Home / Recipes / Lemon Lime and Bitters

Lemon Lime and Bitters

Written by Gavin Wrigley

Andrea

Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Have you got a craving for a zingy cocktail? This Lemon Lime and Bitters recipe is just the ticket! It’s a flavor-packed drink that’s simple to whip up with easy-to-find ingredients.

Visuals by Overproof Media

Lemon Lime and Bitters Recipe

Enjoy a burst of freshness with this straightforward Lemon Lime and Bitters recipe. It's a blend of lemonade, lime cordial, and aromatic bitters that makes for an ideal spring sipper.

Prep time:

1

Mixing time:

1

Servings:

Calories:

175 kl

Ingredients

1 oz Lime Cordial
6 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters
3 oz Lemon squash or sparkling lemonade, to top-up
Lime wedge, for garnish, optional

Equipment

Highball Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice.
Add Lime Cordial: Pour 1 oz Lime Cordial over the ice.
Top with Lemonade: Fill the glass with approximatelly 3 oz Lemon squash or sparkling lemonade.
Add Bitters: Add 6 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters to the mix.
Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
Garnish: Place a lime wedge into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

Lime Juice: If you're out of lime cordial. You can make your own by mixing fresh lime juice and sugar. You can also try it with lemon juice, it will give a different flavor profile but still works well.
Angostura Bitters: Many types of bitters are available, each with unique flavor profiles. Orange bitters could be a good alternative if you want to experiment.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Bitters Substitute: Bitters contain alcohol, but the amount used in this drink is minimal. If you want to make it completely non-alcoholic, you can use a non-alcoholic bitter or omit it altogether.

Making it Vegan:

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. However, check your lime cordial to make sure it is made with sugar that is not processed using bone char or any other animal products.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

175

% Daily Value*

Sodium

5

mg

0

%

Carbohydrates

25

g

8

%

Sugar

22

g

24

%

Lemon Lime and Bitters Cocktail Drink

Lemon Lime and Bitters Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley

Enjoy a burst of freshness with this straightforward Lemon Lime and Bitters recipe. It's a blend of lemonade, lime cordial, and aromatic bitters that makes for an ideal spring sipper.

Prep time: 1

Mixing time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 175

Ingredients

1 oz Lime Cordial
6 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters
3 oz Lemon squash or sparkling lemonade - to top-up
Lime wedge - for garnish, optional

Equipment

Highball Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice.
Add Lime Cordial: Pour 1 oz Lime Cordial over the ice.
Top with Lemonade: Fill the glass with approximatelly 3 oz Lemon squash or sparkling lemonade.
Add Bitters: Add 6 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters to the mix.
Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
Garnish: Place a lime wedge into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

Lime Juice: If you're out of lime cordial. You can make your own by mixing fresh lime juice and sugar. You can also try it with lemon juice, it will give a different flavor profile but still works well.
Angostura Bitters: Many types of bitters are available, each with unique flavor profiles. Orange bitters could be a good alternative if you want to experiment.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Bitters Substitute: Bitters contain alcohol, but the amount used in this drink is minimal. If you want to make it completely non-alcoholic, you can use a non-alcoholic bitter or omit it altogether.

Making it Vegan:

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. However, check your lime cordial to make sure it is made with sugar that is not processed using bone char or any other animal products.

What is a Lemon Lime and Bitters?

A Lemon Lime and Bitters is a non-alcoholic cocktail made of lemonade, lime cordial or fresh lime, and Angostura bitters. This drink is relatively easy to make as it only requires mixing these three ingredients in appropriate proportions. It’s not a variant of any well-known cocktail but stands out due to its unique combination of sweet citrus flavors with an underlying bitter note from the Angostura bitters. Interestingly, despite being classified as non-alcoholic, it does contain trace amounts of alcohol from the bitters; however, this quantity is negligible and doesn’t contribute towards intoxication.

What is a Lemon Lime and Bitters made of – The ingredients

Get these ingredients ready if you’re planning to make a Lemon Lime and Bitters:

Lime Cordial: Enhances the citrus profile and adds a refreshing tartness.
Angostura Bitters: Infuses the drink with a complex blend of botanical flavors, adding depth and complexity.
Sparkling lemonade: Provides effervescence that lightens the drink and makes it more refreshing.
Ice Cubes: Chills the drink, making the sip more refreshing and enjoyable.

