Calypso Bitter Spirit Essence 20 ml

Calypso Bitter Spirit Essence 20 ml

Anyone who has ever worked behind a bar knows the little bottle of aromatic bitters – the one that, with a few dashes, lifts a mediocre drink into a masterful one. Calypso Bitter takes that same spicy, bittersweet world of flavour and builds a whole spirit out of it: a dry, deeply aromatic spiced schnapps that warms you all the way down and works wonders in long drinks.

The flavour has its roots in the spice trade of days gone by, when bitter drops of roots, bark and spices were regarded as both medicine and indulgence. Today it is the taste that takes centre stage – and it is every bit as captivating now as it was then.

Colour & Appearance

Once mixed, the drink is a dark reddish brown, like mahogany or strong tea, with ruby glints when you hold it to the light. The colour alone promises spice and warmth.

Nose

The nose is like opening the door of an old spice merchant’s shop. Clove and cinnamon step forward first, closely followed by cardamom, mace and allspice. Dried bitter orange peel adds a bittersweet, fruity glow, and underneath lie earthy notes of gentian root, bark and a little liquorice.

Palate

The palate is dry, intense and many-layered. It opens spicy and warm with clove, cinnamon and ginger, before the noble bitterness of roots and bark takes over and gives the drink its backbone. Bitter orange and dried orange bring fruitiness, while vanilla and a hint of burnt sugar soften the edges. The bitterness is distinct but never harsh – it is the appetising kind that makes your mouth water.

Finish

The finish is long and warming. Clove, cinnamon bark and a clean, rooty bitterness linger for several minutes, along with a gentle sweetness of dried fruit.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished spirit, ready to drink straight away. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• As a spiced schnapps for the Christmas table, ideally lightly chilled.
• With lemonade or fruit soda and plenty of ice.
• With tonic and a slice of orange – a grown-up, bitter long drink.
• A splash in a gin and tonic in place of bitters.
• With ginger ale and lime for a spicy, refreshing highball.

About the Essence

Calypso Bitter is an unusual and much-loved member of the range, treasured by everyone with a taste for bitterness and spice. It works both as a spirit in its own right and as a flavouring in mixed drinks, and is also available in 25 litres for professional use.

The bitter is also a rewarding companion in the kitchen. A few drops lift a fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a stew of dark meat, and in a pan of mulled wine at Christmas it adds an extra layer of spicy depth. A bottle goes a long way, since the flavour is so concentrated that a small amount makes a big difference.