8 Bitters And Soda Drink Recipes

Bitters and soda is so simple yet it has a surprisingly complex flavor.

Traditionally known for their role in cocktails, bitters are now taking center stage in the world of non-alcoholic mixology, offering a spectrum of flavors and complexity that can transform a simple glass of soda water into a refreshing and sophisticated fizzy drink. 

This trend has gained momentum as we seek healthier and more exciting alternatives to alcoholic beverages, making bitters and soda a great choice for when we’re looking to elevate our drinking experience without alcohol.

Are Bitters And Soda Good For Upset Stomach?

bitters and soda for upset stomach

Bitters and soda have been used historically as a remedy for digestive discomfort, including mild upset stomachs and indigestion.

Bitters are herbal extracts made from a combination of aromatic herbs, roots, and spices, and they are known for their bitter taste. When mixed with soda water, the resulting beverage can have a soothing effect on the stomach.

The bitterness of bitters can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which can aid in the digestion of food. Additionally, the carbonation in soda water may help relieve gas and bloating, common symptoms of an upset stomach.

Bitters And Soda Recipe Combinations

bitters and soda recipe

It’s possible to create delicious and complex flavors that can compete with their alcoholic equivalents by experimenting with non-alcoholic bitters and soda recipe combinations.

These creative concoctions offer a refreshing substitute if you’re trying to abstain from alcohol.

The variety of herbal and botanical flavors in non-alcoholic bitters, combined with the fizz of club soda, provide countless creative possibilities.

Classic Bitters And Soda

bitters and soda recipe

Easy-To-Make Bitters And Soda Mocktail

When you want a drink that tastes and feels like a cocktail but doesn't have any alcohol or takes much effort to mix, a Bitters and Soda Mocktail is the ideal choice.
Bitters and soda, which are herbal and hydrating, are a welcome change of pace from the usual flavored sparkling waters. You can consume it throughout the day, but since bitters aid digestion, it is also advantageous before or after meals.

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 full droppers All The Bitter alcohol-free bitters any flavor
  • 8 ounces sparkling water
  • Squeeze of lemon or lime optional

Instructions
 

  • A squeeze of lemon or lime and 3–4 full droppers of All The Bitter alcohol-free bitters should be added to an ice-filled Collins glass.
  • Fill the glass with sparkling water, then give it a quick stir to mix it in.
Keyword Bitters And Soda, Non-Alcoholic Bitters Recipe

In this recipe, we used non-alcoholic bitters from All The Bitter, and you can pick from any of their flavors! We recommend getting their All The Bitter Classic Trio Travel Pack so you can have different choices of which bitters to use when making a mocktail.

And it’s also handy if you like traveling!

Lemon, Lime, And Bitters

This non-alcoholic cocktail called Lemon, Lime, and Bitters, or LLB for short, was invented in Australia around 1880 and is so well-liked there that ABC News dubbed it “Australia’s National Drink” in 2018. 

Instead of the traditional ingredients of lemon soda, lime cordial, and aromatic bitters, use freshly squeezed citrus, a little simple syrup, and their Aromatic bitters in this recipe. This version is also lighter and lower in calories.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a rocks glass, combine bitters, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice, and stir.
  2. Add soda to the top, then stir after adding ice.
  3. Add a wedge of lemon or lime as garnish.

Non-Alcoholic Soda And Orange Bitters

You can always use bitters to make easy-to-build drinks like Soda and Orange Bitters. Bitters are too potent to enjoy on their own, so mixing them into a light, subtle, zero-proof cocktail is the perfect way to see how well you can pull this recipe off.

Ingredients

  • 200 mL soda water
  • 7.5 mL honey syrup 
  • 6 dashes All The Bitter Orange bitters

Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients with an ice spear in a chilled tall glass. 
  2. Lift the mixture with a barspoon to gently stir the contents.
  3. Garnish with a lemon slice. 
  4. If desired, add more acidity at a later time. Just squeeze the lemon slice and give it a quick swirl if you want it to have extra acidity.

The Bright & Bitter

The Bright & Bitter is a cheery blend of fresh fruit juice turned into a very adult drink by adding non-alcoholic bitters. Serve this at your next brunch.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups orange juice
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened cranberry juice
  • Âľ cup lemon juice, from about 4 lemons
  • Âľ cup lime juice, from about 6 limes
  • ÂĽ cup simple syrup, plus more to taste
  • 12 dashes non-alcoholic bitters
  • Chilled soda water, to serve
  • Lime wedges, to serve

Instructions

  1. Combine the orange juice, cranberry juice, lemon, lime, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Taste after adding the bitters. If desired, add more bitters or simple syrup.
  2. Refrigerate until cold, or add ice and whisk to chill. Add more soda water to the pitcher if preferred. 
  3. Serve with lime wedges over ice.

Tonic Rickey

bitters and soda for tonic rickey

This non-alcoholic Tonic Rickey version from cocktail blogger Camille Wilson uses ingredients you may already have on in your panrty.

The traditional Rickey is a fizzy beverage made with soda water, lime juice, and alcohol (usually gin or bourbon). But we’ll skip the alcohol content for this recipe from Liquor.com.

