Facts About Arnbitter
Arnbitter is a Danish bitters with a storied history that dates back to the 1950s. It is produced by Just Drinks, a company based in Copenhagen, though its origins lie in Aarhus. This distinctive beverage is crafted from a secret recipe featuring a blend of intriguing ingredients, including ginger, cloves, saffron, and licorice root. Before bottling, Arnbitter is aged for three months in large copper tanks, which contributes a unique depth to its flavor.
The creation of Arnbitter is attributed to Arne M. Hansen and the sommelier Harald P. Sørensen. In 1978, the recipe was acquired by Anthon Thorup & Søn, which produced and distributed it until 2015, when Just Drinks took over its production. Today, Arnbitter is available in two variants: the classic version at 50% alcohol by volume, and Arnbitter Mint, which offers a refreshing menthol twist at 40% alcohol by volume and was introduced in 1997.
While Arnbitter is not typically used in traditional cocktails, it excels in local favorites such as Fernarne, Green Set, and Aarhus Set. Over the years, it has received notable recognition, earning a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Exhibition in 1970 in Rotterdam and a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2005 in London.