The 2-Ingredient “House” Cocktail I Make Everyone Who Comes Over (I’m Famous for It)
I didn’t know I needed a house mocktail until we had one. Upon discovering Hella Cocktail Co.’s Bitters and Soda, the slim cans became a staple in our fridge. They’re easy to drink, non-alcoholic, and low in calories, hitting the spot after a long day or when we want to chill, but not necessarily imbibe alcohol.
The house mocktail stems from dressing up a can of Bitters & Soda, pouring it over ice in a jewel-toned wine glass. Sometimes I’ll even add a splash of ruby-colored Campari or Select to bring out the bitter flavor and enhance the pretty pink hue. Add a straw and it’s a very low-ABV cocktail with very high joy returns.
It’s fun! It’s festive! It can be totally booze-free and not too sweet. And if I have guests over, they want in on it too.
What’s So Great About Hella Cocktail Co. Grapefruit Bitters & Soda?
“Bitters and soda” has long been my go-to at a bar when I don’t want to drink (or, alternatively, need to pause my drinking). While the drink is just soda water and bitters on ice, maybe with a wedge of citrus, something about making it at home doesn’t quite hit. Hella Cocktail Co.’s can version, however, feels special — and tastes great!
The grapefruit beverage is bubbly and just bitter enough to make your mouth pucker. It’s satisfying to crack open a cold, tall can right out of the fridge (the serotonin flows with that familiar sound of a can of something carbonated opening), and the drink can be enjoyed right out of the aesthetically decorated package or poured over ice in a fancy glass to make it feel even more festive. Hella Cocktail Co. also lets loyalists subscribe to can delivery, so you can stay well-stocked all the time.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Hella Cocktail Co. Grapefruit Bitters & Soda?
I’m a big ice person, so personally, I find any beverage best served over ice. This drink works well in pretty much any glassware, filled with the ice of your choice. To dress it up, I like to add a splash (like, less than an ounce) of bitter aperitivo, like Select or Campari, which brings out the natural pink color of the drink and adds a bit more flavor too. Garnish with a Castelvetrano olive (like the ones from Frankies 457) or orange wedge to make it fancy. Glass straw optional, but encouraged.
Buy: Hella Cocktail Co. Grapefruit Bitters & Soda, $40.73 for 12 (12-ounce) cans at Amazon