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Bitters and soda is a bubbly and refreshing low alcohol drink! It tastes like a co*cktail, but has only trace amounts of booze.
![Bitters and Soda (1) Bitters and Soda (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.acouplecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Bitters-and-Soda-004.jpg)
Want a co*cktail that’s not really a co*cktail? Enter: Bitters and Soda! This genius trick is the best way to feel like you’re drinking when you’re really not. We do this all the time, especially in the evenings when we need a nightcap. The amount of alcohol in co*cktail bitters is negligible, so you end up with a drink that tastes like a co*cktail with only trace amounts of booze. The flavor is so delicious: nuanced, herbal and bitter. With a squeeze of lemon, it’s pure genius!
What’s in Bitters and Soda?
Bitters and Soda is a drink that combines co*cktail bitters and club soda. Because there are only a few dashes of bitters in the drink, the alcohol level very low and nearly negligible. It’s a great option for anyone who wants the flavor of a co*cktail without the alcohol. The minute alcohol level also makes it a very low calorie drink. “Bitters and Soda” is also the name of a brand of canned non-alcoholic drinks, but you can easily make this drink at home. The ingredients you’ll need are:
- Club soda or sparkling water
- co*cktail bitters: Angostura, Peychaud’s, orange bitters, or non-alcoholic bitters
How to make it? Pour out your sparkling water, add the dashes of bitters, and top with a squeeze of a lemon wedge. The nuanced bitter, herbal, and effervescent flavor is unreal! You’ll become a quick convert to this easy 2-ingredient drink.
![Bitters and Soda (2) Bitters and Soda (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.acouplecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Bitters-002.jpg)
More about co*cktail bitters
Bittersare small bottles of spirits infused with botanicals (herbs and spices) that are used to flavor co*cktails. They’re essential in modern mixology, as they take drinks from one-note to extraordinarily complex in just a few shakes. That’s because bitters are made with so many herbs and spices, it adds intrigue because the flavors are not easily recognizable. Some popular types of co*cktail bitters are:
- Angostura bitters are the most popular co*cktail bitters. The flavor is complex and spiced, with hints of clove and cinnamon. They get the name from their manufacturer: the House ofAngosturain Trinidad and Tobago. (Read morehere.)
- Peychaud’s bitters are most popularly known for inclusion in the Sazerac. The flavor is a little sweeter than Angostura bitters, with hints of anise and mint.
- Orange bitters taste citrusy and fresh, with hints of cinnamon (see these Orange Bitters co*cktails).
There are lots of other types of craft bitters, each with different flavor. You can use any type of co*cktail bitters in the Bitters and Soda, making a different flavor profile every time.
How many calories in the drink?
When we say low calorie drink, we mean it! Bitters and Soda has just 6 calories. How’s that for a skinny co*cktail? Here’s the math:
- How many calories in bitters? 1.5 calories per dash.
- 4 dashes x 1.5 calories = 6 calories per drink
![Bitters and Soda (3) Bitters and Soda (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.acouplecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Bitters-and-Soda-003.jpg)
How much alcohol is in Bitters and Soda
How much alcohol is in this drink? Only trace amounts: around 45% of 0.08 ounces, which is 0.03 ounces. Here’s the math:
- How much alcohol is in bitters? Most bitters are between 35% to 45% ABV.
- How much is 1 dash bitters? 1 dash = between ⅛ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon, which is 0.02 to 0.04 ounces.
- How much alcohol in a standard co*cktail? Most co*cktails have 3 ounces alcohol, and most alcohol (like whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila) is 40% ABV. So the typical co*cktail would have 3 * 0.40 or 1.2 ounces alcohol.
More drinks with bitters
There are lots more famous co*cktails with bitters to use up the bottles, when you’re up for drinking alcohol! Here are a few more famous drinks:
- The classic Old Fashioned is the most popular drink with bitters (typically Angostura)
- The Manhattan is another famous bitters drink
- The Sazerac is a New Orleans drink with Peychaud’s bitters
- The Vieux Carre has both Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters
- The Trinidad Sour uses an ungodly amount of bitters in 1 drink (1 ½ ounces!)
02
Bitters and Soda
- Author: Sonja Overhiser
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Bitters and soda is bubbly and refreshing: the best way to make a low alcohol co*cktail! It’s full of nuanced flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces soda water
- 3 to 4 dashes bitters, to taste (Angostura, Peychaud’s, orange bitters, or other)
- 1 lemon wedge
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
Instructions
- Pour the soda water in an ice-filled glass. Top with co*cktail bitters, and add a squeeze of 1 lemon wedge. Serve immediately.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Poured
- Cuisine: co*cktails
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Bitters and soda
Published on / Last updated on
Categorized In:
Tagged with:
About the authors
Sonja & Alex
Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of mixology and the intricate world of co*cktail bitters, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article about Bitters and Soda. My knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, gained through hands-on experience and a genuine passion for crafting delightful beverages.
Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article:
-
Bitters and Soda Overview:
- Bitters and Soda is a low-alcohol drink that mimics the taste of a co*cktail but contains only trace amounts of booze.
- It's a refreshing option for those seeking the flavor of a co*cktail without the associated alcohol content.
- The primary ingredients are club soda or sparkling water and various types of co*cktail bitters.
-
Ingredients for Bitters and Soda:
- Club soda or sparkling water: Provides the effervescent base for the drink.
- co*cktail bitters: Options include Angostura, Peychaud’s, orange bitters, or non-alcoholic bitters.
-
Making Bitters and Soda:
- Pour sparkling water into a glass, add dashes of bitters, and top with a squeeze of a lemon wedge.
- The resulting flavor is described as nuanced, herbal, and bitter.
-
More about co*cktail Bitters:
- Bitters are small bottles of spirits infused with botanicals (herbs and spices) used to flavor co*cktails.
- They play a crucial role in modern mixology, adding complexity and intrigue to drinks.
- Popular types include Angostura, Peychaud’s, and orange bitters, each with distinctive flavors.
-
Caloric Content:
- Bitters and Soda is a low-calorie drink, containing only 6 calories per serving.
- The breakdown includes 1.5 calories per dash of bitters, with 4 dashes used in the recipe.
-
Alcohol Content:
- The alcohol content in Bitters and Soda is minimal, around 45% of 0.08 ounces or 0.03 ounces.
- Most co*cktail bitters have an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 35% to 45%.
-
Comparison with Standard co*cktails:
- Standard co*cktails typically contain around 3 ounces of alcohol, with common spirits at 40% ABV.
- Bitters and Soda offers a significantly lower alcohol content compared to traditional co*cktails.
-
Other co*cktails with Bitters:
- The article suggests other famous co*cktails using bitters, such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sazerac, and Trinidad Sour.
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Recipe for Bitters and Soda:
- The provided recipe calls for 4 ounces of soda water, 3 to 4 dashes of bitters, and a lemon wedge.
In conclusion, Bitters and Soda emerges as a creative and satisfying alternative for those looking to enjoy the taste of a co*cktail with minimal alcohol intake. The versatility of co*cktail bitters allows for experimentation with various flavor profiles, making it an enjoyable experience for both seasoned mixologists and casual enthusiasts alike.