Why I drink THIS | The Tale of the Bitters Shot

In this video I tell you all about the Angostura bitters shot. Angostura is used in lots of classic cocktails, but not so many people know about the story of Tom Nelsen and how he was able to adapt during prohibition to continue serving alcohol because of Angostura bitters. Where I'm from, drinking Angostura has become a tradition, and now I want to pass it on to you. In Door County, Wisconsin, shooting bitters is a part of history. The bitters shot has been a favorite of mine for a long time. If you have a bottle of Angostura bitters, I invite you to join me. Cheers!
Grab the bottles I use here! 👉 bit.ly/AndersBottleCollection
Patreon: / anderserickson
TIME STAMPS
Intro: 0:00
The Story: 0:50
The Shot: 4:31
THE RECIPE
1.5 oz (45 ml) Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Shot Glass
* Not sponsored or affiliated.
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Instagram: / anderserickson
Twitter: / anderserickson_
Facebook: / andersericksoncocktails
Co-produced with the lovely Azusa "Az" Inaba 🎥 🎨
Image attribution:
* Tom Nelsen photo courtesy of Rick Heineman and Washington Island History
* All illustrations by Azusa

[@CrypticCocktails]

Bartender for over fifteen years and we always called it "The Initiation" lol I also came up with a "reverse old fashioned"- 2 oz Ango, 1/2 oz simple, and a tsp of rye, so I guess I'm crazy too

[@mattthabarber]

Wow that honestly sounds so good ! Never heard of that one ! Making it rn

[@therinsig]

@@mattthabarber How was it?

[@BreakerBeat]

In Denmark we do have a tradition for drinking bitters straight, although it's a slightly different kind than the ones used in cocktails - they are maybe more related to things like Fernet Branca. Popular bitters in Denmark are Gammel Dansk (meaning: Old Danish) and Arnbitter. It's common at pubs to order an "Aarhus set", which is a beer and a shot of Arnbitter next to it. Aarhus is the name of a city where that specific bitter is from. So it probably wasn't too foreign for Tom to down some bitter.

[@stockicide]

I enjoyed reading about Nelson's Hall on wikipedia, but it's a lot more interesting to hear the story from a full-fledged member of the bitters club!

[@EZeeleee]

Personally, I prefer to sip my shot of Ango with a Mexican Coke back. It's really tasty, and the back and forth between the sweet bubbly soda and the dark spicy bitters is very enjoyable. Give it a try!

[@AndersErickson]

Will do! I can see how that would be good. Thank you for the tip!!

[@josephwilliams1915]

Jarritos makes a cola. Their cola is far superior tasting to coke, just saying. But it is kinda hard to find.

[@trashcompactorYT]

Today I'm backing mine with a mango Pepsi. Surprisingly good flavor combination. The cola flavor, the (admittedly probably artificial) mango, the cloves, they all work together to make a very nice and long lasting taste on your palette. I recommend it if you can find a can of mango Pepsi in your area.

[@cam2351]

@@josephwilliams1915 I don't know if I'd say I like mexican cola more thab coke or mexican coke, but I think it would definately be a really good compliment for angustora bitters

[@sab0nes]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who uses bitters and coke

[@bevoburn]

Finally, an excuse for me to travel to Wisconsin.

[@DietBajaBlast]

Cheese curds, bro

[@housefire221]

Try the Lake Geneva Cruise Line!! I’m a mail jumper there and you’d love it!

[@markemenecker5656]

Spotted cow, too

[@maxkrohn662]

Door county is a beautiful place Lee!

[@Yashhaa]

@@markemenecker5656 omg that stuff is the best brew I’ve ever had, granted I’m not a huge brew guy but I’ve had my fair share and I love it.

[@DustyCrossties]

I was there! I was 18 or so trying to get home from winter camping on Rock Island. The wind had kicked up overnight and was shoving big ice blocks across the Death's Door straight, stopping ferry service between Washington Island and the peninsula. So, stranded, we went to Nelson's Hall for some grub and to watch a Packers playoff game. Thanks for conjuring up some good old memories.

[@AndersErickson]

Love this story - cheers!

[@snaz76]

As a native Dane, I endorce this practice (although we usually drink the Danish bitters like Dr. Nielsen bitter and Arnbitter, or some of the many Italian bitters, like Fernet Branca).

[@anappealtokino8825]

I've been making cocktails and had a drinking habit since I was 18 and I can't always get alcohol reliably until I turn 21 next year, when I need a few drinks they don't let me down. Much like Tom I immediately saw they sell them to anyone at the grocery store. I'll definitely continue to drink it every once in awhile after my birthday. I drink a bottle to two bottles and it's rather pleasant.

