Fee Brother's Celery Bitters

Fee Brothers Celery Bitters shine in savory cocktails, particularly those featuring gin or vodka, where they add a crisp, vegetal note that complements the spirits beautifully. These bitters are ideal for warm-weather sipping, pairing wonderfully with light, fresh dishes like salads or seafood, and can even be added to sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Nose: Sharp vegetal aroma with prominent celery salt notes. Hints of lemongrass and white pepper add complexity. Underlying earthy tones reminiscent of fresh-cut grass.

Palate: Intense celery flavor dominates, supported by a blend of herbs and spices. Noticeable salinity with a touch of sweetness. Subtle hints of coriander and caraway seeds emerge. Light citrus undertones provide balance.

Finish: Long-lasting, savory aftertaste. Celery notes linger, accompanied by a gentle warmth from the spices. Slight bitterness builds, leaving a clean, crisp sensation on the palate.

Fee Brothers Celery Bitters is crafted by macerating celery seeds and other botanicals in a neutral grain spirit, extracting their essential oils and flavors. The resulting infusion is then blended with glycerin, which gives the bitters a slightly thicker texture and helps to soften the bitter edge while preserving the celery's distinctive herbal notes.

• Fee Brothers Celery Bitters were originally created in the 1950s as a key ingredient for the now-classic Bloody Mary cocktail, predating the widespread use of celery salt in the drink by several decades.
• Despite their name, Fee Brothers Celery Bitters contain no actual celery. Instead, they achieve their distinct flavor using a blend of spices and essential oils, including lovage, an herb with a intense celery-like taste.
• The Fee Brothers company, founded in 1864, survived Prohibition by producing altar wine for Catholic churches and "bootleg kits" that allowed people to legally make non-alcoholic cordials at home – a clever workaround that kept the business afloat during tough times.