Lemon, lime and bitters (LLB) is a mixed drink made with clear lemonade, lime cordial, and bitters. The drink may have been invented in Australia as late as the 1880s with the addition of lime to lemonade and bitters, an existing home remedy drink.[1] Today it has been described by the national broadcaster as "Australia's national drink"[2] due to its ubiquity on restaurant menus and availability as a pre-mixed beverage.
| Cocktail | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Mixed drink |
| Served | Straight up or with ice |
| Standard garnish | Slice of lemon or lime |
| Standard drinkware | .svg) |
| Commonly used ingredients | |
| Preparation | Rim the inside (and optionally outside) of the glass with 4 to 5 dashes of Angostura Bitters then pour lemonade and lime cordial (15–30 mL) into glass. Garnish with Lemon if desired. Has 0.2% alcohol. Angostura LLB is available in cans as well in a pre-mixed version. |
It was served as a non-alcoholic alternative to "Pink Gin" (gin mixed with Angostura bitters).[2]
History
The exact origin of lemon, lime and bitters is unknown, however it is claimed to have been invented and popularized within Australia sometime around 1880.[2][3] Consequently, LLB is commonly consumed in Australia and New Zealand where it became customary for golf players to have a drink of LLB after a match of golf.[4][better source needed]
It is made to order in most bars but a pre-mixed version is made by a number of soft drink companies and is widely available in supermarkets.
See also
- Gunner (cocktail) - a similar Hong Kong drink, with ginger ale, lemon juice and bitters.
- List of cocktails