All The Bitter: Alcohol-Free Alchemy | Happy Every Hour

All The Bitter’s alcohol-free bitters have become essential in the modern bar, empowering bartenders and home mixologists to craft complex, nuanced beverages without alcohol. By utilizing carefully selected botanicals, these bitters capture the essence of traditional varieties while opening new avenues for innovative, health-conscious drink recipes.

All The Bitter Story: Carly & Ian’s Journey

Carly and Ian’s story began when they met as sommeliers at some of the world’s finest restaurants, including The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Their professional lives were deeply intertwined with wine, beer, and cocktails. However, after starting a family, they decided to step away from alcohol while still wanting to enjoy great-tasting drinks. This decision led them to venture into the exciting world of non-alcoholic beverages.

To their surprise, the market lacked alcohol-free bitters that captured the classic essence they loved. Determined to fill this gap, Carly and Ian decided to make their own. They have succeeded in crafting what many, including myself, believe to be the best-tasting and most beneficial bitters available.

A Modern Twist on a Time-Honored Tradition

Bitters have a rich history beyond their current status as a staple in craft cocktails. Originating in the 1700s as medicinal remedies, these potent elixirs were once hailed as cure-alls for various ailments, particularly digestive issues. The practice of preserving medicinal herbs and botanicals in alcohol, which forms the basis of traditional bitters, has roots in ancient times and was further refined during the Middle Ages.

The 19th century saw bitters diversify in their applications, serving as stimulants for troops and even as a proposed treatment for malaria. However, it was in the early 1800s that bitters found their true calling in the world of cocktails. The term “cocktail” first appeared in print in 1806, describing a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters—a formula that would shape the future of mixology for centuries to come.

In recent years, bitters have experienced a remarkable resurgence, fueled by their historical allure and emerging scientific evidence supporting their potential health benefits.

Bottled With Spirit

After testing over 100 recipes, All The Bitter has perfected their classically inspired, alcohol-free bitters. Their commitment to quality is evident in every small batch:

  • Absolutely alcohol-free (0.0%)

  • 100% handcrafted using organic and wild-foraged ingredients

  • Raw botanicals only – no artificial flavors, extracts, or essences

  • Zero added sugar, colors, preservatives, or GMOs

  • Free from major allergens | Vegan | Gluten-free

Each bottle is packed with 2-3 times more raw botanicals than traditional alcoholic bitters, ensuring drinks have intense flavor and functional benefits. The bitters are coddled for up to eight weeks until perfection, then hand-bottled, labeled, packaged, and shipped directly to customers.

The All The Bitter Collection

Aromatic Bitters

Bold and spicy, these Aromatic Bitters are infused with rich cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes. The deep, earthy flavors are beautifully complemented by zesty ginger and a robust backbone of bitter gentian. These bitters enhance classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. For a refreshing twist, add a dash of sparkling water for a delightful bitter and soda. They’re an excellent addition to tonic water or ginger beer mixers, elevating your drink experience to new heights.

New Orleans Bitters

Inspired by the 19th-century apothecary Antoine Peychaud, New Orleans Bitters celebrate the rich heritage of American cocktail culture. These bitters feature vibrant flavors such as anise, tart cherry, hibiscus, and rosehips. Just a few drops can amplify the taste of tonic, non-alcoholic beer, and alcohol-free red wine. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Sober Curator Insider Sips: New Orleans bitters taste like spiced cherry. Add a few dashes to transform ordinary drinks into extraordinary ones—you’re bound to pass a good time!

Orange Bitters

All The Bitter’s gold-medal winning Orange Bitters are made with three types of orange peel, delivering a zesty and spiced flavor. Infused with cardamom, coriander, and a hint of herbal lemon balm, these bitters strike a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness. They shine in classics like the Old Fashioned and Negroni, and are particularly renowned for enhancing the flavors of non-alcoholic wheat beer and sparkling or still water.

Bitters Makes It Better

Unique & Innovative Uses: Shared by the Founders

While bitters are typically known for their use in cocktails, there are unlimited ways to use them in drinks (and even food). Here are our three favorites, and honestly, they’re game-changers:

1. Bitters and Soda typically gets the spotlight as an easy bitters cocktail—and it makes a wonderfully refreshing treat—but we’ve been adding bitters to our regular water bottles for years. We all need to drink more water, but plain water is boring. Adding bitters is akin to water flavoring like Mio, but it is made with natural ingredients, has a more complex taste, and comes with bonus gut health benefits. Carly loves Orange in her water bottle, and Ian mostly drinks Lavender.

Put a little pop in your drop– add bitters to your water & liven up your hydration routine!

2. Bitters and coffee! If you want to add flavor to your morning cup without the sugar and calories of coffee syrup, a few dashes of bitters are a great way to add nuance and depth. The spice of our Aromatic bitters goes nicely with a dark roast, and Orange bitters work nicely to brighten a coffee’s profile. If you enjoy a Lavender Latte, try our Lavender bitters in your brew. It adds a subtle bitter and floral note while balancing the caffeine with calming herbs like ashwagandha, skullcap, and passionflower.

3. Bitters and NA Wine: The biggest hack we’ve found is adding our Aromatic or New Orleans bitters to non-alcoholic red wine, often sweet and lacking depth, tannin, and body. Our glycerin-based bitters add weight while contributing spice and other wine-like flavors, plus the bite of bitter roots that helps to balance the grape juice-like flavor in some NA reds. Start with 1-2 dashes and add up to 1/4 oz of bitters per glass, depending on your preference.