[@deffinez9651]

so it gets you drunk????

[@MichaelDZ440]

@@deffinez9651 yes

[@homercomeruntaco9345]

@@deffinez9651 its about as much alcohol as most liquors and you dont need id to buy. they dont taste too good by themselves though

[@InFocusStudio]

What a fun story and I have to say, the thought of doing an Ango shot has never crossed my mind. While intense, it was actually far better than I thought it would be. Dare I say it, I kinda liked it.

[@lushedleshen]

I’m actually a PTC non taster, so there’s this whole spectrum of bitter chemicals I can’t taste. As a result, bitters shots are actually slightly sweet to me. I fucking love them.

[@spookz4469]

bitter tastes similar to how chalk feels. This might make sense; it might not.

[@lushedleshen]

@@spookz4469 I can still taste bitter, but there’s a large selection of bitter chemicals I can’t taste. So kale and vegetables are somewhat sweet to me. Coffee is still bitter, but to my understanding it’s not nearly as bad.

[@spookz4469]

@@lushedleshen that's so weird to try to comprehend. Really interesting!!

[@killercows3846]

You should order some miracle berries and see how they affect your taste buds! they temporarily alter your tastes buds and sweet and sour foods/drinks are entirely different!

[@lushedleshen]

@@killercows3846 it’s not that my tastebuds are strange or confused, there’s just a spectrum of receptors that I either do not have or are VERY insensitive.

[@suejohnson2380]

Great story! And the graphics are on point too. Always fun! Thx!

[@jessicatomato6919]

It was better than I thought! Thanks for this video!

[@WeI3I3y]

I've always used Angostura in my Old Fashioned and have never thought to take a shot of it, until now. Thanks for that experience!

[@markthomas8027]

It’s good to hear about obscure places to put on my places to go list. I did the shot with you. Reminds me of a homemade fruit cake I used to make (Alton Brown recipe) but concentrated. Cheers!! Love your channel and early cocktails. I wish more bars knew how to make them. Thanks

[@BusinessMuscles]

Never thought to try it, but I took one with you guys. Full shot! I actually genuinely love it, I love bitter flavors, cinnamon, and cloves so I don’t know why I never thought to try it! Will definitely be asking for this next time I go to the local dive just to see them react lol

[@lucylamolina5899]

I'm so glad I found this channel , is fun , instructive and makes you want to have a cocktail ..😋💗

[@twinpints]

Loved this. Thank you!

[@kungfumaster1927]

This was awesome! I’ve never heard this story about Angostura bitters! Very informative and intriguing!

[@rometimed1382]

Going to save this for whenever I end up in Wisconsin, I will make a point to go way up to Nelsen Hall.

[@Greedman456]

nice story:) glad you shared it with us

[@user-uj4kn7hm5r]

I had a shot of bitters with you in front of the screen, i was sceptic but it tasted better than i thought it would! Cheers and thanks for the company!

[@jmartlncln]

I love these kind of stories! Guarantee I will think of that every time I have that bitters now

[@m.litwicki2077]

Very informative - a whole episode on the old Ango, what a great idea! Also good to see Az out from behind the camera. I predict that this channel may one day evolve into one called Az 'n' Anders. Or something like that.

[@MichaelMartin-eh6wl]

Def need more Az. I like Anders, but Az is pretty. Anders can make a good drink.

[@hanhanlon4441]

@@MichaelMartin-eh6wl Az is very pretty, but Anders has the on-camera/host personality! And I'm here for the drinks and info, not the looks! (Love the looks of the cocktails, though) :D

[@MVRGlol]

This video is a treat. Explanation and historical, love it all around.

[@MIG106]

I just discovered your channel on a friend's recommendation, and browsing through your videos I thought...'Huh, a shot of bitters. How very Wisconsin.' So then to click, watch, and find our you're from my favorite place on Earth is wonderful!

[@9spiderlegs]

Definitely going to do one of these shots later! I'm from the midwest, so not only is Door County a regular vacation destination for my family, but i also subscribed as soon as i saw that Journeyman's bottle on your bar ;)

[@DocIPA]

I'm 60 miles by water or a 9 hour drive from Nelsens and love Ango! Loved my first shot and can't wait to visit the pub!

[@lizzardlaw]

I will be 'brave' for New Year's Eve -- We love you both and thank you for the videos.

