bitters

A liquid or spirituous liquor, containing an infusion of bitter herbs and roots.--Worcester.

Bitters, before the temperance reform, were much in fashion, taken before breakfast to give an appetite. The custom is now confined to the back parts of the country, or to professed tipplers.

What was that I saw you taking for your bitters, little while ago?--Cooper, Satanstoe, p.68.