Theo Nash
Lemon, lime and bitters (LLB) is a popular drink in Australia and New Zealand. It is typically made with lemon or lime soda, lime cordial, and bitters, and served over ice. While LLB is considered a non-alcoholic drink, it often contains Angostura bitters, which have an alcohol content of 44.7%. However, due to the small quantity of bitters used, the overall alcohol content in LLB is very low, at approximately 0.6% ABV. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to avoid alcohol or are looking for a low-ABV option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | Non-alcoholic cocktail but contains a small amount of alcohol due to the bitters. ABV is roughly 0.6% |
| Ingredients | Lemon soda or fresh lemon juice, lime cordial or fresh lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, and bitters |
| Origin | Australia, created sometime around the 1880s |
| Recipe | Fill a glass with ice, add lemon and lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters, stir, and top with soda |
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What You'll Learn
Lemon, lime and bitters is a non-alcoholic cocktail
Lemon, lime and bitters (LLB) is a non-alcoholic cocktail that is considered Australia's national drink. It is typically made with lemon soda, lime cordial, and aromatic bitters, although some recipes call for fresh lemon and lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda. The drink is easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bitter taste without the alcohol.
The exact origin of lemon, lime and bitters is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Australia around the 1880s. It was originally created as a non-alcoholic alternative to "Pink Gin", which is a mixture of gin and Angostura bitters. Over time, it became a favourite among golfers and gained widespread popularity in Australia and New Zealand. Today, it is commonly consumed in these countries and can be ordered in most bars or purchased as a pre-mixed beverage from supermarkets.
While LLB is considered a non-alcoholic cocktail, it is important to note that the bitters used in the drink may contain a small amount of alcohol. Angostura bitters, for example, have an alcohol content of 44.7% ABV. However, when used in the LLB recipe, the alcohol content is significantly diluted, resulting in a drink with an ABV of approximately 0.6%. This is only slightly higher than commercially produced kombucha.
For those who wish to avoid alcohol completely, non-alcoholic bitters can be used as a substitute. This will ensure that the cocktail remains 100% alcohol-free while still providing the desired bitter flavour. Whether using alcoholic or non-alcoholic bitters, LLB is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that can be enjoyed by everyone.
In conclusion, lemon, lime and bitters is a versatile and well-loved cocktail that has earned its place as a staple in Australian culture. Its simplicity, refreshing taste, and versatility make it a popular choice for those seeking a non-alcoholic option that is both unique and sophisticated.
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It contains a small amount of alcohol due to the bitters
Lemon, lime and bitters (LLB) is a popular drink in Australia and New Zealand, where it is considered the national drink. It is typically made with lemon or lime soda, lime cordial, and aromatic bitters, such as Angostura bitters. While LLB is generally considered a non-alcoholic drink, it is important to note that it does contain a small amount of alcohol due to the bitters.
Angostura bitters, for example, have an alcohol content of 44.7% ABV. However, when used in LLB, the amount of bitters is diluted, resulting in a very low alcohol content in the final drink. According to The Epicurious Cocktail ABV Calculator, the alcohol content of LLB is approximately 0.6% ABV, which is only slightly higher than commercially produced kombucha.
The small amount of alcohol in LLB comes solely from the bitters, as the other ingredients, such as lemon or lime juice, soda, and simple syrup, do not contain alcohol. This drink is often served as a non-alcoholic alternative to cocktails or alcoholic beverages, providing a refreshing and complex flavour profile without the effects of alcohol.
It is worth mentioning that there are non-alcoholic bitters available on the market. If one wishes to completely avoid alcohol, using non-alcoholic bitters can ensure that the LLB is 100% alcohol-free. This makes it a truly zero-proof cocktail, suitable for those who abstain from alcohol for personal, health, or religious reasons.
In conclusion, while lemon, lime, and bitters is widely regarded as a non-alcoholic beverage, it does contain a negligible amount of alcohol due to the presence of bitters. The alcohol content is minimal and will not produce any intoxicating effects, but it is important information for those who wish to completely abstain from alcohol.
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Angostura bitters are 44.7% ABV
Lemon, lime and bitters (LLB) is a popular drink in Australia, where it is sometimes considered the country's "national drink". It is typically made with lemon or lime soda, lime cordial, and aromatic bitters, although fresh lemon and lime juice are also used.
While LLB is considered a non-alcoholic drink, it does contain a small amount of alcohol from the bitters. Angostura bitters, which are commonly used in LLB, have a high alcohol content of 44.7% ABV. However, due to the small amount of bitters used in the drink and its dilution with other ingredients, the overall alcohol content of LLB is very low. In fact, one source estimates the alcohol content per drink to be only slightly higher than commercially produced kombucha.
