Suze Rye Surprise

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

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A photo of the Suze Rye Surprise cocktail containing Willett Family Estate Bottled 4 Year Rye, Suze Aperitif, Chartreuse Yellow, Freshly squeezed lemon juice, Freshly squeezed lime juice, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur in a Coupe.

Curiada Ingredients

0.83 fl oz Willett Family Estate Bottled 4 Year Rye or alternative
0.40 fl oz Suze Aperitif or alternative
0.40 fl oz Chartreuse Yellow or alternative
0.83 fl oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur or alternative
0.17 fl oz Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur or alternative

Other Ingredients

0.40 fl oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
0.40 fl oz Freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

Chill coupe glass
Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker
Add ice to shaker
Shake vigorously
Strain into chilled coupe glass
Flame Green Chartreuse and mist over cocktail
Garnish with rosemary sprig pegged to rim

Cocktail Description

The Suze Rye Surprise delivers an intoxicating dance of herbal complexity and spicy whiskey backbone that will captivate even the most jaded cocktail enthusiast.

This sophisticated sipper combines the peppery notes of Rittenhouse Rye with the gentian bitterness of Suze, while Yellow Chartreuse and Bénédictine contribute layers of honey, herbs, and spice. The citrus juices provide necessary brightness, and Maraschino adds subtle cherry sweetness. With its dramatic flamed Green Chartreuse mist and aromatic rosemary garnish, it's visually stunning yet surprisingly approachable. Perfect for autumn evenings or as an impressive dinner party opener, this cocktail pairs beautifully with Alpine-style cheeses, charcuterie, or herb-roasted chicken. Though it requires several specialty spirits and precise execution, the effort rewards with a beautifully balanced drink that bridges the gap between whiskey cocktail and herbaceous aperitif.