Cocktails with bitter lemon: five recipes for a refreshing drink

Cocktails mit Bitter Lemon: Fünf Rezepte für spritzigen Genuss

Bitter Lemon – a tangy drink

With bitter lemon, the bittersweet and refreshing ingredient, you can transform any moment into a special treat. Whether you're relaxing alone, having friends over, or celebrating with family, bitter lemon adds a certain something to any cocktail and brings refreshing elegance to your cocktail glass.

What is bitter lemon?

Bitter Lemon is a tangy drink made from lemon juice, sugar and various bittering agents. It has been a popular mixer for cocktails since the 1950s because it offers the ideal balance between sweet and tart. It creates a unique flavor when combined with gin or vodka in particular. For those who prefer non-alcoholic cocktails, Bitter Lemon offers just as many possibilities.

1. Gin & Bitter Lemon Fusion – A classic revisited

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml gin
  • 150 ml bitter lemon
  • ice cubes
  • citrus zest for garnish.

Preparation:

Fill your cocktail glass generously with ice cubes, add the gin, and then top up with bitter lemon. A twist of lemon peel gives the drink the final kick of freshness.

What makes it special: the tangy note of bitter lemon and the aromatic profile of gin combine to create a timeless classic that is pure enjoyment in a cocktail glass.

2. Vodka Lemon Splash – a refreshing all-rounder

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml vodka
  • 150 ml bitter lemon
  • ice cubes
  • a slice of lime for garnish

Preparation:

Pour the vodka into a chilled cocktail glass with ice cubes and top up with bitter lemon. Finish the drink with a fresh slice of lime for an extra kick of freshness.

What makes it special: the slight tanginess and subtle bitterness harmonize perfectly with the gentle aroma of the vodka and bring a touch of summer to your glass.

3. Citrus Aperol Fizz – fruity and tangy

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Aperol
  • 100 ml bitter lemon
  • 50 ml sparkling water or Prosecco
  • ice cubes
  • an orange slice as garnish

Preparation

: Mix Aperol and bitter lemon in a cocktail glass filled with ice and add sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with an orange slice and stir gently.

What makes it special: This fruity, sparkling combination brings the feeling of sunshine to your glass and conjures up a warm atmosphere – ideal for aperitif moments or the start of an enjoyable evening.

4. Elderflower Lemon Spritz – Floral freshness for special moments

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml elderflower syrup
  • 150 ml bitter lemon
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Mint leaves for garnish

Preparation:

Mix the elderflower syrup, lemon juice and bitter lemon in a cocktail glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently and garnish the drink with fresh mint leaves.

What makes it special: the delicate floral aromas of the elderberry combine with the tangy effervescence of the bitter lemon to create an experience that combines floral freshness with elegant lightness – a perfect treat in a cocktail glass.

5. Berry Lemon Refresh – a fruity mix without alcohol

Ingredients:

  • 150 ml bitter lemon
  • 50 ml fruity lemonade (e.g. berry or lemon)
  • Fresh berries for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Preparation:

Fill a cocktail glass with ice cubes, pour in the bitter lemon and fruity lemonade, and garnish with fresh berries.

What makes it special: this non-alcoholic combination unites the fruity acidity of berries with the bitter-sweet flavor of Bitter Lemon – a light, fresh choice for any occasion.

FAQ about cocktails with Bitter Lemon

  1. Which spirits go well with Bitter Lemon? Gin and vodka go particularly well with Bitter Lemon, but aperitifs like Aperol also harmonize perfectly with the bitter-sweet freshness of this mixer.
  2. How is Bitter Lemon best served? Bitter Lemon is particularly effective in a chilled cocktail glass and harmonizes with fresh citrus flavors, herbs and light spirits.
  3. What are some occasions when you might enjoy a bitter lemon cocktail? - Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink for a summer evening or a stylish aperitif before dinner, bitter lemon is perfect for any occasion and gives cocktails that certain something.

A moment to savor, with bitter lemon cocktails

With these bitter lemon cocktails, you can turn any evening into something very special. Served in stylish cocktail glasses, they bring a touch of freshness and elegance to your everyday life and make a social evening or a relaxing moment in the garden a little highlight. In this sense: cheers to the beautiful things in life and to many more enjoyable moments!

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