Ingredients

  • ½ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 1 ½ ounces tonic water
  • 1 ½ ounces seltzer water
  • 3 dashes non-alcoholic bitters

Instructions

  1. Add the lime juice and simple syrup to an ice-filled lowball glass and stir.
  2. Add the seltzer water and tonic water slowly while stirring.
  3. Serve after adding the bitters on top.

Rock Shandy

Rock Shandy is the most refreshing shandy. It’ll be your go-to beverage for poolside or beachside. Only lemonade, soda water, and bitters are required for this recipe.

Ingredients

  • Ice – Enough to fill the glass ½ – ÂĽ of the way
  • 125 ml Lemonade
  • 125 ml soda water
  • 5-10 dashes non-alcoholic bitters of your choice
  • 1 slice lemon – or a lemon peel twisty for decoration

Instructions

  1. Your chosen amount of ice should be added to the glass.
  2. Lemonade and soda water should be added in equal parts. Stir it briefly.
  3. Add your non-alcoholic bitters.
  4. Add a lemon slice or lemon peel twisted to the glass for decoration.

Japanese Thirst Killer

bitters and soda for japanese thirst killer

The Japanese Thirst Killer dates back to the 1915 Dispenser Formulary Soda Water Guide and is a mostly forgotten but utterly lovely historical (very) low-ABV treat. The collection compiles more than two thousand recipes for syrups, shakes, mixed drinks, and acid phosphates.

It was one of several publications about the products of the traditional soda fountain that were published around the turn of the twentieth century.

And now, we’re recreating this low-ABV cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 3 oz. grape juice
  • Âľ oz. orgeat
  • 1 tsp. acid phosphate
  • 2 dashes non-alcoholic bitters
  • 2 oz. club soda, plus more to taste
  • Pineapple slice (for serving; optional)

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 3 ounces of grape juice, Âľ ounce of orgeat, 1 teaspoon of acid phosphate, and 2 dashes of non-alcoholic bitters. Shake vigorously for about 5 seconds to get the ingredients chilled. 
  2. A Collins glass with ice in it should have 2 ounces of club soda in the bottom. Pour grape juice mixture into the glass; pour club soda on top to taste. To combine well, stir with a long bar spoon many times. 
  3. If desired, add a slice of pineapple as a garnish.

Ango Soda Mocktail

Ango Soda is a non-alcoholic beverage made from club soda and aromatic bitters. Mix in a little Maraschino Cherry Syrup for variety.

Ingredients

  • club soda
  • ice
  • aromatic bitters
  • lime
  • maraschino cherry syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour the club soda over ice.
  2. Add lime juice and a few dashes of aromatic bitters to taste.
  3. Add a lime slice as a garnish.
  4. Maraschino cherry syrup is an optional addition to Cherry Lime Ango Soda.

It’s Time To Try Non-Alcoholic Drinks With Bitters And Soda

If you’re looking for a Ready-To-Drink bitters and soda, try Hella Bitters and Soda.

The world of non-alcoholic drinks with bitters and soda beckons with its enticing flavors, offering a refreshing and sophisticated alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.

With a multitude of flavors, aromatic herbs, and creative combinations to explore, non-alcoholic drinks with bitters and soda are an invitation to savor the artistry of mixology.

It’s clear that these innovative concoctions not only cater to those seeking healthier drinking options but also to adventurous souls looking to elevate their beverage experience. 

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Bitters And Soda FAQs

What is a bitters and soda?

A non-alcoholic bitters and soda drink is a beverage that combines non-alcoholic bitters, typically made from a blend of herbs, roots, and botanicals, with soda water. The result is a refreshing and flavorful fizzy drink that mimics the complexity and depth of traditional cocktails without the alcohol content. Non-alcoholic bitters and soda drinks are gaining popularity as an alternative for those who want a sophisticated and nuanced beverage without the effects of alcohol.

Can you drink bitters with soda?

Yes, you can certainly drink bitters with soda. In fact, this combination is the foundation of many non-alcoholic bitters and soda drinks. Bitters, with their aromatic and herbal qualities, add depth and complexity to soda water, creating a unique and enjoyable flavor profile. It’s a simple yet versatile way to create refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.

Why do people drink bitters and soda?

People drink bitters and soda for several reasons:
Alcohol Alternative: It provides a sophisticated alternative to alcoholic cocktails for those who prefer not to consume alcohol.
Complex Flavor: Bitters add depth and complexity to beverages, making them more interesting and enjoyable.
Digestive Aid: Bitters were historically used as digestive aids, and some people still consume them for potential digestive benefits.

What pairs well with bitters?

Bitters pair well with various ingredients to create flavorful cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Some common pairings include:
Citrus: Bitters complement the brightness of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary can enhance the herbal notes in bitters.
Fruit Juices: Combining bitters with fruit juices like cranberry or pineapple can create balanced and refreshing drinks.
Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, or syrups can balance the bitterness of bitters in cocktails.

What is the purpose of bitters?

The purpose of bitters in the world of beverages and mixology is multifaceted. These concentrated flavor extracts, typically crafted from a blend of aromatic herbs, roots, and botanicals, enhance and elevate the taste experience. Primarily, bitters add depth and complexity to cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks alike, infusing them with a rich tapestry of flavors that awaken the palate.