How do you make a Lemon Lime and Bitters?

Get skilled at making Lemon Lime and Bitters with our simple steps:

1

<p>Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes to the brim. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled throughout the process.</p>

Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes to the brim. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled throughout the process.

2

<p>Measure and pour one ounce of lime cordial into the glass.</p>

Measure and pour one ounce of lime cordial into the glass.

3

<p>Fill the glass with sparkling lemonade. The lemonade together with lime cordial will add a sweet counterpoint to the bitters.</p>

Fill the glass with sparkling lemonade. The lemonade together with lime cordial will add a sweet counterpoint to the bitters.

4

<p>Add six dashes of angostura bitters. This will give your drink its distinctive bitter flavor.</p>

Add six dashes of angostura bitters. This will give your drink its distinctive bitter flavor.

5

<p>Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon or a cocktail stirrer. This will help to combine all the flavors.</p>

Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon or a cocktail stirrer. This will help to combine all the flavors.

6

<p>Garnish the drink with a lime wedge. This will give your drink a professional touch and make it look as good as it tastes.</p>

Garnish the drink with a lime wedge. This will give your drink a professional touch and make it look as good as it tastes.

History and Origin

The Lemon Lime and Bitters cocktail, a refreshing blend of citrusy sweetness and bitter undertones, has an intriguing history that dates back to the 19th century. Its origin is deeply rooted in Australian culture, where it’s considered a classic non-alcoholic beverage.

The story begins with the invention of Angostura bitters, a key ingredient in this cocktail. A German doctor named Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert invented these bitters in the early 1820s. He was based in Angostura in Venezuela (now Ciudad Bolívar), hence the name. Dr. Siegert initially created this concoction as a medicinal treatment for stomach ailments among soldiers.

In the late 19th century, Australians started mixing Angostura bitters with lemon and lime. The exact reason behind this mix remains to be determined. However, some believe it was a way to make the strong taste of bitters more palatable. Others suggest it was simply an experiment that turned out deliciously well.

Regardless of the reasons, this combination quickly gained popularity across Australia. It became a staple at pubs and social gatherings, eventually earning its place as a traditional Aussie drink.

See More

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see how you crafted our recipes!
Tag us on Instagram at @_drinksworld

FAQ

How many calories does a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink contain?
A standard serving contains approximately 120 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

What is the alcohol content of a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink?
The alcohol content is < 2% that is why it is considered a non-alcoholic option.

What type of alcohol is used in a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink?
The only alcoholic ingredient is Angostura aromatic bitters, a concentrated bitter made of water, alcohol, herbs, and spices.

In what type of glass is a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink served?
Traditionally, it's served in a highball glass. This tall glass allows for plenty of ice and mixer, complementing the refreshing nature of the cocktail.

What does a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink taste like?
The drink offers a unique blend of flavors. The lemon-lime cordial and soda provides sweetness, citrusy, and carbonation, while the bitters add complexity with their herbal, slightly bitter taste. It's refreshing, with an intriguing balance of sweet and bitter notes.

What is the ratio of ingredients in a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink?
The typical ratio is 1 ounce of lime cordial, 3 to 6 ounces of lemonade, with the addition of some dashes of Angostura Bitters.

How is a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink served concerning ice?
The drink is usually served over ice. This means the drink is poured over ice cubes in the glass, which helps to keep it chilled and dilutes the drink slightly as the ice melts.

Is a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink suitable for non-drinkers?
While the cocktail does contain a tiny amount of alcohol from the bitters, it's generally considered acceptable for non-drinkers due to its really low alcohol content. However, individual preferences and tolerances may vary.

Can I use other bitters in a Lemon Lime and Bitters drink?
While Angostura bitters are traditional in the drink, you can experiment with other bitters to change the flavor. Just keep in mind that different bitters will alter the taste of your cocktail.

Categories

Types

Flavours

Spirits

Rate this recipe

It’s not bad

I like it

I really like it!

I love it!

Comments

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

You could also try...

Rosé Aperol Spritz

Liqueur, Sparkling Wine

Blood Orange Collins

Apple Ginger Fizz

Brandy | Cognac

Smokey Robinson

Mezcal | Tequila, Whiskey