Citrus & Bitters Fizz

The Citrus & Bitters Fizz is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that proves you do not need alcohol to enjoy something full of flavor. Built on a bright citrus base of lemon and lime, this highball is crisp, lively, and perfect for warm days. A touch of aromatic spice from the bitters gives it extra depth, balancing the tangy fruit with a subtle complexity. Topped with sparkling bubbles, it is light, zesty, and endlessly drinkable. Whether served at a picnic, family gathering, or simply as a cool pick-me-up, the Citrus & Bitters Fizz is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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Tasting Notes

This Citrus & Bitters Fizz balances the brightness of citrus with the depth of aromatic bitters. The lime and lemon juices give it a crisp, tart base, softened slightly by simple syrup. Sparkling water lightens the mix and adds a lively texture, while Angostura bitters introduce a spiced, herbal note that lingers after each sip. It’s refreshing but not plain there’s complexity under the surface. The bitters keep it from tasting overly sweet or sharp. Served cold and garnished with a lime wheel, the drink offers a sharp, fizzy profile with a clean finish and a subtle layer of warming spice.

Equipment and Glassware

To make this Citrus & Bitters Fizz, you’ll need a jigger for accurate measurements, a citrus press for fresh juice, and a bar spoon for gentle mixing. A highball or Collins glass works best, offering enough room for ice and sparkling water. If you want to showcase the garnish, choose a clear glass to highlight the lime wheel and carbonation. Crushed or cubed ice is ideal, depending on your texture preference. Keep a knife and cutting board handy for slicing citrus. No shaker is required, making this an easy build-in-glass drink suitable for quick preparation.

Ingredients

• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 4 oz sparkling water
• Garnish: Lime wheel

Instructions

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Add the lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Pour in the sparkling water.
• Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters on top.
• Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with a lime wheel.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice for best results
• Chill your sparkling water ahead of time
• Add bitters last for visual contrast before stirring
• Use a bar spoon to stir gently and preserve bubbles
• Adjust syrup to taste for more or less sweetness
• Try large ice cubes to slow dilution
• Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel for extra flair
• Serve in a chilled glass to keep it cold longer
• Use a citrus press to get more juice from each fruit
• Swap sparkling water for soda water if preferred

When to Serve

This Citrus & Bitters Fizz is a go-to option for daytime events, brunches, or as a non-alcoholic welcome drink at parties. It’s especially popular during summer thanks to its bright flavor and fizzy texture. Great for designated drivers or those cutting back on alcohol, it fits seamlessly into any gathering. Serve it at barbecues, beach outings, baby showers, or casual dinners. It’s light, crisp, and easy to enjoy at any time of day. Because it’s made without liquor, you can also offer it to guests who want a refreshing option without the buzz.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Bitters

• Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• Fee Brothers Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters

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