Seeking Something Bitter.

[Cuban]

I'm looking for a spice, leaf or liquid that I can use to product a bitter taste in a drink.

Ideally I want a local replacement for Angostura Bitters, I am not seeking where to buy a bottle of AB, I seek a replacement that will do the same a similar job.

Any ideas welcomed.

[sbk]

bitter melon is extremely bitter, cuban. Juice from that?

[aircut]

bitter melon is extremely bitter, cuban. Juice from that?

There is NO substitute to Angustora. any substitute will be imperfect. ;-( It us made in Trinidad from herbs and spices with a unique flavor layers.!

http://www.cocktaildb.com/ingr_browse?category=2 list 39 different bitters used in cocktails....

[Cuban]

There is NO substitute to Angustora. any substitute will be imperfect. ;-( It us made in Trinidad from herbs and spices with a unique flavor layers.!

Although that statement is true and one would not consider putting motorcycle wheels on a Rolls Royce - there are occasions where shipping exotic items out to rural Thailand does not make sense. So improvisation is required.

list 39 different bitters used in cocktails....

Although that is an interesting link, and I thank you for it, the most common words on the page after 'bitters' are "Limited availability" and "Unavailable"

Thank you for the idea SBK - I will try a Bitter Melon - the drink that this is being mixed with is already too sweet so part of the AB's job is already done. I have experimented with some stoned soft fruit - but that was not successful.

For those following, hers's a picture....

Edited March 26, 2009 by Cuban

[MiG16]

I was going to say "Ma-Ra'

cos I couldnt think of the english word for it

but SBK already beat me to it

there is also a smaller version..... darker green, tiny little thing?

[teletiger]

My wife has served up some very bitter herbs......but strangely more-ish. I'll quizz her when she's back.

Regards.

[teletiger]

The veg in the picture is Ma Ra chin (chinese). The smaller one (more bitter) is Ma Ra kee nok (bird poo). My wife (Lanna) pronounces them Mat Lat cheen and Mat Lat Kee nok.

Regards.

[MiG16]

thats it tiger! spot on..just what I was trying to think of

I dont eat that stuff.....hence the names are not retained in my memory