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Germany's Digestive Elixir: Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters

Germany's Digestive Elixir: Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters

German tradition claims that a small bottle of herbal bitters after a heavy meal can work wonders for digestion. In fact, the tiny 20ml bottles of Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters have been doing exactly that since 1846, combining 43 herbs into a powerful digestive aid that's become a cult favorite among food and drink enthusiasts.

Here at Pascale's Liquors in Liverpool, NY, we stock this classic German digestif for both longtime fans and curious newcomers. So if you're looking to settle your stomach after a rich meal, this blog will help you learn why Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters has earned its reputation as one of the world's most distinctive herbal bitters.

Underberg's Secret Herbal Formula & Production Methods

A mix of herbs from 43 countries goes into each bottle of Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters. The recipe includes gentian root for bitterness, angelica for earthiness, and juniper berries for pine notes. The production facility in Rheinberg, Germany processes each herb separately to extract specific flavors.

The production team heats gentian and angelica roots to 175°F during extraction, which pulls out their deep, earthy flavors. Juniper berries and citrus peels go through cold extraction at 45°F to preserve their fresh, bright taste. This temperature control explains why you can taste individual herbs in the final product rather than getting one overwhelming flavor.

Buy Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters at Pascale's Liquors

As the holiday season brings rich foods, festive meals, there will be plenty of opportunities to appreciate Underberg's digestive benefits. These portable 20ml bottles will fit perfectly into stockings and make thoughtful gifts for cocktail enthusiasts. The warming herbs and spices in Underberg naturally complement autumn and winter gatherings. You can use them for Thanksgiving dinner or holiday parties.

Underberg Taste & Aroma Notes

Open a bottle and you'll smell woodsy herbs first, followed by hints of pine from the juniper. The first sip brings a strong bitter punch from the gentian root. The angelica adds an earthy middle note, while juniper adds freshness at the end. At 44% ABV, you'll feel warmth in each sip, but the alcohol doesn't mask the herbal flavors.

After a heavy meal, the bitter compounds in gentian and angelica help stimulate digestion. Take the whole 20ml portion at once to get the full effect of these herbs working together.

How to Store & When to Drink Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters?

Store your bottles between 50-59°F in a dark place. The brown paper wrapper protects the herbs from light and heat that could dull their flavors. At the right temperature, you'll taste all the herbal notes clearly. Above 60°F, the alcohol becomes too prominent and below 45°F, the herbal flavors become muted.

Take Underberg within 30 minutes after finishing your meal. The herbal blend works best when your stomach is full, especially after rich foods like roasted meats or creamy sauces. Each 20ml bottle contains just enough bitters for one serving.

Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters' ABV Content & Health Benefits

Each 20ml serving of Underberg contains 44% alcohol by volume. This makes it a relatively strong digestif, but the small portion size keeps the alcohol content reasonable. The total carbohydrates per serving come in at around 2 grams, with minimal sugar.

The herbal blend in Underberg, especially the gentian root, is believed to have digestive benefits. The bitter compounds stimulate saliva production and help break down heavy, fatty foods. Some also find Underberg effective for relieving occasional indigestion or bloating.

While Underberg isn't gluten-free, the production process reduces the wheat proteins significantly. This makes it more tolerable for those with gluten sensitivities compared to traditional wheat-based spirits.

How to Use Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters in Cocktails?

Underberg Manhattan

Ingredients:

2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes Underberg bitters

Method:

Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the whiskey, vermouth, and Underberg. Stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled. Then strain it into a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Best for:

Sipping after a hearty meal. The Underberg bitters add herbal complexity that complements the rich, warming whiskey.

Underberg Spritz

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Underberg bitters
3 oz sparkling wine or Prosecco
2 oz club soda
Lemon wheel for garnish

Method:

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add the Underberg and top with the sparkling wine and club soda. Stir gently to combine and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Best for:

Light, refreshing drinking on a warm day. The bitters provide a bitter, herbal backbone to balance the effervescence.

Underberg Coffee Cocktail

Ingredients:

1.5 oz cold brew coffee
1 oz Underberg bitters
0.75 oz simple syrup
Heavy cream (optional)

Method:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the coffee, Underberg, and simple syrup and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain this into a chilled rocks glass and top with a float of heavy cream, if desired.

Best for:

Enjoying after dinner or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. The bitter herbal notes of Underberg marry beautifully with the roasted coffee flavors.

What You Don't Know About Underberg

It Survived Prohibition!

Unlike many alcoholic beverages, Underberg managed to stay on American shelves during Prohibition. Despite its 44% ABV, the FDA classified it as a food product and allowed it to be imported and sold throughout the dry years. Even today, you might spot these paper-wrapped bottles in some grocery stores that don't typically sell alcohol.

It's a Family's Well-Kept Secret

The Underberg recipe, perfected in 1846 by founder Hubert Underberg, remains one of the best-kept secrets in the spirits industry. The unique blend of herbs from 43 different countries is known by only five people in the Underberg family. They've preserved the tradition and mystery of this German digestif through five generations.

Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters Full Product Range

While the classic 20ml Underberg bitters are the brand's flagship offering, they also provide some convenient variety packs and limited edition releases for consumers to explore.

The Underberg Gift Set

This package includes a dozen 20ml bottles. It's the perfect way to sample the full herbal profile or share the experience with friends. The slim, paper-wrapped bottles fit easily in a pocket or purse, making them ideal for bringing Underberg along to restaurants. The individual servings allow you to savor the bitters without worrying about the contents going flat after opening.

Food pairings:

The variety pack allows you to experiment with how the herbal blend complements different cuisines. Try pairing the Underberg bitters with rich desserts, robust cheeses, or spicy ethnic dishes.

Underberg Quartet

This set consists of four 2cl bottles and in addition to the flagship Underberg bitters, you'll also receive their Herbs of the Alps, Enzian, and Krauterhex expressions. This gives you a fun way to explore the full range of Underberg's botanical infusions.

Food Pairings:

The variety in this quartet allows you to find the right herbal complement for any meal. The Herbs of the Alps work well with hearty meat dishes, while the floral Krauterhex pairs nicely with delicate seafood.

Limited Edition Releases

Throughout the year, Underberg releases special batches and seasonal variations on their classic bitters. These include an elderflower-infused expression and a cherry-tinged version. These limited runs allow the brand to experiment with new flavor combinations while staying true to their traditional herbal profile.

Food pairings:

The seasonal and experimental nature of these limited editions means they can complement a wide range of cuisines. The elderflower release, for instance, would be delightful with delicate white fish or fresh summer salads.

Pick Up a Underberg Digestif Natural Herb Bitters Today

From its unique paper-wrapped bottle to its complex blend of herbs, Underberg offers something truly unique from other digestifs. It has versatility because it can be sipped neat after dinner or mixed into creative cocktails. This makes it a worthwhile addition to your home bar.

Visit us at Pascale's Liquors, 7401 Oswego Road in Liverpool, NY, to pick up your own bottle of Underberg. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to share serving suggestions and pairing recommendations, or answer any questions you might have about this classic German digestif. Call us at 315-701-0781 or stop by to explore our full selection of premium spirits and liqueurs.