Because once you learn to love bitter drinks, you’ll never go back.

Of the five basic tastes that make up the human palate, none is more overlooked than bitter. Sweet, salty, sour and umami get plenty of attention, but bitter is more of an acquired taste. That’s because bitterness isn’t easy to love – you need to train your tongue to get on board with its pungency. But once you do, there’s no going back. You’ll find yourself drawn to things like kale, dark chocolate and horseradish at every opportunity.

Kicking back with a bitter cocktail is one of the best ways to understand the flavour, especially when paired with food. Bitter drinks lift other flavours to delicious new heights, bringing depth to sweetness and rousing dishes that might be too rich or bland. And they’ll suit every moment of the meal: beforehand to wake up your tastebuds, during to ground rich foods, and after to digest.

From Italian aperitifs to fireside sippers, there’s a bitter-focused cocktail for every occasion. Below, we spotlight a few of our favourite bitter cocktails that we think will unlock your appreciation for the thinking person’s flavour.

1. Negroni

It’s impossible to talk about bitter cocktails without talking about Campari. The legendary Italian aperitif is the queen bee of the bitter drinks world – there’s absolutely no mistaking when it’s in your glass. Made with a secret blend of herbs, spices and Italian oranges, the crimson liqueur is bold and rich. Its flavours are best showcased in a classic Negroni, where sweet vermouth balances the bitterness and gin adds a dry element. Sip it slowly just before eating dinner and your tastebuds will thank you.

2. Americano

If you like the flavours of a Negroni, but could do without the rich, syrupy style of that drink, then look no further than its spritzy cousin, the Americano (don’t let the name fool you, this drink is still as Italian as they come). Similar to the Negroni, it features Campari paired with red vermouth for sweetness, except soda water is added instead of gin for a refreshing lightness. It’s an ideal drink to serve before a summer long lunch, equally as satisfying as the Negroni, but with a touch more refreshment.

3. Paloma

Newbies to bitter flavours will find solace in the Paloma, one of the most accessible bitter-style cocktails on this list. Truth be told, it features just a touch of bitterness, and even the most bitter-hesitant drinkers will say it goes down easy. While the Margarita might come to mind first, it’s actually the Paloma that’s Mexico’s national drink. And it’s easy to see why when you taste the sour, zesty, slightly bitter flavours of this citrus-bomb cocktail where grapefruit stands proudly in the spotlight.

4. Sazerac

In eclectic New Orleans, the only bitter cocktail worth mentioning is the Sazerac, a heady mix of absinthe, rye whiskey and Peychaud's bitters. In fact, it's the legendary Antoine Peychaud who invented both the bitters and the cocktail in the city’s French Quarter during the 19th century. This cocktail is no so inextricably linked to the city’s culture that in 2008, Louisiana passed a bill officially designating the Sazerac as the official cocktail of New Orleans. Whip up a batch for yourself and taste some New Orleans history.

5. Black Manhattan

You’ve heard of a Manhattan, but have you heard of its sultry sister the Black Manhattan? You’ll be hard pressed to find a better nightcap. All the elegance of the original Manhattan cocktail is still here, but sweet vermouth is ditched for the bitter digestif amaro to create a more intriguing flavour. Amaro is a category of herbal liqueurs from Italy – the champion country of bitter appreciation – and there are plenty to choose from. If you’re just starting to dabble in amaro, Averna is a good place to start since it provides the bitter edge this cocktail needs while being on the mellow side.

6. Nancy

Looking to update your G&T for something a little more complex? Nancy is your girl. By mixing gin with the sharpness of bitter lemon instead of tonic, you get to taste a whole new side of the gin’s botanicals. And the addition of elderflower liqueur adds a touch of sweetness that stops the bitterness from overwhelming the cocktail. With just three ingredients, picking the right gin is crucial to getting the balance right. Stick to London dry styles that are more juniper-forward and Nancy will be your new best gal pal.