Classic Lemon Lime and Bitters Cocktail Recipe

Lemon Lime and Bitters is a classic Australian refresher made with fizzy lemonade or lemon-lime soda, freshly squeezed lime juice and a few dashes of aromatic bitters. The result is bubbly, citrusy, lightly bitter and ready in about two minutes.

It is commonly served as a non-alcoholic or very low-alcohol drink. Traditional bitters do contain alcohol, but the small amount used in this recipe leaves only trace amounts in the finished drink. If you require a completely alcohol-free version, see the alcohol-free notes below.

Recipe updated 02 June 2026: clearer alcohol-free notes, US lemonade wording, lime cordial variation, jug measurements and troubleshooting.

Fresh lime juice or lime cordial?

Some Australian versions use lime cordial, which produces a sweeter, more nostalgic pub-style flavour. This recipe prioritises freshly squeezed lime juice for a brighter, sharper result. Both approaches work well: choose lime cordial if you prefer a sweeter, more classic taste, or stick with fresh lime for a lighter, fresher drink.

Why this Lemon Lime and Bitters works

1. Only three main ingredients — fizzy lemonade (lemon-lime soda), lime juice and aromatic bitters.
2. Ready in two minutes — simply build it in the glass over ice.
3. Refreshing and balanced — citrusy, fizzy and lightly bitter rather than heavy.
4. Easy to customise — add more lime for sharpness, more lemonade for sweetness, or extra bitters for depth.
5. Great for warm weather — ideal for BBQs, picnics, lunches and effortless entertaining.

Key ingredients

The full ingredient list with measurements appears in the recipe card below. Use the notes here to choose the best components.

Ice

Use plenty of ice so the drink stays cold and refreshing.

Fizzy lemonade

Use a clear, carbonated lemon-lime soda such as Sprite, 7UP or a Schweppes-style lemonade. In the US, choose lemon-lime soda rather than still homemade lemonade. Sugar-free versions work well if you want fewer calories.

Freshly squeezed lime juice

Fresh lime juice gives the brightest flavour. Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch but lacks the same vibrancy. For a sweeter, pub-style take, substitute lime cordial.

Aromatic bitters

Angostura bitters are the classic choice, adding a light herbal bitterness and a warm amber colour. Traditional bitters contain alcohol, but the small number of dashes used here contributes only trace alcohol. For a fully alcohol-free option, use alcohol-free bitters.

How to make Lemon Lime and Bitters

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in fizzy lemonade (lemon-lime soda) and freshly squeezed lime juice, then stir briefly.
3. Add 5–10 dashes of Angostura bitters, adjusting to taste.
4. Stir gently to combine. Stir less for a layered ombré effect; stir fully if you prefer a uniform flavour.
5. Garnish with a lemon or lime slice or a citrus twist and serve immediately.

Is Lemon Lime and Bitters non-alcoholic?

Lemon Lime and Bitters is frequently treated as non-alcoholic or very low alcohol because only a few dashes of bitters are used. Traditional Angostura bitters contain alcohol, but the quantity in a single serving is minimal. If you need to avoid alcohol entirely, choose an alcohol-free bitters alternative to ensure the drink is fully alcohol-free.

Variations

• Sugar-free: Use sugar-free lemon-lime soda for a lower-calorie option.
• Extra lime: Add more fresh lime juice for a sharper, more tart profile.
• More bitter: Increase the dashes of bitters to deepen the herbal notes.
• Alcohol-free: Substitute alcohol-free bitters to eliminate alcohol completely.
• Cocktail version: Add a shot of vodka, gin or light rum for an alcoholic cocktail. Vodka keeps the drink neutral, gin adds botanical complexity.
• Lime cordial version: Replace fresh lime juice with lime cordial for a sweeter, pub-style flavour.

How to make a jug of Lemon Lime and Bitters

For a 1-litre jug, use:

• 920 ml fizzy lemonade or lemon-lime soda
• 80 ml fresh lime juice
• 20–30 dashes Angostura bitters, or to taste
• Plenty of ice
• Lemon or lime slices to garnish

Stir gently and serve immediately so the drink stays fizzy.

How to make a lemon or lime twist

1. Use a vegetable peeler to remove a long strip of lemon or lime peel, avoiding as much white pith as possible.
2. Trim the peel into a thin strip if needed.
3. Twist the peel around your finger, a straw or the handle of a spoon to shape it.
4. Hook the twist over the side of the glass for an elegant garnish.

Troubleshooting Lemon Lime and Bitters

My drink tastes too sweet

Add more fresh lime juice, extra ice, or a splash of plain soda water to dilute and brighten the flavour.

My drink tastes too bitter

Reduce the number of bitters next time or add more fizzy lemonade to balance the bitterness.

The drink went flat

Make the drink just before serving and use chilled soda to help it stay fizzy longer.

The bitters sank to the bottom

Give the drink a gentle stir. Stir less if you want a layered visual effect, or stir thoroughly for an even flavour distribution.

It doesn’t taste like the pub version

Many pub-style versions use lime cordial instead of fresh juice. Use lime cordial to recreate that sweeter, classic pub flavour.