Celery Bitters: Everything You Need to Know
You know that moment, the first sip of a perfectly made Bloody Mary. It’s spicy but not punishing, briny but not salty, rich but still crisp. That balance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a ritual.
And if you’ve ever wondered what separates the good from the holy-smokes-where-did-you-get-this level of Bloody Mary… chances are, it’s celery bitters.
At Stu’s, we’re obsessed with the ritual of brunch…the cutting boards, the ice clinks, the first pour, the little chef’s kiss that says, yeah, this is how it’s supposed to be done. Celery bitters belong in that moment.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—what celery bitters are, how to use them, why they matter, and even how to make your own. Whether you’re crafting a Bloody Mary or a crisp gin cocktail, celery bitters add a depth that makes your drink feel intentional.
For a guide on Bloody Mary Bitters and options, CLICK HERE
What Are Celery Bitters?
Celery bitters are concentrated herbal extracts that capture the essence of celery seed, leaf, and root—plus a blend of herbs and spices like angelica, coriander, fennel, and sometimes even citrus peel or cardamom.
Think of them as liquid seasoning for your cocktails. A few drops can turn a flat drink into something that wakes up every corner of your palate.
Where most bitters lean into sweetness (like orange or chocolate), celery bitters are savory, aromatic, and green. They don’t just make drinks taste better—they make them feel alive.
In short:
- They highlight savory and umami flavors.
- They balance acidity and spice in tomato-based cocktails.
- They add a botanical complexity to clear spirits like gin or vodka.
- They bridge the gap between cocktail and culinary creation.
If your bar doesn’t have a bottle yet, it’s time.
The Ritual of Bitters: Why They Matter in a Bloody Mary
At Stu’s, we talk about ritual a lot. Not in the mystical sense (though a Bloody Mary can feel spiritual), but in the intentional sense. Ritual is what separates “throwing things in a glass” from crafting an experience.
You don’t have to use celery bitters in your Bloody Mary. You also don’t have to rim your glass, add a pickle spear, or line up your ingredients like a work of art—but when you do, it becomes more than a drink.
It becomes a moment.
Celery bitters deepen that moment. They bring brightness, vegetal complexity, and a herbal lift that makes the tomato juice sing and the vodka feel more rounded.
When you mix with Stu’s Bloody Mary Concentrate, a few dashes of celery bitters accent the brine, the spice, and the backbone of tomato—enhancing what’s already balanced and elevating the drink from brunch staple to brunch event.
How to Use Celery Bitters in Cocktails
Here’s the thing about bitters: less is more, but none is a mistake.
Start small—2 to 3 dashes. Give the drink a quick stir or shake and taste before adding more. Celery bitters can overpower if you go heavy, but used right, they make the drink pop.
Below are a few favorite ways we like to use celery bitters around the Stu’s kitchen.
1. The Classic Stu’s Bloody Mary with Celery Bitters
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 5–6 oz tomato juice
- 1–2 oz Stu’s Bloody Mary Concentrate
- 2–3 dashes celery bitters
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnishes: celery stalk, pickle spear, olive, lemon wedge
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker (or your favorite Mason jar) with ice.
- Add tomato juice, Stu’s Concentrate, vodka, and bitters.
- Shake gently—not too long, just enough to chill.
- Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish like you mean it.
Pro tip: Taste before salting the rim—celery bitters add a subtle salinity that can change how much seasoning you need.
2. The Garden Gimlet
A refreshing way to use celery bitters outside brunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes celery bitters
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with a cucumber ribbon or dill sprig.
It’s crisp, green, and clean—a little herb garden in a glass.
3. The Bloody Martini
A happy-hour riff that combines cocktail culture with brunch attitude.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- ½ oz Stu’s Classic Bloody Mary Concentrate
- 2 dashes celery bitters
Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an olive or mini tomato skewer.
Think martini meets tomato garden—strong, savory, unforgettable.
4. Michelada Sour (A Stu’s Twist)
For beer lovers and brunch rebels.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz tequila
- ½ oz lime juice
- 1 oz Stu’s Concentrate
- 3 dashes celery bitters
- 3 oz light Mexican lager
Build over ice in a tall glass. Stir lightly. Garnish with a lime wheel and a pinch of salt.
It’s refreshing, tangy, and wildly satisfying on a summer day.
How to Make Celery Bitters at Home
Making your own bitters is easier than it sounds—it just takes patience.
