny tinctures might look unassuming on the shelf, but they’re major players in flavor. Just a dash or two can turn a drink from flat to fully dimensional.
The thing is, most people don’t actually know what bitters are, let alone what they’re made of or whether they contain alcohol. (Spoiler alert: many do.) That matters if you’re living the zero proof life. Whether you’re cutting back, cutting it out, or just curious, understanding what bitters bring to the glass—and how non-alcoholic bitters can do the same—is essential. So, let’s talk about it.
What Are Bitters, Exactly?
Bitters are like the seasoning rack in mixology—except instead of salt and pepper, we’re talking herbs, roots, bark, citrus peel, and spice blends soaked in a liquid base. Traditionally, that base is alcohol. This infusion process extracts bold, aromatic flavors that can turn a one-note drink into something layered, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
So, what are bitters made of? Think gentian root, orange peel, clove, cardamom, cinchona bark—basically, a botanical deep dive. Each blend has its own vibe: Angostura is spicy and warm, Peychaud’s is floral and anise-forward, and newer artisan blends play with everything from coffee to lavender. They're intense on their own (not meant to be sipped straight), but magic when measured into a cocktail. Used sparingly—just a few drops or dashes in your Kentucky Buck or Penicillin mocktail—bitters work behind the scenes to amplify flavors and bring a drink into balance.
Wait… Do Bitters Have Alcohol?
Let’s cut to the chase: yes, most traditional bitters do contain alcohol. In fact, many clock in at 35–45% ABV—about the same as your average whiskey or rum. That’s because alcohol is incredibly effective at extracting and preserving all those bold botanical flavors.
Even though bitters are made with alcohol, they’re typically used in such small quantities (we’re talking a few dashes) that the final cocktail may only contain a whisper of booze. So technically, could bitters get you drunk? Highly unlikely—unless you were chugging the entire bottle (please don’t). But for people who are serious about living a lifestyle without alcohol, even that whisper can be a dealbreaker.
Glycerin-Based Non-Alcoholic Bitters: The Game Changer
If you’re going all in on the non-alcoholic lifestyle, glycerin-based bitters are where it’s at. Instead of relying on alcohol to extract flavor, these clever concoctions use vegetable glycerin —a naturally sweet, plant-derived compound that pulls out all the good stuff from botanicals without bringing any alcohol along for the ride.
It gives bitters their signature viscosity, rounds out sharp flavors, and acts as a subtle sweetener. Combine that with citrus peel, herbs, roots, and spices, and you’ve got a flavor booster that’s complex, aromatic, and entirely zero proof.
When paired with Ritual Spirit Alternatives, glycerin-based bitters unlock a whole new world of cocktail possibilities. Think a splash in a Pineapple Whiskey Sour, or stirred into a classic Manhattan. You get all the bite, burn, and bitter complexity, with absolutely none of the compromise.
Can I Make My Own Non-Alcoholic Bitters?
Absolutely—you can DIY your own non-alcoholic bitters, and honestly, it’s kind of a flex. Making them at home gives you complete control over flavor, ingredients, and intensity. Want a bitters blend that leans into citrus and clove? Prefer something more earthy with a ginger kick? Go for it, it’s your world.
You’ll need a non-alcoholic base (like glycerin or apple cider vinegar), plus your preferred mix of botanicals—dried citrus peel, herbs, roots, and spices. Steep, strain, tweak, repeat. It takes a little patience, but the payoff is totally worth it.
Just make sure you plan with purpose. Think about what kinds of drinks you want to build with your bitters and which Ritual Spirit Alternatives you’ll pair them with. YouTube and Google are your best friends here, but your taste buds make the final call.
I Have My Non-Alcoholic Bitters… Now What?
You’ve got your non-alcoholic bitters. You’ve got your favorite bottle of Ritual on standby. Now it’s time to put them to work—and trust us, this is where things get fun. Much like food, a drink is meant to be experimented with, exploring various flavor profiles until you find something you enjoy. Need a launchpad? Head over to our cocktails page for recipes that bring it all together. From shaken to stirred, simple to showy, these zero proof cocktails are anything but boring.
Remember, you'll need a zero proof alcohol to accompany your non-alcoholic bitters. Ritual Spirit Alternatives utilize premium botanicals to replicate your favorite spirits' flavors and smells. They even have a bite that mimics the burn of alcohol! No matter your lifestyle, Ritual lets you enjoy your favorite cocktails.
Our Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned Recipe
Want to see how simple it is to build a classic cocktail without the alcohol? Watch mixologist Carley Gaskin whip up a bold, balanced Old Fashioned using non-alcoholic bitters, demerara syrup, and Ritual Whiskey Alternative. It’s smooth, stirred, and seriously satisfying.
Shake, Stir, Sip Without the Strings Attached: Shop Ritual Zero Proof Today
Ready to shake things up? Whether you’re building a bold mocktail or experimenting with non-alcoholic bitters, Ritual Zero Proof has your back. Find us at a store near you or order online to get your hands on our full lineup of Spirit Alternatives, crafted to bring the flavor, the bite, and the vibe of your favorite cocktails, without the alcohol.
Shop Ritual Spirit AlternativesFrequently Asked Questions About Non-Alcoholic Bitters
Still curious about bitters and how they fit into your zero proof routine? We’ve got answers to the most common questions about non-alcoholic bitters, how they work, and how to use them like a pro.
What are non-alcoholic bitters made of?
Non-alcoholic bitters are typically crafted from a mix of herbs, roots, bark, citrus peel, and spices, just like traditional bitters. The difference is in the base: instead of alcohol, they use alternatives like glycerin or vinegar to extract and preserve flavor.
What are non-alcoholic bitters good for?
Non-alcoholic bitters are flavor enhancers that bring depth, balance, and complexity to zero proof cocktails. They cut through sweetness, highlight citrus, and round out your drink, just like their traditional counterparts, but without the alcohol.
Can I use bitters in mocktails?
Absolutely. Bitters are a go-to way to add complexity to zero proof drinks. Just be sure you’re using non-alcoholic bitters if you're going for a fully non-alc experience. They work especially well with Ritual Spirit Alternatives to craft mocktails that feel complete.
