Gentian Sunshine

Sidecar/New Orleans Sours & Riffs • December 16, 2025

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A photo of the Gentian Sunshine cocktail containing Suze Aperitif, Tempus Fugit Kina L'Aero d'Or, Rothman & Winter Orchard Peach Liqueur, Freshly squeezed lemon juice, Freshly squeezed orange juice, Peychaud's Bitters in a Old-Fashioned.

Curiada Ingredients

1.50 fl oz Suze Aperitif or alternative
1.00 fl oz Tempus Fugit Kina L'Aero d'Or or alternative
0.50 fl oz Rothman & Winter Orchard Peach Liqueur or alternative
9.00 dash Peychaud's Bitters or alternative

Other Ingredients

0.17 fl oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
0.17 fl oz Freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions

Add ice to shaker
Add first five ingredients to shaker
Shake well with ice
Fill old-fashioned glass with pebble ice
Strain mixture into glass
Float Peychaud's bitters on top of drink
Garnish with mint sprig and lemon wedge

Cocktail Description

The Gentian Sunshine delivers a fascinating journey from bitter to sweet that will challenge and delight your palate in equal measure.

This sophisticated cocktail balances the complex herbal bitterness of Suze with the quinine-forward Kina L'Aero d'Or, while peach liqueur and fresh citrus juices provide a counterpoint of bright, sunny sweetness. The floating Peychaud's bitters add an aromatic finish and striking visual appeal against the pebble ice. Despite requiring several specialty ingredients, the Gentian Sunshine is surprisingly straightforward to make—simply shake, strain, and float the bitters. It's perfect for late afternoon sipping on warm days when you want something more contemplative than a spritz but less intense than a neat spirit. Serve this drink alongside charcuterie featuring mild cheeses and fruits to complement its complex flavor profile, or pair it with light seafood dishes where its citrus notes and gentle bitterness will cleanse the palate between bites.