Angostura bitters were created in 1817 by a German doctor, Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, who emigrated to Venezuela. They were originally intended as a remedy for dizziness and stomach pain and are made by steeping various ingredients in alcohol, including angostura bark, chamomile, raisins, cardamom, cinnamon, cinchona, sarrapia, gentian, and ginger.
Despite the high alcohol content of Angostura bitters, LLB is still considered a non-alcoholic beverage. This is because only a few dashes of bitters are used in the drink, resulting in a minimal amount of alcohol that will not cause intoxication. For those who wish to avoid alcohol completely, non-alcoholic bitters can be used instead.
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The cocktail's ABV is roughly 0.6%
Lemon, lime and bitters (LLB) is a cocktail with a very low alcohol content, despite often being considered a non-alcoholic beverage. The cocktail's ABV is roughly 0.6%, which is negligible and will not lead to drunkenness. However, it is important to note that the exact ABV can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, as well as the glass size.
The drink is typically made with lemon or lime soda, cordial or fresh juice, and a small amount of aromatic bitters, such as Angostura bitters, which have a high alcohol content of around 44.7% ABV. When added to the other ingredients, the overall alcohol content of the cocktail becomes very low. For example, if 5ml of bitters are added to 250ml of a non-alcoholic liquid, the resulting ABV is approximately 0.88%, which is much lower than the ABV of a standard beer, which is typically between 3-4%.
The origin of lemon, lime and bitters is uncertain, but it is believed to have been created in Australia around the 1880s as a non-alcoholic alternative to "Pink Gin", which is a cocktail made by mixing gin with bitters. Over time, it became a popular drink in Australia and New Zealand, particularly among golfers, and has been dubbed "'Australia's national drink'".
While LLB is considered non-alcoholic, it is worth noting that the small amount of alcohol present means it may not be suitable for children, pregnant women, or those avoiding alcohol completely. Some individuals may prefer to use non-alcoholic bitters to ensure the drink is 100% alcohol-free. Nevertheless, with its refreshing flavour and low ABV, LLB is a great option for those seeking a cocktail-like experience without the stronger effects of alcohol.
In conclusion, the lemon, lime and bitters cocktail has a very low alcohol content, typically around 0.6% ABV, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. Its Australian origins and refreshing flavour have contributed to its popularity, especially during hot weather, making it a well-loved drink option.
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It's considered Australia's national drink
Lemon, lime and bitters (LLB) is considered Australia's national drink due to its popularity and cultural significance in the country. It is a non-alcoholic cocktail created in Australia around the 1880s and is widely consumed, especially during the summer. The drink is made with lemon soda or lemonade, lime cordial, and aromatic bitters, and it has a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other beverages.
The origins of LLB can be traced back to colonial times, and it is believed to have been invented in Australia with the addition of lime to the existing combination of lemonade and bitters, which was already popular as a home remedy drink. Over time, it became a customary beverage for golfers to enjoy after a match, and its popularity spread across the country.
Today, LLB is ubiquitous on restaurant menus in Australia and is also available as a pre-mixed beverage in supermarkets. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, more than 100 million lemon, lime and bitters are served in Australia every year, making it one of the most commonly ordered soft drinks with meals.
While the exact origin of the drink remains unknown, its association with Australia is strong. It has become an iconic symbol of Australian culture and is often recognised as the country's national drink, even though it has not caught on to the same extent internationally.
The drink's simplicity, refreshing taste, and non-alcoholic nature have contributed to its widespread appeal in Australia, making it a beloved and well-established part of the country's culinary landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Lemon, lime, and bitters (LLB) is considered a non-alcoholic drink because only a few dashes of bitters are used. The bitters typically used in LLB is Angostura bitters, which has a high alcohol content of 44.7% alcohol by volume. However, the amount of alcohol in a serving of LLB is negligible and will not get you drunk.
Lemon, lime, and bitters is considered non-alcoholic because it typically contains only a few dashes of bitters, resulting in a negligible amount of alcohol in the final drink. It is often chosen by non-drinkers and designated drivers as a non-alcoholic option.
No, you cannot get drunk from drinking lemon, lime, and bitters. While the bitters used may contain alcohol, the amount used in the drink is very small, and the alcohol content in a serving is negligible.
Realistically, a full license holder should not fail a breathalyser test after drinking lemon, lime, and bitters. However, young drivers with a zero BAC limit could potentially fail a preliminary breath test due to 'alcohol debris' in their mouth if they consume a large amount of LLB with more than a few dashes of bitters shortly before the test.
While lemon, lime, and bitters is often considered a non-alcoholic drink, it does contain a small amount of alcohol from the bitters. Therefore, it may not be suitable for minors, and the legal serving age may vary depending on local regulations.