[@TheSweetEscapeMUA]

What a fun story! I totally want to go get my bitters card now! Also...Azusa’s reaction is hysterical and I’m OBSESSED with your Halloween costume!

[@AndersErickson]

I can’t tell you how happy that costume made me!

[@TheSweetEscapeMUA]

Anders Erickson please recycle it and make it a yearly thing! Also...tried the bitters shot! Holy hell thats...INTENSE.

[@apoetperson3909]

Had my first shot of bitters with you guys and actually really enjoyed it, needed a chaser this time but it's definitely a taste I'm going to acquire!

[@carolynbrandt-griffith4449]

Love those bitters shots and Nelson's! ❤❤

[@rishim3653]

Yes ! I took my first bitters shot with you ! My Parents were born in Trinidad so I always saw Angostura Bitters in the fridge cuz we use it for cooking... I am born and raised in Toronto and all I gotta say is you got the best vybez man

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much, Rishi! I love that you have a link to Trinidad - you were destined to be in the bitters club. Cheers!

[@AndrewCasperson]

Went to a great bar in Chicago called Ward Eight, where the proprietor is from WI and grew up shooting Ango just as you did. His twist on the shot had a small Chartreuse float - I HIGHLY recommend this addition!

[@AndersErickson]

Gee Andrew, I thought you'd remember me 😉 Glad you enjoyed the house shot!

[@AndrewCasperson]

@@AndersErickson Yeesh, that was you?! I gotta get it together! Anyway, hope you are well and I look forward to getting back in to see you sometime soon with friends!!

[@ephektz]

You are an absolute gem.

[@philipshort7915]

Ah - what a super story and a great idea. Can’t wait to go and pour a shot now!! All the best from the Atlantic Coast of Ireland ☺️

[@tomasmorales814]

Amazing story! Wouldn't get this story anywhere else on KZbin thank you guys!

[@nathanlangfitt]

This is so funny. I have become a huge fan of your videos, and found this way back in your vault, and realized that I’ve been to Nelson’s and had the bitters shot! I was just in town for a few days and knew none of the history or lore. Amazing!

[@juuk3103]

learned something new 👍🏽 greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@AndersErickson]

That’s wonderful to hear! Welcome to the channel! 🥃

[@davidebenezer9105]

You pressured me into it. Had my first shot of bitters with the two of you! Cheers!

[@AndersErickson]

Nice! Cheers, David!

[@EagleTears]

Cheers!

[@andrewstewart6689]

This story is so awesome. If it wasn’t before 9 am while I was watching this I would join you.

[@joshuacaulfield]

Loved this video, I especially enjoyed the arrows and graphics. I hadn’t noticed them in your more recent videos. I suspect they take an inordinate amount of time, but they are well appreciated in this video. Also, I invited my drinking crew to join the bitters club, and made some cards up. Thanks! That was fun.

[@freddiedias8866]

Loved the story. I tried the shot straight after I watched the video and it was delicious! I have always loved bitter drinks and Im quite partial to a Fernet Branca after a meal. However the Angostura was so warm, spicy and delicious. Just like Christmas as you said!

[@Jennn]

Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@jonstangel7583]

Been to Door County and Washington Island many times. Never knew this. Thank you for sharing. Will be up there this coming week.

[@howarddulaney200]

Excellent video and tale!

[@tab0227]

in this vein, a video on the Trinidad Sour (one of my favorites) would be super cool!

[@AndersErickson]

Definitely - I love the Trinidad Sour. Thanks for the comment!

[@christinecamley]

This is such a great story!! I love it. I missed this video from the past! The Bitters Club sounds like a club that matters! Such a great episode, Anders! Yikes to a pint of bitters!! Cheers!!

[@AndersErickson]

Haha yeah I don’t know about a whole pint of this stuff! Glad you found the bitters video, Christine! It’s a fun story. Cheers!

[@hanhanlon4441]

I love the esoteric bits of history I get from watching your videos! My "shot" is more like a quarter ounce, haha. It is intense but strangely enjoyable! And I never knew it was for medicinal purposes "repurposed" during Prohibition! :) I got my brother-in-law to try it. Cheers!

[@Scooterpat2]

OK, just tried the "bitters shot", at home, after watching the episode that said that I should do this! An interesting experiment! I only, just a couple of days ago had a flight of Vermouth. I know this sounds very differant, but, for me these have both been eye opening experiances. Thank You for for sharing your knowledge, and expertise with the rest of us! Patrick

[@josephlaw6589]

Wow, just tried a shot! took my breath away a little... But its better than I was expecting! Love the channel, Keep it up. Cheers from Durham UK.