1. Gentian Root (Gentiana lutea)

Found in all the varieties, gentian root is the cornerstone of All The Bitter formulations. This alpine herb offers:

  • Strong digestive benefits

  • A clean, sharp bitter flavor that stimulates appetite and aids digestion

2. Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

Present in all the varieties, dandelion root provides:

  • Digestive support

  • Potential liver and kidney benefits

  • Blood purification properties

3. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

Another ingredient found in all varieties, burdock root, is known for:

  • Aiding digestion

  • Supporting liver health

  • Benefiting the lymphatic system

4. Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum)

Included in all varieties, milk thistle seed offers:

  • Liver protection and support

  • Aid in the body’s natural detoxification processes

5. Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Found in the Aromatic bitters, holy basil is an adaptogen that may:

  • Protect the heart from stress

  • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

  • Stabilize blood sugar

6. Schisandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis)

A key ingredient in the New Orleans bitters, Schisandra berry is believed to:

  • Help the body resist stress and anxiety

  • Boost the immune system

  • Increase energy and physical performance

7. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Featured in the Orange bitters, lemon balm is known to:

  • Calm nervousness that can affect digestion

  • Ease anxiety and depression

  • Promote restful sleep

8. Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus)

Included in all varieties, yellow dock root is believed to:

  • Cleanse the blood of toxins

  • Support and protect the liver

  • Reduce irritation in the digestive tract

9. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)

Present in all varieties, ginger root offers:

  • Digestive support and nausea relief

  • Immune system boosting properties

  • Anti-inflammatory effects

  • Increased blood circulation

10. Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)

Found in the Aromatic and New Orleans bitters, fennel seed is known for:

  • Providing a natural source of antioxidants

  • Relieving flatulence and supporting digestion

Lavender Bitters: Pure Botanical Bliss

My favorite of the All The Bitter collection is their Lavender Bitters, which offers a myriad of health benefits and versatile applications.

  • Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate stress, insomnia, and even depression.

  • Chamomile: This herb is renowned for its soothing effects and is often used to aid sleep and reduce inflammation. Chamomile tea is a popular remedy for sleep problems and can help with menstrual pain and digestive issues.

  • Ashwagandha: Often used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety. It may also improve brain function and help fight symptoms of depression.

  • Skullcap: This herb is traditionally used to improve mood and reduce anxiety. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can act as a sedative, promoting relaxation.

  • Passionflower: Commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia, passionflower may reduce anxiety symptoms as effectively as some prescription medications.

Lavender Bitters infuse cocktails and mocktails with a delicate floral essence. Prized for their ability to impart a nuanced botanical flavor, these bitters are perfect for balancing sweetness or complementing other herbal ingredients in complex flavor profiles. Bring a little chill into your day & sip your way to relaxation with these recipes:

  • Botanical Seltzer: Mix Lavender bitters, club soda, and lemon juice for a light, refreshing drink.

  • Lavender Lemonade: To make this, you need fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, and a few dashes of Lavender bitters.

  • Chamomile Nightcap: Enhance your chamomile tea with a dash of Lavender bitters for a calming nightcap.

  • Goodnight, Manhattan: This non-alcoholic beverage features Three Spirit Nightcap, tart cherry juice, and Lavender bitters. It is perfect for winding down in the evening.

Bitters Giving Back: Committed to Planet Health, People, & Non-Profits

1% for the Planet

Sourcing organic, ethically wild-foraged, and non-GMO ingredients is just the beginning of their commitment to the earth. In partnership with 1% for the Planet, they donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes so that their kids’ generation has a planet to call home.

2% for Todd

Their founder, Carly’s father, Todd, dealt with substance abuse issues for most of his life and unfortunately never found recovery. It’s in his honor that they donate 2% of their annual sales to non-profits and programs focusing on substance abuse, hoping that anyone seeking help may find the gift of recovery.

Sip Smarter, Add Bitters

All The Bitter bitters are designed to be versatile and suitable for use in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, making them an excellent addition to cocktails or mocktails. Whether you’re looking to support your health or explore new taste sensations, experimenting with bitters is a fabulous addition to your daily routine. Carly and Ian hope people enjoy their bitters as much as they enjoy making them!

Happy Every Hour: Alcohol-Free Beverage Reviews at The Sober Curator

HAPPY EVERY HOUR: We know we mix a mean alcohol-free cocktail. HAPPY EVERY HOUR will update you on the latest and most significant trends in NA craft beers, mocktails, and zero-proof beverages.

NA Bevies brings you alcohol-free cocktail recipes, NA beverage reviews, and NA wine & spirit alternatives.

Do you love Non-Alcoholic Craft Beers and the 90s? Then you’re in for a treat! Sober Curator Contributor Justin Lamb is dedicated to tasting great (sometimes not so great) NA beers and showcasing his fantastic collection of memorabilia from the ’90s. Justin has spent countless hours reviewing over a hundred NA Beers so that you don’t have to. Below are the categories of NA Beers Justin has reviewed thus far: AmberBlondeBrown AleCream AleIPAKolschLagerPale AlePilsnerPorterSourStoutWheat, and White Ale

TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … because drunk never looks good.

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