Aperitif | Grapefruit by Bitters & Soda

Bitters as an appetite suppressant

The Bitter Housewife’s line-up of Bitters & Soda are growing on me fast. After being overwhelmed by the sharp bitterness in the Cardamom variety, I now crave it after a big meal. It’s like my body knows: “this will help you digest.” It also seems to reduce dessert cravings.

Bitters & Soda Grapefruit is a refreshing non-alcoholic aperitif that tastes of grapefruit rind and oils, balanced out by allspice and bitter root. There’s no likeness to Grapefruit juice. This is a luxuriously tasting sparkling aperitif that is perfect as a cocktail before dinner. Bitters & Soda is completely free of alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Available online.

Bitter herbs have a long history of being used as appetite enhancers and suppressants. Many European pre-dinner cocktails or aperitifs feature bitter alcohols based in roots and herbs. Think Negroni or Campari Sour. The net effect of consuming bitters before a meal is a reduction in calorie intake. A study of mice that consumed bitters before eating showed a 49% lower food intake, as compared to mice without bitters.

Bitters & Soda Grapefruit is a great choice for dry January aperitifs. It’s a tasty zero calorie and zero alcohol cocktail before a meal and it might even help you shed some of those holiday pounds. It would also look very festive in a champagne glass served to your dinner guests. Cheers to that.