[@AndersErickson]

Thanks, Joseph! Welcome to the bitters club!

[@littlefox54]

I did the shot with you and Az. Quite good actually! Cheers🎉

[@alexmoss5879]

I did the Bitters Shot. It wasn't nearly as unpleasant as I was expecting. Thank you for the idea, Anders.

[@fuzzynuttyz1]

I did the shot. It was quite good. I'd be happy to do it again, this time at Nelson's Hall Bitters Pub. I'll also try it with Mexican Coke soon.

[@meowcula]

Thanks, that was interesting! I've been hearing vague things about the ango shot, and here you've explained it. I am totally down for doing this. I love Angostura bitters so much. I'm going to wait until I get a big bottle like you have because I use the stuff all the time and I'd be in danger of running out. which is not acceptable. I also think it would be the best to do with friends, part of the fun is seeing each other's faces as you take the shot and it hits ya :D.

[@mnixxon]

Loved this!

[@PaulSeymour77]

I love back stories like this, even if they are partly urban legend. Brilliant!!

[@lc9072]

Wow that was easily 10 times better than expected. I might do this regularly now.

[@Zaubrer488]

holy shit, I actually was intrigued to try this with you... and did. I actually liked it. I guess I will do that with a couple of friends soon. Finally my angustory bitter is getting some good use!

[@Barprints]

I'm not gonna lie! I'm trying this tonight! 😂

[@Rpcustodio7]

That was as a great story and video. Wish I had some bitters now, will try it as soon as I can

[@AndersErickson]

Thanks, Rogério! I hope you can get your hands on some Angostura and give it a try - Cheers!

[@TheAuDawg]

Just tried it. It's quite yummy 😋 a little bit bitter (no surprises) and a lot spicey for lack of better term. Delightful glad you introduced this tradition to me! Keep up the great work! Cheers!

[@jito_]

did the shot with you. i love angostura so i definitely need to visit this place if im ever in wisconsin.

[@garthfowler5139]

Once again another great video - I think made better by Az's reaction! Good job gang!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you, Garth! Yeah, Az’s reaction is priceless 👌

[@wafflemop]

Just did my shot of bitter today Anders. Cheers!

[@natesatt4425]

Subscribed after home girls reaction to half a shot.. commitment!!

[@throwingpotsandpans]

It must be love. Or foolishness. Both?

[@jmartlncln]

..got some bitter's today and joined you for the shot!

[@Yallabar]

Wow. Never thought of pouring myself a shot of Ango. I have to try it! :) Cheers

[@Toldasor]

I've had some very angostura-forward cocktails, so I decided to join in with the shot. Drinking it straight really emphasises, like you said, howincredibly clove-y it is. Very enjoyable. But not as nice as a shot of Peychaud in my opinion (also tried that).

[@XIsleTheWanderer]

Just took a shot of the bitters I have on hand (got some orange bitters a while back, so mine tasted like a bitter orange christmas lol) - that was a lot better than I was anticipating, and I can definitely see why people developed a taste for it.

[@marleyhaller]

I like when Az is in the videos! Can’t wait to take shots of bitters with you again!

[@AndersErickson]

Yay! I like when she steps in too. And yes, more bitters!

[@snafu714]

Very cool story! Bonus points for the Bitter costume!

[@xeroexistence]

Finally just now seeing this video (thanks KZbin!) and took my first Ango shot, and I gotta say I quite like it; it’s a lot sweeter than I expected.

[@beaupiano]

Fascinating! I live in Evanston, IL but have never made it up to Door County or Washington Island. Now I wanna go just so I can join the bitters club. I love all things bitter- I’m gonna have to try a shot here soon!

[@vetbridge]

I’m 63. Just did a shot and was “pleasantly” surprised. Will do again. Sent a link to this to my brother thus shaming him into doing a shot. He says it’s disturbing. Cheers.

[@MichaelBblahblah]

Definitely need to have a shot of Angostura tonight

[@Yashhaa]

Saw this in my moms fridge lol, that brought me to this video. Took two shots and I actually like it a lot. It reminds me of extra strong yagermeister, or black liquorish on steroids. I would actually drink this stuff quite often if it wasn’t 12 dollars for a tiny little bottle. Cheers!!!

