Bitters and Soda is a thing. And while it isn’t really considered a cocktail, it’s something you need to know about. As a mom, it’s not practical for me to whip up a cocktail during a busy week or keep my wine glass topped off. But there are some afternoons when I really want to sip on something that isn’t just water.
I don’t love sweet drinks and in creating a bunch of easy mixed drinks, I fell in love with the herbal flavor of bitters. This “almost” cocktail is my perfect drink to sip when I need to remain in full-on mom mode.
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It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. But not here. Do you ever get stuck in that pre-happy hour time at the end of a long day craving a cocktail? All you need is just two simple ingredients to make not-quite a cocktail.
The struggle is real you guys. I drink water all day long. So when it’s the witching hour and I want something more, but not pass out on the couch (not from being drunk, but from one glass of wine. I’m old, you guys. This is so not how drinking in college went!) Soda and bitters is all you need!
What is Bitters and Soda?
Literally, just club soda and bitters. There’s low amounts of alcohol, lots of fizz but it will still leave you functional. This is the perfect almost cocktail recipe!
And I felt totally validated when I saw Sonja Morgan drink one on Real Housewives of New York. It’s like a spicy spritzer (not hot spicy).
How to Make Bitters and Soda
Ingredients:
- A glass full of Club Soda
- A bunch of drops of Bitters (I love flavored bitters, but I mostly drink this with Angostura Bitters)
I did not think of this drink idea myself but learned it from Susie of Susie Cakes bakery. I was lucky enough to attend a shop opening, for her Laguna Niguel location, where they held a cake and wine tasting. Dream come true, right?! But in chatting with Susie, she mentioned that sometimes she puts this little drink together and I just knew I would love it too.
If you need it a little sweeter, add a little fruit juice or agave. But I’m a club soda fan so I never add anything but the bitters. Also, a bottle of bitters will last you for life. I change it out every few years but I’ve never actually finished a bottle. Although I might now since I’ve been drinking this yummy concoction more often.
Steps:
- Add the club soda to a glass with ice.
- Add the bitters.
- Give it a little stir. Or don’t. It doesn’t matter all that much. This is a very forgiving drink.
I love all the Bittermen’s bitters blends, especially the Bittermens ‘Elemakule Tiki Cocktail Bitters
with notes of cinnamon and allspice. But I’m thinking this Bitters set
might be a fun idea too.
The amount of bitters you use is completely up to you. I started off making this with just a few drops. And it will depend on the type of bitters you use. But I really love to taste the flavor so I am a little heavy handed with the bitters.
When I make this now, the drink is more of a pink color, especially when I use the Angostura bitters. And when Sonia was served her drink at a restaurant it was also pretty colorful. But bitters are an acquired taste. Play around with it until you find what you like.
Printable Bitters and Soda Recipe
Bitters and Soda
It's not a cocktail but it kind of feels like one. This Bitters and Soda recipe is the perfect thing to drink when you're sick of water but can't be buzzed.
Ingredients
- 1 glass Club Soda
- 5-6 drops Bitters
Instructions
Add ice to the glass of your choice.
Add the club soda and top with bitters.
Give it a quick stir.
While bitters are quite high in alcohol content, the fact that you use so little and it’s diluted in another liquid makes this very low in alcohol. But still, drink responsibly. If you’ve had 4 of these, you may want to take care when driving.
I’ve also read that this might be a great hangover remedy. I haven’t tried that yet, but if I do, I’ll report back!
Shop for Bitters
Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Try:
Cocktails to Try When Life Allows:
- Easy Wine Spritzer
- This Spiced Daiquiri Works Any Time of the Year!
- Vodka Recipes to Work Your Way Through Like a Book Club
Pin This Drink Idea for Later
Bitters and Soda couldn’t be easier to put together and is just a little something to kick off your evening. To me, the club soda and bitters are super refreshing and make me feel like I’m making a little me time in the busy evening hustle. This drink isn’t about feeling a buzz, it’s about enjoying the flavors.
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