The Alice Springs is an underrated Gin drink that surprises with its balance of citrus, sweetness, and a hint of bitterness. The combination of London Dry Gin, orange juice, and grenadine creates a fruity base, while Angostura and soda water provide a complex, refreshing note. Perfect for warm days or as an introduction to the world of Gin cocktails – simple but with character.
And here’s what you need for the Alice Springs
6 cl London Dry Gin
0.5 cl grenadine
2 cl fresh orange juice
2 cl fresh lemon juice
Soda water to top up
3 drops Angostura bitters
Garnish: 1 slice of orange
What matters
The trick lies in the timing of the Angostura: add the drops only after topping up with soda water so they don’t immediately disperse throughout the drink. This creates a gentle bitter gradient that subtly changes with each sip. For a more intense experience, drizzle the drops onto a sugar cube and carefully place it on the surface – this slows down the release and adds an extra sweet-bitter note to the drink.
Variations
- Alice Springs Fizz — Replace the soda water with Champagne or Prosecco for an elegant, sparkling variation. The acidity of the sparkling wine harmonizes perfectly with the fruitiness of the original and makes the drink more festive.
- Spiced Alice — Add 0.25 cl cinnamon syrup and replace the Angostura with 2 drops orange bitters. The warm spice of the cinnamon rounds off the citrus notes and gives the drink a seasonal autumnal touch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Technically yes, but the flavor suffers significantly. Freshly squeezed juice has more acidity and natural oils that give the drink depth. If you need it to be quick, at least use a high-quality direct juice without additives.
Why isn’t the drink shaken?
Because otherwise the carbonation of the soda water would be lost. The Alice Springs lives on its crisp freshness – stirring in the glass preserves the effervescence and allows the flavors to blend more gently.
Can I leave out the Angostura?
Sure, but then the bitter component that balances the drink is missing. Without Angostura, it tastes more like a simple Gin-Orange Sour. If you don’t like bitterness, reduce the amount to 1–2 drops.
