Barsys
The Bitter Lemonade
About
The Bitter Lemonade (Sparkling) cocktail is what happens when a classic bitter-sweet profile gets lightened up and stretched into an easy-drinking highball. Clean vodka sets the base, Campari brings its familiar orange-and-herb bitterness, and fresh lemon juice gives the drink its sharp, refreshing edge. A small splash of apple juice adds body and softness, rounding out the bitterness without making the drink sweet.
Finished with club soda, everything opens up. The bubbles lift the aromatics, thin the texture, and turn the drink into something crisp, bright, and extremely refreshing. Served tall over ice, this cocktail feels more like a sophisticated lemonade than a bitter aperitivo. It’s designed for warm afternoons, long conversations, and moments when you want something lively, hydrating, and grown-up - without feeling heavy or boozy.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken, then topped. A quick shake blends the citrus and bitters before soda adds lift.
What You'll Need
For one Bitter Lemonade (Sparkling) Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz Ketel One vodka
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz apple juice
- Ice Cubes
Glass: Highball
Garnish: Long lemon peel and orange slice and Club soda (to top)
Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice - bottled juice flattens the brightness.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Add vodka, Campari, lemon juice, and apple juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly until chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a long lemon peel and an orange slice.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
Barsys 360 Cocktail Machine works beautifully for a drink like the Bitter Lemonade (Sparkling) cocktail. Load the vodka and Campari, let Barsys pour precise measures, add citrus and apple juice, then top with soda. The result is a consistently bright, balanced highball every time.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
With citrus, bitters, and soda working together, balance can slip quickly. Barsys keeps the ratios clean so the drink stays refreshing, not sour or bitter-heavy.
Sip Setting
Perfect for sunny afternoons, relaxed gatherings, or as a lighter alternative to heavier aperitivo cocktails.
Garnish Game
A long lemon peel adds aroma and elegance, while the orange slice nods to Campari’s citrus backbone. Keep it simple and fresh.
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FAQs
What is the Bitter Lemonade (Sparkling) cocktail?
It’s a vodka-based, bubbly cocktail made with Campari, lemon juice, apple juice, and club soda for a light, bittersweet finish.
Is this cocktail sweet?
No. It’s bright and balanced, with just enough apple juice to soften the bitterness.
Is it similar to a Campari Spritz?
It’s lighter and more citrus-driven, with lemon taking the lead instead of soda alone.
Can I make this drink low-alcohol?
Yes. Reduce the vodka slightly and let soda carry the drink.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Batch everything except soda, then top each glass just before serving.