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The Vodka & Bitter Lemon Cocktail is a refreshing and tangy drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer’s day. It is made with vodka and homemade bitter lemon soda for a zesty twist.
VODKA AND BITTER LEMON COCKTAIL
WHAT IS BITTER LEMON?
Schweppes Bitter Lemon is a carbonated beverage made with a combination of lemon and quinine. It was first introduced in 1957 as a mixer for gin and other spirits, but can now be enjoyed on its own. The flavor of Schweppes Bitter Lemon is described as having a tart and mildly bitter taste, with notes of citrus and quinine. It is a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing drink with a unique flavor. It has a slightly fizzy mouthfeel and a refreshing taste. It can be enjoyed on its own over ice, or as a mixer in cocktails such as gin and tonics. If you are wondering what quinine is: Quinine is a bitter compound that is extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree and is used in the treatment of malaria. It is also used to flavor tonic water and other beverages.
So now that we have that covered, like most things, the price of the original Bitter Lemon has gone up significantly over the last 60+ years. So this cocktail recipe can be considered a copycat recipe for Schweppes Bitter Lemon. It may not have the same malaria-fighting qualities, but it will liven up a backyard barbecue party!
WHAT DOES THIS BITTER LEMON COCKTAIL TASTE LIKE?
This cocktail will have a slightly tart and sweet flavor. The sweetness will come from the artificial sweetener and the tartness from the lemon juice. The vodka will provide the kick and the tonic will add a slight fizziness as well as another level of bitterness. The lemon slice will give the drink a nice citrus aroma. If I were to compare it to something, it would be the love child of a Gin & Tonic and a Vodka Gimlet. Zesty, tart, slightly boozy, and loads of fun.
BITTER LEMON AND VODKA COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS
HOW TO MAKE THIS CLASSIC VODKA AND LEMON RECIPE
Just a couple of splashes and dashes are all that stand in the way of you and your new happy hour favorite!
1. Fill a tall glass with 2/3 full of ice cubes.
2. Add a packet of artificial sweetener to the glass.
3. Pour 3 ounces of vodka over the ice cubes and sweetener.
4. Pour 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice over the vodka.
5. Top off the glass with tonic.
6. Garnish the drink with a half slice of lemon.
CAN YOU MAKE THIS BITTER LEMON COCKTAIL AHEAD OF TIME?
It only takes a couple of minutes to put this drink together. It is not a large-batch recipe like something along the lines of sangria recipes, so it would be better if you make these on the fly since the tonic only stays fizzy for a finite amount of time.
CAN YOU FREEZE THIS COCKTAIL?
This one falls under the category “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”. And depending on how strong you like your drinks, good luck freezing the vodka.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH ZESTY VODKA AND LEMON COCKTAIL?
Since this drink is best enjoyed while sitting out in the sun, under an umbrella or a canopy of trees, might I suggest you snack on some of these:
- Cheese and crackers
- Vegetable crudités
- Deviled eggs
- Cold shrimp cocktail
- Fresh fruit skewers
WHAT KITCHEN TOOLS DO I NEED TO MAKE THIS VODKA COCKTAIL?
This isn’t necessarily organic chemistry. If you don’t have the tools, you can still complete the task. Since cocktails are all about taste preferences, you can eyeball it if you’d like. I won’t judge you!
1. An 8 oz. glass, or your favorite highball glass
2. Measuring cup
3. Measuring spoons
4. Sharp knife for slicing lemon for garnish
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 packet Splenda or similar artificial sweetener
- 3 oz. Vodka
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice from concentrate
- 3½ oz. tonic water
- ice
Instructions
- 1. Fill a tall glass with 2/3 full of ice cubes.
- 2. Add a packet of artificial sweetener to the glass.
- 3. Pour 3 ounces of vodka over the ice cubes and sweetener.
- 4. Pour 1.5 tablespoons of store brand lemon juice over the vodka.
- 5. Top off the glass with tonic.
- 6. Garnish the drink with a half slice of lemon.
Nutrition
