Bitter Lemon
Elevate your refreshment game with this homemade Bitter Lemon, a perfect balance of tangy citrus, subtle sweetness, and a distinctively bitter twist. This vibrant drink combines freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice with aromatic zests, delicately simmered into a simple syrup to infuse bold, citrusy flavors. The addition of quinine-infused tonic water lends a sophisticated complexity, making it an invigorating choice for warm days or as an upscale cocktail mixer. Ready in just 20 minutes and served ice-cold, this citrus-forward beverage delivers zingy freshness with every sip. Garnished with lemon or lime slices, it’s a refreshing treat that delights in both flavor and presentation. Ideal for summer gatherings or an elegant aperitif, this Bitter Lemon recipe is a must-try for citrus lovers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 whole Lemon
- 1 whole Lime
- 100 grams Sugar
- 750 milliliters Water
- 250 milliliters Tonic water (quinine-infused)
- 1 cup Ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon Lime zest
Instructions
Wash the lemons and lime thoroughly, then zest one lemon and half of the lime. Set the zests aside.
Juice all three lemons and the lime. Strain the juice into a bowl to remove seeds and pulp.
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon zest, and lime zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves (about 5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then strain out the zest using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
In a large pitcher, combine the strained citrus juice, the prepared syrup, and the tonic water. Stir gently to mix well.
Add ice cubes to the pitcher or serving glasses, then pour the bitter lemon mixture over the ice.
Garnish with a thin lemon or lime slice if desired, and serve immediately for a cold and refreshing drink.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
548 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 80 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 141.5 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 129.6 g | ||
| Protein | 1.9 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 245 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