[@guyrich6467]

I did the shot with you. Never heard of this before. Totally bitter Christmas. Heavy, heavy cloves. Thanks

[@HornsFan0228]

I'm late to the game, but just watched your video and joined you in a Bitters Shot. I've enjoyed Underberg for a while now, but for some reason I hadn't before thought of pouring myself a shot of Angostura. (Yeah, I don't know why, either.) I like it! Good for what ails ya. Cheers!

[@MustachioFurioso9134]

Im going to Door County this weekend, definitely going to do this!

[@jdrop40]

Been there, done that! Great bar with good food. Always a stop on the way to and from Rock Island!

[@AndersErickson]

If you're hitting up Rock Island on the trip, you're doing it right! Cheers to you!

[@PhatTrumpet2]

Y'all had me 99.9% convinced to do it with you, but it's late and I have to be back at work in less than seven hours. I'll be sure to circle back to this video on the weekend. #excuses

[@Louis_H_]

Hell yea I'll take the shot. Cheers from Belgium :D

[@TJGAUTHIER]

So much charisma that I got out of bed at nearly midnight to do a shot with you! I enjoyed it and the evolution was really interesting. It weirdly reminded me of crab boil without the heat and orange peel.

[@AndersErickson]

Cheers to you! Thanks for doing the shot - welcome to the club!

[@klibstar8197]

“You’ll have to do a shot of bitters” Dude I’m already half a bottle in

[@tiestangontrand2075]

Only half😂

[@djfloodmusic]

That was delightful! Reminds me of Underberg!

[@vapenation.2566]

You just got a new subscriber!!!

[@jts04]

OMG Az is incredible. does she do all the awesome camera work and editing too?

[@olegs1594]

As a matter of fact I've developed a taste for bitters quite some time ago. Thank you for a great story! It will definitely bring more colours to a shot of bitters. Also a great thing to answer when being asked what in the butt I am doing xD Cheers and hugs from the snowy Mother Russia! =)

[@killercows3846]

Loved this video, fun and informative! Definitely going to give this a try. Will share with the rest of 🇬🇧 ... if I survive 😂

[@holdenjannusch1109]

This is insane! This is one of my favorite channels and i’m literally watching this video while on vacation with my family in door county 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@Barprints]

I'm literally thinking of doing this and daring my buddies to do it. Might be a new Instagram/TikTok challenge. 😂

[@trevormcdaniel5247]

Yea I just did one and it’s wonderful

[@hankscorpio33]

Anders, I've been making old fashioned's all night (courtesy of your videos, ty again) Then I wondered if you could shoot bitters, so I looked it up and there you were. I legit paused when you said join me and poured a shot. I won't lie, I doubt I'll do this again.

[@AndersErickson]

Haha love this!

[@charlottemalone7375]

Tried it - that was WILD. The flavors just kept on coming. Enjoyed it quite a bit more than I expected to. Cheers!

[@cathywells5065]

My husband and I just did a half a shot because of this video and we had an extra bottle of bitters in the house. We approve!

[@simonnielsen3842]

This was really cool! I have been watching your videos for awhile, and am a native Wisconsinite! I did not even know this story, but will occasionally do a shot of bitters! It started when I was a brewer at Central Waters (if you know them), and developed an "Old Fashioned" themed beer aged in both brandy and bourbon barrels. After aging and prior to packaging we would add Angostura (within the legal limit for adding spirits to a finished beer). Anyways, I ordered it in 5 gallon jugs and we had a good amount leftover...so we all were doing shots at the brewery of Angostura. I've loved it ever since. Thank you for the history!

[@AndersErickson]

Love this story! Cheers, Simon!

[@MartinArgg]

Great story man

[@edh533]

Earned my bitters club card in 2018! Nelsen's was fun on a Friday night. We're all from Chicago...my wife's aunt and uncle moved up to the island in the 1990's, opened a coffee house and never looked back. Wife's cousin was waitressing and said the bitters club was a must. Great video, Anders.

[@rafisalfonsonin4908]

How far from Chicago?

[@edh533]

@@rafisalfonsonin4908 5 hours drive, plus a ferry ride

[@DerekMurawsky]

Reminds me of my grandmother on my dad's side. She was very German and would regularly look for Underberg bitters to drink. I never could stand the stuff on its own, but I bet it would be great in a drink.

[@boneless1990]

Her handwriting and copying of the font was incredible. That looked like the actual bottle.

[@richardvogel6307]

Somewhere in a book from 2005 at Nelson's Hall is my signature and some witty remark after having done that bitters shot

[@farhanamajid2625]

I don't think the two of you could be anymore adorable and entertaining.

[@AndersErickson]

😂 Thanks, Farhana!! ❤️