“Bitters are usually made by male bartenders and shrouded in mystique,” says Genevieve Brazelton, cofounder of The Bitter Housewife, a line of artisanal bitters — potent extracts made by infusing herbs, spices, fruits, flowers, and woods in alcohol. Even small drops can add complexity or accentuate and balance flavors in cocktails. “I wanted to create a brand that was accessible and upped the game when you make cocktails at home,” says Brazelton. She crafted the tinctures with her friends in mind, she says: whiskey loving, go-getting women — many of them moms —
who are not always going out to restaurants but often entertain at the house. Brazelton launched the company with her husband, Dan, in 2012 after tinkering with making bitters from scratch and coming up with a batch ideal to spice up her favorite cocktail, the Old-Fashioned. Now the Portland, Ore., couple’s line includes bitters made with dried cherries and ginger, grapefruit, orange with Early Grey tea, lime, and coriander, and others ($15 to $18 for 3.4 ounces). One of the company’s standouts is Cardamom Bitters ($15 for 3.4 ounces). In fact, this summer the flavor received the Best Product of the Year Award from the Specialty Food Association. With cinnamon, pepper, and cranberry undertones, the savory bitter adds nuance to drinks with apple and pear flavors and blends well with the smokiness of scotch and other spirits. Add the bitters also to sparkling wine or soda water. The company’s witty name resonates with women, says Brazelton. Available at Olives & Grace, 623 Tremont St., Boston, 617-236-4536; The Boston Shaker, 69 Holland St., Somerville, 617-718-2999; Mill City Cheesemongers, 250 Jackson St., Lowell, 978-364-0229, or go to