Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters – 53% ABV | 146ml

Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters combines the vibrant citrus character of grapefruit with the aromatic and bitter qualities of hops. Designed as a concentrated cocktail ingredient, these bitters add layers of citrus, herbal bitterness, and hop character with just a few dashes.

Bittermens uses grapefruit peel together with high alpha-acid Pacific Northwest hops, which naturally contribute grapefruit-like flavors. The result is a distinctive bitters that brings a bright citrus punch and vegetal bitterness to cocktails, particularly those made with tequila, mezcal, rum, and gin.

Key Details

Brand: Bittermens

Spirit Type: Cocktail Bitters

Expression: Hopped Grapefruit

Origin: United States

Primary Flavors: Grapefruit, Hops

Botanicals: Grapefruit Peel, Pacific Northwest Hops

Alcohol Content: 53% ABV

Bottle Size: 146ml

Style: Aromatic Cocktail Bitters

Best With: Tequila, Mezcal, Rum, Gin

Process & Production

Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters is created around the complementary flavors of grapefruit peel and hops. Certain high alpha-acid hop varieties naturally produce pronounced grapefruit characteristics, allowing the hops to reinforce the citrus profile while contributing their own herbal and vegetal bitterness.

The resulting bitters are highly concentrated and intended to be used as a flavoring ingredient rather than consumed like a traditional spirit. Bittermens describes the expression as a way to add citrus punch and layered bitterness to cocktails.

Appearance

Clear and bright, with a concentrated appearance typical of aromatic cocktail bitters.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vibrant grapefruit citrus with aromatic, grassy, and hoppy qualities.

Palate: Concentrated grapefruit peel and citrus oils meet pronounced hop bitterness, creating a layered combination of bright citrus and vegetal, herbal character.

Finish: Sharp and pleasantly bitter, with lingering grapefruit zest and aromatic hop notes.

What Makes It Special

Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters takes advantage of a natural connection between grapefruit and certain hop varieties. The Pacific Northwest hops provide their own grapefruit-like character while adding additional layers of bitterness and aroma.

Rather than simply adding grapefruit flavor, the bitters combine citrus peel and hops to create a more complex modifier that can sharpen and brighten a cocktail with only a small amount.

How to Enjoy

Daiquiri: Add a few dashes to a rum-based Daiquiri for extra citrus depth.

Gimlet: Works particularly well with gin and fresh lime.

Gin & Tonic: Add a couple of dashes to introduce grapefruit and hop character.

Tequila Cocktails: Use with blanco tequila for a bright, bitter citrus accent.

Mezcal Cocktails: The grapefruit and herbal bitterness pair naturally with smoky agave spirits.

Stirred Cocktails: Especially useful when you want to add a concentrated citrus and bitter component without adding additional sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters?
They are concentrated cocktail bitters combining grapefruit peel with aromatic hops to provide citrus and layered bitterness.

What does it taste like?
The primary flavors are grapefruit and hops, with bright citrus, vegetal bitterness, and aromatic herbal qualities.

What is the alcohol content?
Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters is bottled at 53% ABV.

What size is the bottle?
The bottle contains 146ml, equivalent to 5 fluid ounces.

What spirits pair well with these bitters?
They were specifically designed to complement young rums, tequila, and mezcal, and they also work especially well in gin-based drinks.

How much should I use?
Because these are highly concentrated bitters, they are generally used by the dash rather than poured as a primary cocktail ingredient.

Brand Story

Bittermens was founded by Avery and Janet Glasser in 2007 and became known for its modern approach to cocktail modifiers. The brand's portfolio includes bitters, extracts, syrups, and liqueurs designed to give bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts distinctive ingredients for creating and refining drinks.

Bittermens is now part of the Sazerac family and continues to focus on flavorful cocktail modifiers, including its Hopped Grapefruit Bitters.