Definition of the word bitter lemon

The origin of the term "bitter lemon" can be traced back to the late 19th century when the carbonated drink first appeared in the European market. The drink was originally made by infusing lemon juice with quinine, a compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, which was commonly used as a malaria treatment. Quinine has a bitter taste and was added to the lemon juice to disguise its medicinal taste. Over time, the term "bitter lemon" came to refer specifically to the carbonated lemon drink infused with quinine. The drink gained popularity during the colonial era, when Europeans traveling to tropical colonies such as India and Africa were at high risk of contracting malaria. Bitter lemon became a popular prophylactic against the disease due to the presence of quinine, which has been shown to have effective anti-malarial properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, bitter lemon also became a popular beverage in its own right. The bitter taste, which was initially viewed as a drawback, began to be appreciated for its unique flavor. Today, bitter lemon is enjoyed as a refreshing beverage in many parts of the world, and has become a classic ingredient in mixed drinks such as the traditional gin and tonic. Overall, the origin of the term "bitter lemon" reflects a unique intersection of history, culture, and commerce that has helped shape our society's evolving taste preferences and health beliefs.