Homemade sarsaparilla bitters? Do tell more.
Hey there. Obviously I just kept drinking those Manhattans....
Bitters are a pretty easy (if maybe complex) thing to make at home. You just need at least 100 proof vodka and a whole bunch of dried ingredients -- which can be hard to come by (maybe?). Cinnamon, anise, vanilla bean, zest from orange, etc. (Recipes vary.) Put them in a jar, shake 'em once a day for a couple weeks... and voila. I find they are a nice addition to soda water when you want something still a little warming the way bourbon, etc. is but want to keep things lighter.
I've got an orange bitters around too. I might make some more next weekend, now that I think of it.