Lemon bitters

Lemon bitters are a great way to bring a bright citrus flavor to drinks – we particularly like ’em with drinks that already have some fresh lemon, or gin drinks.

There are quite a few different types of lemon bitters, from crisp one-note flavors to smoky Middle Eastern-inspired takes.

If you’ve got a bumper crop of lemons, you can even make your own bitters. SeriousEats.com has a great recipe for Meyer lemon bitters that you can adapt to whatever kind of lemon you have, or even use other citrus to make your own custom blend.

Grapefruit bitters
Orange bitters

Cocktails that use Lemon bitters

A Wish for Grace
Aged rum, Madeira, Orange curaçao...
Army & Navy
Gin, Lemon, Orgeat...
Blue Dahlia
Blueberry, Mint, Basil...
Bourbon Renewal
Bourbon, Lemon, Crème de cassis...
Champagne Cocktail
Sugar cube, Aromatic bitters, Brandy...
Champagne Julep
Cognac, Sparkling white wine, Simple syrup...
Congressman’s Lunch
Gin, White wine apéritif, Dry sherry...
Crusta
Cognac, Triple sec, Maraschino...
Cypriot Brandy Sour
Brandy, Aromatic bitters, Lemon soda...
Garden Gin & Tonic
Gin, Blanc vermouth, Orange bitters...
Grievous Angel
Bourbon, Elderflower liqueur, Strawberry syrup...
Halekulani
Bourbon, Lemon, Lime...
Honey Rye
Rye whiskey, Honey liqueur, Orange bitters...
Kangaroo
Vodka, Dry vermouth, Orange bitters...
Kentucky Buck
Bourbon, Lemon, Ginger syrup...
Kiwicha
Kiwifruit, Pisco, Lemon...
Lorikeet
Rye whiskey, Banana liqueur, Cinnamon syrup...
Maiden’s Prayer
Gin, Triple sec, Lemon...
Monarch
Mint, Simple syrup, Gin...
Mula Pomelo
Blanco tequila, Grapefruit liqueur, Sweet orange apéritif...
Nester’s Refresher
White Port, Gentian liqueur, Lemon...
Old Fashioned
Bourbon, Aromatic bitters, Simple syrup...
Rites of Spring
Aquavit, Blanc vermouth, Pear liqueur...
Southside
Mint, Simple syrup, Gin...