Introducing our new Rosemary Bitters - a fresh take for spring
At Swicy Stuff, continuous innovation is part of the process. Flavor preferences evolve, seasons change, and new ingredients inspire new ideas. To celebrate the arrival of Spring in the Pacific Northwest, we’re introducing a new addition to the lineup: Rosemary Bitters
These bitters build on the foundation of the original orange bitters. The citrus backbone remains, but the formulation shifts in a subtle but meaningful way. Cinnamon is replaced with rosemary, and the overall spice level is reduced. The result is a bitters profile that is brighter, more herbal, and noticeably more aromatic. With less heat competing for attention, the earthy, pine-like character of rosemary becomes the defining note.
Rosemary is one of those herbs that can completely transform a drink or dish. Even in small amounts, it adds a fresh, savory depth that makes flavors feel more layered and complex. During formulation, this became clear almost immediately, the rosemary was so potent that a single small packet of organic rosemary flavored an entire batch of 50 bottles.
The goal was not to make something aggressively herbal, but to create a bitters that feels clean, balanced, and versatile, especially for warmer weather drinks.
What Makes Rosemary Bitters Different
Most bitters lean heavily into warm baking spices or strong bittering agents. Our rosemary bitters move in a slightly different direction.
Flavor profile
Bright citrus backbone
Earthy herbal aroma
Lower spice heat than traditional orange bitters
The result sits somewhere between classic orange bitters and a savory herbal bitters, which makes it unusually adaptable.
How to Use Rosemary Bitters
One of the strengths of rosemary is that it pairs naturally with citrus, gin botanicals, tequila, and even whiskey. A few dashes can add structure to simple drinks without overpowering them.
1. Earthy Gin & Tonic Upgrade
A gin and tonic already contains herbal botanicals, which makes rosemary a natural match.
How to make it
2 oz gin
Tonic water
2-3 dashes Rosemary Bitters
A sprig of rosemary and a lemon wedge for garnish
The bitters amplify the herbal character of the gin while adding a subtle savory note.
2. Spring Old Fashioned
Rosemary bitters can also refresh heavier whiskey drinks by adding brightness.
How to make it
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
¼ oz maple syrup
2-3 dashes Rosemary Bitters
Orange peel for garnish
This creates a lighter, more aromatic version of the classic Old Fashioned.
3. Paloma Enhancement
Tequila and rosemary pair especially well with citrus.
How to make it
2 oz tequila
Grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice + soda
Lime juice
2-3 dashes Rosemary Bitters
Grapefruit peel for garnish
The herbal note adds depth to the bright grapefruit profile.
4. Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Spritz
Rosemary bitters are also an easy way to elevate alcohol-free drinks.
How to make it
Sparkling water or tonic water
Splash of orange, lemon or grapefruit juice
2-3 dashes Rosemary Bitters
Garnish with peel of juice added
This creates a refreshing herbal spritz that works well in spring weather.
Beyond Cocktails
Bitters are not limited to drinks. Rosemary bitters can also be used in small amounts to enhance food.
Examples include:
A dash in salad vinaigrettes
A few drops in marinades for roasted vegetables
Added to citrus syrups for desserts or sodas
A subtle boost in sparkling water with lemon
Because rosemary is so aromatic, even a small amount can noticeably change a dish.
Why Add Rosemary Bitters to Your Collection
For many people, a bitters collection starts with a few classics: Angostura, orange bitters, maybe a chocolate or aromatic variety. Rosemary bitters fill a different niche.
They are useful when you want:
An herbal note without overwhelming bitterness
A seasonal ingredient for spring and summer drinks
A versatile bitters that works with gin, tequila, and whiskey
A way to add complexity to simple drinks
In practice, they often become the bitters you reach for when a drink needs freshness rather than spice.
A Flavor That Signals the Season
Spring in the Pacific Northwest is a shift toward brighter ingredients - fresh herbs, citrus, and lighter drinks. Rosemary bitters were developed with that seasonal transition in mind.
They maintain the citrus foundation of the original Swicy bitters while letting rosemary take center stage. The result is something familiar but noticeably different: a bitters designed to bring freshness and balance to whatever you’re making.
Whether used in a cocktail, a spritz, or even a simple glass of sparkling water, a few dashes are often enough to transform the entire drink.
Order your own bottle of Rosemary Bitters and enjoy the experience of spring in your drinks and more!
