Peychaud's Bitters: Whisk Sips Video Cocktail Series
The New Orleans history of Peychaud's Bitters, plus the classic Sazerac cocktail recipe. From Whisk in Brooklyn.
Fee Bros. Peach Bitters: Whisk Sips Video Cocktail Series
Fee Brothers' history and a Peachy Bourbon Sweet Tea recipe made with their classic Peach Bitters. From Whisk in Brooklyn.
About Fee Brothers
In 1864, James Fee opened a grocery and liquor store in Rochester, NY to help support his large, close-knit family. His brothers helped him grow the store into a successful winery and wine import business. The name was changed from James Fee & Company to Fee Brothers in 1883. When prohibition began in 1920, Fee Brothers kept themselves afloat by making altar wine & distributing wine-making supplies. They even consulted with homeowners to legally make their own wine at home. It was legal to make a small amount of wine for personal use, but making and selling stronger spirits was strictly forbidden. That didn't stop people from trying though, and poor quality alcohol flooded the market. Fee Brothers saw this as an opportunity and developed a line of cordial syrups and drink flavorings designed to make inferior spirits taste like the real thing. Benedictine, Chartreuse, Brandy, and Rum flavorings were among their most popular products. When prohibition ended in 1933, Fee Brothers started selling liquor again but kept making their cordial syrups, which remained very popular. By 1950 their flavored cocktail bitters line really became a focus, and their product list now boasts almost 100 drink mix products. Today they're best known for their huge selection of flavored cocktail bitters.
Peach Bitters
Peach bitters were well-loved over a century ago and were very common in classic cocktails that have since fallen into obscurity. Drinks like the Xeres or Coronation cocktails were originally created using peach bitters, but most recipes you'll see today call for orange bitters because they're easier to find. Thankfully, Fee Brothers brought this unique, fruity mixer back from the pages of cocktail history. A light floral scent and a hint of bitter almond balances the bright, fresh, syrupy peach flavor.
Peachy Bourbon Sweet Tea
1 to 1 1/2 oz bourbon (to taste)
1/4 to 1/2 oz simple syrup (to taste)
6 oz black iced tea
4 shakes peach bitters
lemon slice for garnish
Combine bourbon, simple syrup, iced tea, and peach bitters in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake well to combine. Strain over ice in a 12 oz glass. Garnish with a lemon slice and a straw if desired.
