Bittermilk No. 2 Tom Collins with Elderflower & Hops
Bright, floral and wonderfully refreshing, Bittermilk No. 2 takes the classic Tom Collins in a decidedly more interesting direction. Fresh lemon juice gives it plenty of citrus snap, elderflower and elderberry bring fragrant floral notes, and Centennial hops provide a clean, pleasantly bitter finish. It has everything you want from a Collins already working together in the bottle: citrus, sweetness, aromatics and bitterness. Add a good non-alcoholic gin and sparkling water and you're essentially done.
Why We Love It
Elderflower can easily wander into perfume territory, but the hops keep this one beautifully in check. They bring bitterness and structure to all that lemon and floral character, making No. 2 feel crisp and grown-up rather than sweet. We also love how effortlessly it works with non-alcoholic spirits. A Collins should be refreshing, uncomplicated and very easy to drink, and this one understands the assignment.
How to Drink Bittermilk No. 2 Tom Collins with Elderflower & Hops
Bittermilk designed No. 2 around an exceptionally simple ratio: equal parts mixer, spirit and soda water. For a zero-proof Collins, pour 1 oz Bittermilk No. 2 and 1 oz non-alcoholic gin into a tall glass filled with ice, top with 1 oz sparkling water and give it a quick stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel. You can also skip the spirit entirely and lengthen it with additional sparkling water for a lighter, floral citrus soda.
Cheeky & Dry Signature Serve: Add 1 oz Bittermilk No. 2, 1½ oz non-alcoholic gin and ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice to a tall glass filled with ice. Top with 2 oz dry sparkling water and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a grapefruit peel and a sprig of fresh rosemary. The grapefruit picks up the bitterness of the hops, while the rosemary gives the elderflower a savory little counterpoint. Bright, botanical and considerably more interesting than another glass of lemonade.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Fresh lemon, elderflower and aromatic floral hops
- Palate: Bright citrus with gentle cane sweetness, delicate florals and botanical bitterness
- Finish: Clean, crisp and pleasantly bitter with lingering lemon and hops
- Body: Light and concentrated, becoming lively and refreshing when lengthened with sparkling water
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bittermilk No. 2 Tom Collins taste like?
It's bright and citrus-forward with fresh lemon, fragrant elderflower and a clean bitter finish from Centennial hops. The floral character is noticeable but balanced rather than overly sweet.
Is Bittermilk No. 2 non-alcoholic?
Bittermilk No. 2 is a concentrated cocktail mixer made without a spirit. Pair it with a non-alcoholic gin or another zero-proof spirit to make an alcohol-free Collins.
What are Centennial hops?
Centennial is an aromatic hop variety prized for its floral and citrus character. Bittermilk uses the hops as the bittering agent in No. 2, giving the mixer complexity and a crisp finish without relying solely on sweetness.
How do you make a non-alcoholic Tom Collins with Bittermilk No. 2?
Combine equal parts Bittermilk No. 2, non-alcoholic gin and sparkling water over ice in a tall glass. Stir gently and garnish with lemon.
Can I drink Bittermilk No. 2 without a non-alcoholic spirit?
Absolutely. Add sparkling water and plenty of ice for a bright elderflower and lemon soda with a pleasantly hoppy finish.
Product Details
- Brand: Bittermilk
- Product: No. 2 Tom Collins with Elderflower & Hops
- Type: Concentrated Cocktail Mixer
- Size: 16.9 fl oz / 502 mL
- Yield: Approximately 17 cocktails
- Made in: South Carolina, USA
- Ingredients: Fresh Lemon Juice, Water, Florida Golden Cane Sugar, Natural Extract of Elderflower and Elderberry, Centennial Hops
- Shelf Life: 18 months
