FIVE OF A KIND

Bitters.

1 SÜD POLAIRE MOUNTAIN PEPPERBERRY TASMANIA BITTERS

Nothing captures the zeitgeist quite like putting native ingredients to creative use. A white vermouth on ice or a simple, herbaceous take on a Spritz will benefit from a splash of the pleasantly medicinal, fragrant infusion found in this little bottle. $25 for 100ml. sudpolaire.com

2 BITTERMENS XOCOLATL MOLE BITTERS

Coax layers of flavour from the molasses-driven depths of dark rum or the vegetal intensity of reposado tequila with a dash or two of these bitters, inspired by the almighty Mexican sauce that marries the complexity of cacao with warming spices such as cinnamon.

$30 for 145ml. pnvmerchants.com

3 MISTER BITTERS NEGRONI BITTERS

Conceived in part by the gang at Melbourne’s Lily Blacks to complement the Negroni, the combination of orange, lemon, chamomile and star anise is also a worthy substitute whenever orange bitters are called for, and brings new life to the old lemon-lime treatment. A solid all-rounder. $21.99 for 100ml. nicks.com.au

4 THE HUDSON STANDARD CELERY BITTERS

How the New York brand manages to extract such unadulterated celery flavour is a mystery. What is clear is how much the raw, botanical bite enlivens a Bloody Mary, and makes a hero of a soft option – a dash in mint and soda, perhaps, or fresh apple juice. $29.95 for 100ml. onlybitters.com

5 FEE BROTHERS GRAPEFRUIT BITTERS

Alluringly aromatic, almost cordial-like and alive with citrusy brightness, these bitters are low in alcohol and supremely refreshing. A few drops will perk up a Paloma or lend an extra-clean edge to a dry Martini, while a couple of bar spoons will get you on the right side of White Sangria. $14.99 for 150ml. danmurphys.com.au