The Core Ingredients of Lemon, Lime and Bitters
At its heart, a lemon, lime and bitters, often called an 'LLB,' is a straightforward mixed drink. The magic lies in the specific components and how they are combined. The classic version, which is widely available as a pre-mixed beverage in Australia and New Zealand, uses lemonade, lime cordial, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. A fresher, often preferred, homemade version utilizes fresh lemon and lime juices, simple syrup, and soda water to achieve a similar profile with more control over sweetness.
The All-Important Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Angostura bitters is the non-negotiable star ingredient that provides the distinctive, complex herbal flavor. What are the ingredients of lemon, lime and bitters? The bitters themselves contain over 40 distinct botanicals. The exact recipe for this concentrated liquid, which was invented in Venezuela in 1824 and is now produced in Trinidad and Tobago, remains a closely guarded secret. Key components are known to include gentian root and a blend of spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. It’s important to note that while Angostura bitters is nearly 45% alcohol by volume, the tiny amount used in a single drink results in a final beverage with a negligible alcohol content, making it a popular non-alcoholic choice.
The Citrus Base: Lemonade vs. Fresh Citrus
How you approach the citrus base significantly impacts the final taste. The traditional method is to use pre-made lemonade, which offers convenience and a consistent, sweet flavor. However, for a crisper, more refined drink, many home bartenders opt for fresh ingredients. This involves mixing freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices with simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) and topping it off with sparkling water or club soda. This allows for a perfectly balanced drink, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
The Lime Element: Cordial vs. Fresh Juice
Just as with the lemon base, the lime component offers a choice between cordial and fresh juice. Lime cordial, a sweetened lime syrup, provides a consistent and quick solution that delivers both lime flavor and sweetness. The alternative is using fresh lime juice, which offers a more vibrant, authentic citrus tang that can be adjusted to taste. A combination of fresh juices and simple syrup is often preferred for a premium, less-processed drink.
How to Make the Perfect Lemon, Lime and Bitters
There are two main approaches to preparing this classic beverage. Here are the steps for each:
Classic Recipe (using cordial and lemonade)
- Fill a tall highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add 15ml (about 1 tbsp) of lime juice cordial to the glass.
- Top with chilled lemonade, leaving a small space at the top.
- Add 4-5 dashes of Angostura bitters by swirling them over the top.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.
Homemade Fresh Citrus Recipe (for a less sweet finish)
- Take a highball glass and add ice.
- Pour in 15ml fresh lime juice and 15ml fresh lemon juice.
- Add 15ml simple syrup (adjust to desired sweetness).
- Fill the rest of the glass with chilled sparkling water or club soda.
- Float 4-5 dashes of Angostura bitters on top and gently stir.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
Comparison Table: Classic vs. Homemade
| Feature | Classic LLB | Homemade LLB |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lime cordial, lemonade, Angostura bitters | Fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water, Angostura bitters |
| Flavor Profile | Sweeter, more consistent, less pronounced fresh citrus notes. | Crisper, fresher, customizable sweetness, more vibrant citrus flavor. |
| Preparation Time | Very quick, relies on pre-made ingredients. | Requires a little more time to juice citrus and make simple syrup. |
| Control | Little control over sweetness and flavor balance. | Full control over the ratio of sweet to sour. |
| Cost | Generally more economical and widely available. | Slightly more expensive due to fresh ingredients, but often higher quality. |
Variations and Customizations
For those who enjoy experimenting, LLB provides a simple base for endless creativity. Some popular variations include:
- The Gunner: This variant, popular in places like Hong Kong, replaces the lemonade with a mix of ginger beer and ginger ale, along with a dash of lemon juice and bitters.
- The Chapman: In Nigeria, this version is made with orange juice, grenadine, lemonade, and bitters, resulting in a vibrant red drink.
- Spiced LLB: Recipes like a Spiced Lemon Lime and Bitters use infused water or syrup with ingredients like cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla bean to add a warm, festive twist.
- Different Bitters: While Angostura is the standard, experimenting with different types of bitters, such as orange bitters, can introduce new flavor dimensions.
For a deeper dive into mixology techniques and the history of Angostura, visit the official Angostura website for authoritative insights. The drink's enduring appeal comes from its ability to be both a quick, simple refresher and a canvas for more complex flavor profiles, all built on its fundamental ingredients.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of LLB
Whether you opt for the quick convenience of the classic recipe or the fresh, customizable taste of a homemade version, the ingredients of lemon, lime and bitters combine to create a uniquely satisfying beverage. Its origins as a British colonial medicinal tonic, combined with its adaptation in Australia, speak to its versatile and enduring nature. From its humble roots to its status as a beloved non-alcoholic classic, the interplay of bitter, sweet, and sour in an LLB continues to be a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink for any occasion. The key, no matter the variation, remains the fundamental trinity of lemon, lime, and aromatic bitters.
