Bitter Lemon and Gin

[lulubelle]

Can you find Bitter Lemon in the States? Schweppes makes it, in the UK and Asia at least, but I have never seen when I have been in the States. There is nothing like a Gin and Bitter Lemon on a hot day, and the homemade version just doesn't taste as good.

[Piranha]

One of my father's favorite drinks was gin and bitter lemon - it was probably the first drink I ever really tasted. He made it with Scweppes, but I like the Stirrings blend. It doesn't have the real strong taste of tonic and I think it's a better drink.

[chazzerking]

I love Schweppes Bitter Orange, but have been unable to find it anywhere in the mid-south or midwest. There's nothing like a tall gin and bitter orange in the summer, but I'vew almost forgotten what they taste like.

[lulubelle]

OMG, I've never even heard of Bitter Orange! It sounds yummy!

I guess I will either have to bring Bitter Lemon home on the plane, or else make due with the home made.

Thanks!

[MC Slim JB]

As a onetime lover of Schweppes Bitter Lemon and gin, I can attest that it is no longer marketed in the States (I actually contacted corporate about it).

I'm glad to hear there are some smaller-label versions of it; I'll have to keep my eye out for those.

[roundfigure]

MC Slim JB, Thank you very much for posting this info. It enabled me to swing by the local large-chain liquor store where they’ve always carried SBL and snag the very last 6-pack off the shelf. Manager confirmed they wouldn’t be getting any more. Sad. Fever Tree is very good, maybe even a little better as it’s less sweet and more zingy. But I had a sentimental fondness for good old Schweppes, so thanks again for helping me enjoy it once more before it was too late.

[Eric in NJ]

I don't think Schweppes markets it here anymore. Canada Dry does but it isn't as good. I used to love Schweppes Bitter Orange. No body makes that anymore.

[JMF]

Canada Dry is usually available in some supermarkets if you keep an eye out for it. Sometimes you can find Schweppes, Fever-Tree is very good, but pricey. I don't care for Stirrings. In the UK you can get Schweppes bitter orange which is great.

[AntarcticWidow]

Bevmo carries Fever-tree Bitter Lemon; comes in a 4-pack. I also like their tonic water ~ very dry.

[eliah]

I may be missing something, but isn't bitter lemon just tonic water + lemon? Or maybe that's what you were referring to with "the homemade version just doesn't taste as good."

[MDBBQFiend]

Canada Dry makes Bitter Lemon, but it's not always the easiest thing to find. I buy one-liter bottles at my local Safeway.

[ShadowedOne]

I'm not sure about Schweppes but Stirrings offers a Bitter Lemon. I haven't tried it though so I can't offer much on its flavor.