Lemon

• The ingredients used for the lemon portion of the recipe depend on where you live. In the United Kingdom, lemonade or lemon squash are generally used. British lemonade is different from that found in North America. It is a carbonated, colorless drink and is not as sweet as lemonade in the United States. Lemon squash is a concentrate that can be sweetened or unsweetened. It is often mixed with seltzer water--one part concentrate to four or five parts liquid, depending on the intensity of flavor you want. In North America, Sprite or another lemon-lime flavored soda is used when making LLB.

Lime

• Lime cordial, also known as lime syrup, is a nonalcoholic mixture used in many cocktails, including Sloe Gin Rickey and Chambord Concorde. It is made with concentrated lime and sugar and can be diluted with vodka. To make lime cordial, heat 6 1/2 cups water and 2 cups sugar in a saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Stir in 1 cup of strained fresh lime juice (from 8 large limes). Cover and chill for 3 1/2 hours.

Bitters

• Angostura bitters, as one might guess, have a bitter flavor. Although there are many brands of bitters from a variety of countries, Angostura bitters, names for the town of Angostura in Venezuela, are those most often associated with LLBs. Dr. J. Sierget developed the bitters in 1824 as a remedy for fatigue and stomach problems. Their alcohol content can run up to 45 percent, but as with LLBs, bitters are used in such small amounts that their presence alone rarely classify a beverage as alcoholic.