Bitters and Soda with Lime (Non-alcoholic drink)

Light, botanical, and refreshing

Bitters and soda with lime is the ideal drink when you're craving something sophisticated and flavorful but want to skip the alcohol-and the effort. It's great anytime, whether you're at home, out with friends, or just looking for something more exciting than plain water.

Personally, I make this weekly whenever I want fun drink but don't want all the negatives that come with drinking alcohol -- looking at you poor sleep. It's also my go-to when I'm out and not drinking-or when I'm switching from cocktails to water but still want something that looks and feels fun.

Two glasses of soda, lime, and bitters on a white background, accompanied by a bottle of bitters, fresh lime slices, and a golden stir spoon.

This one is going to be short and sweet… or should I say bitter?

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Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
Instructions
Equipment
FAQ
Related
Pairing
Bitters and Soda with Lime (Non-alcoholic drink)

Ingredients

This 3 ingredient recipe is a simple way to elevate your sparkling water. If you've ever tried adding a few shakes of bitters to your drinks before, you already know how good it is! And if you're new to this magical combination, get ready to upgrade your hydration game-once you try it, there's no going back

Two empty glasses, a citrus press, 4 limes, and a bottle of bitters

ANGOSTURA® Aromatic Bitters: Bitters are a blend of fruits, spices, and herbs that enhance the flavor of food and drinks, adding a layer of complexity. Traditionally used for their digestive benefits, they also act as a palate cleanser while giving this drink its signature reddish-brown hue.
Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy, and slightly tart, lime juice balances the bitterness while adding a refreshing zest. You can use fresh or bottled lime juice, but freshly sliced limes in the drink or on the rim add a touch of elegance-perfect for hosting or when you want to make your drink feel extra special.
Sparkling water or soda water: Crisp, effervescent, and endlessly refreshing-because bubbles make everything better! Now you might be thinking - what is the difference between the two? Both soda water and sparkling water contain carbon dioxide, giving them their signature fizz. However, sparkling water (also called carbonated or seltzer water) is simply water that has been carbonated, while soda water typically contains added minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. These minerals give soda water a slightly different taste and help stabilize the bubbles, making it a popular choice for mixing with spirits. While the level of carbonation can vary, soda water isn't necessarily fizzier than sparkling water-it just tends to hold its bubbles longer when mixed into drinks. Either works great here and if you're wanting more ideas, check out the substitutions and variations section below. Canned, bottled, or homemade sparkling water (like from a SodaStream) all work great here.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

There are so many easy ways to customize this drink and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

Lime - Swap it out for another citrus like lemon, grapefruit, or orange for a different twist. Or, skip the lime entirely and enjoy just the bitters and soda water for a simple, flavorful drink.
Sparkling or Soda Water - Use a flavored sparkling water to add an extra layer of taste. I mix it up between making my own with a soda stream, grabbing a can of sparkling water, or using soda water-and I love it every way!
Bitters - Try a different brand or experiment with orange bitters for a citrusy kick. Or, skip the bitters altogether and enjoy a simple yet refreshing lime and soda.

Instructions

Ice and lime slices in a glass, accompanied by more sliced limes on a wooden serving board.

Fill your glass with ice - A highball, rocks, or stemless wine glass works great, but use whatever you have! For a little extra flair, try layering in thin lime slices as you add the ice.

A hand shaking a bottle of bitters in to a glass that contains sliced limes and ice

Add bitters and lime juice - Pour in 4-7 dashes of bitters (adjust to taste) and squeeze in fresh lime juice for a bright, citrusy kick.

2 glasses filled with soda water, limes, and bitters accompanied by sliced limes on a wooden serving platter

Pour in sparkling water and stir - Slowly top with sparkling water, then give it a quick stir to blend the flavors.

A hand holding a glass that contains sparkling water, bitters, and lime juice and fresh lime slices.

Enjoy immediately! - Take a sip, savor the refreshing botanical flavors, and cheers to a simple yet sophisticated drink!

Hint: To create a visually stunning drink, layer your ice and sliced fruit! Start by adding a few ice cubes to the glass, then tuck in a couple of thin lime slices along the sides. Repeat the layers until the glass is full-this keeps the fruit beautifully suspended and makes every sip feel extra special. But for transparency-I'm 50/50 on this step. Sometimes I go all out with the layers, and other times I skip the fancy stuff and just go with sparkling water, bitters, and a squeeze of lime-simple, quick, and just as refreshing!

One other tip is you can chill your glass beforehand for an extra-refreshing experience! Just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before making your drink-this helps keep it colder, crisper, and more refreshing for longer.

Equipment

A citrus squeezer makes juicing fresh limes quick and effortless, ensuring you get every last drop without the mess.

FAQ

Is bitters alcohol-free?

Most bitters contain a small amount of alcohol, but since you're only using a few dashes, the overall alcohol content in the drink is minimal. If you prefer a completely alcohol-free option, there are non-alcoholic bitters available.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes! While fresh lime juice adds a brighter flavor, bottled lime juice is a great substitute when you don't have fresh limes on hand.

Can I make this in advance?

It's best enjoyed fresh to keep the carbonation crisp, but you can pre-squeeze the lime juice and store it in the fridge for convenience.

Is bitters gluten free?

Yes, Angostura bitters are gluten-free, as well as sodium-free, vegan, and kosher. If you're using a different brand, be sure to check the label for specific ingredients.

Looking for something else to drink? Try these:

Pairing

This drink pairs beautifully with a variety of meals and main dishes! Here are a few great options:

Brunch Favorites - A great non-alcoholic option to enjoy with avocado toast, tofu scramble, or a classic bagel with toppings.

Light and Fresh Dishes - Think salads, grain bowls, or veggie-packed wraps.

Spicy Foods - The crisp, botanical flavors help balance heat from dishes like tacos with spicy black beans, curries, or spicy stir-fries.

Savory Snacks - Perfect alongside nuts, olives, or a charcuterie board for a sophisticated snack.

A classic soda, lime, and bitters is the perfect refreshing drink when you're craving something light yet flavorful. Whether you're looking for a midday pick-me-up or a stylish way to stay hydrated, this drink delivers. Hydration has never felt and looked this good!