You’ll need:
- ½ cup dried celery seed
- 1 tbsp coriander seed
- 1 tsp fennel seed
- 1 strip lemon peel
- 2 cups high-proof vodka or grain alcohol
- 1 tsp gentian root (for bitterness)
Instructions:
- Toast the celery, coriander, and fennel seeds in a dry pan for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add everything to a clean mason jar.
- Pour in the alcohol and seal tightly.
- Store in a cool, dark place for 2–3 weeks, shaking every couple of days.
- Strain through a coffee filter into a dropper bottle.
Now you’ve got your own house-made celery bitters. Label it with pride, and add a dash to everything from your Bloody Marys to your soups.
If you’re mixing with Stu’s, you’ll notice it brings out layers of spice you didn’t even know were there.
What Do Celery Bitters Taste Like?
Imagine the aroma of freshly cut celery—bright, green, and slightly peppery—mixed with earthy spice and a whisper of citrus.
They’re not “celery-flavored” in the snack-stick sense; they’re more like the spirit of celery—refined, botanical, and complex.
They complement:
- Tomato juice and briny flavors (Bloody Marys, Micheladas)
- Gin and vodka (clean spirits)
- Savory cocktails (anything with olive brine, tomato, or pepper)
- Even food—add a drop to soups or dressings for a flavor lift.
The Science Behind Bitters: Why They Change the Game
Bitters work because of how your palate perceives taste.
Your tongue recognizes five flavors—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami—but your brain registers flavor through aroma. Celery bitters hit multiple zones: bitter, umami, and aromatic.
When you add them to a Bloody Mary, they balance the sweetness from the tomato juice and the heat from Stu’s spices. That balance triggers a satisfying roundness that keeps you sipping.
It’s the same reason chefs season with acid or smoke—it completes the circle of flavor.
Other Bitters That Pair Well with Celery Bitters
If you’re building out your home bar, celery bitters are just the start. Here’s what else plays nicely in the sandbox:
- Chili Bitters: For when you want a spicy kick to amplify the heat in Stu’s Concentrate.
- Lemon Bitters: Add brightness and zest—great for brunch cocktails.
- Black Pepper Bitters: Layered, earthy heat that works beautifully with vodka or gin.
- Cucumber Bitters: Cooling and clean—perfect for summer Bloody Mary variations.
The fun part? Mix and match. Try a dash of celery + chili bitters in your next Bloody Mary and watch your friends try to guess your secret.
Why Celery Bitters Deserve a Permanent Spot in Your Bar
Most people overlook bitters because they don’t know what they do. But if you care about the craft—the ritual—celery bitters are essential.
They:
- Bring balance and structure to savory drinks.
- Add an aromatic lift that transforms “good enough” into damn, that’s delicious.
- Give your cocktails that professional finish—like something from a speakeasy rather than your kitchen counter.
- Last forever. A single bottle might outlive your cocktail phase.
When you think about it, bitters are the analog version of flavor optimization—tiny tweaks that make everything click.
That’s why we love them at Stu’s. Because brunch isn’t about perfection. It’s about process, intention, and a table full of people saying, you made this?
Celery Bitters FAQs
Are celery bitters alcoholic?
Yes, but only slightly when used in small amounts. They’re made with high-proof alcohol to extract flavor, but a few drops won’t noticeably change your drink’s ABV.
Do celery bitters expire?
Not really. Because they’re alcohol-based, they last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place. Over time, the flavor may mellow, but they don’t spoil.
Can you cook with celery bitters?
Absolutely. Add a few drops to vinaigrettes, soups, or even roasted vegetables. It’s an easy way to infuse complexity without extra salt.
Are celery bitters gluten-free?
Most are, but always check the label. At Stu’s, our concentrates are 100% gluten-free, so we love pairing them with gluten-free bitters brands or your own homemade version.
The Final Stir: The Ritual Continues
In a world that’s always rushing toward “easy,” celery bitters remind us that good things take intention.
A proper Bloody Mary isn’t fast food—it’s a ritual. The careful pour of tomato juice. The shake of Stu’s Concentrate. The garnish that’s just a little over the top.
And now—a few drops of celery bitters.
That’s the secret handshake of the brunch faithful.
So next weekend, when you build your bar, line up your bottles, and invite your people over—make it an experience. Play some music, slice your garnishes, and let Stu’s bring the ritual to life.