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.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Wash the lemons and lime thoroughly, then zest one lemon and half of the lime. Set the zests aside.

Step 2

Juice all three lemons and the lime. Strain the juice into a bowl to remove seeds and pulp.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then strain out the zest using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

Step 5

In a large pitcher, combine the strained citrus juice, the prepared syrup, and the tonic water. Stir gently to mix well.

Step 6

Add ice cubes to the pitcher or serving glasses, then pour the bitter lemon mixture over the ice.

Step 7

Garnish with a thin lemon or lime slice if desired, and serve immediately for a cold and refreshing drink.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1529.4 grams (1529.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	548

Total Fat 0.90g	1%
Saturated Fat 0.10g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 80mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate 141.50g	51%
Dietary Fiber 5.10g	18%
Total Sugars 129.60g
Protein 1.90g	4%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 96mg	7%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 245mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.4%

Protein: 1.3%

Carbs: 97.3%