Re: how to make bitters

Some people say vinegar, but I find it "pickles" the herbs and makes them taste really strange.

Then there is glycerine, which is really hard to use.  If you had the proper equipment then you could tincture the herbs in alcohol, then add the glycerine and vacuum distill off the alcohol.

A glycerine/water mix may work well since the water is also a solvent and it would thin out the glycerine.  Never tried this since I rarely use tinctures.  My only concern is the potential for molding.

The other option is to leave the herbs in a powder form and just put a pinch on your tongue and suck on it for 15 to 20 seconds before swallowing.

If you do use the alcohol keep in mind that with the half a dropper full of the tincture you are getting very little alcohol.  Actually less than you get from a ripe banana and most fruit juices.