Suze Aperitif is a Aperitifs from the Suze Aperitif brand crafted in France.
Suze Aperitif is a distinctive French liqueur with a vibrant yellow hue and a complex, bittersweet flavor profile dominated by the gentian root. This alpine flower-derived spirit has been a staple in French drinking culture since 1889, but interestingly, it wasn't introduced to the United States market until 2012, making it a relatively new discovery for American cocktail enthusiasts.
Suze Aperitif captivates cocktail enthusiasts with its distinctive bittersweet profile, derived from wild gentian root harvested in the French Alps. Unlike rum, which is made from sugarcane byproducts, Suze is a French liqueur that offers a complex, herbaceous flavor with notes of citrus and a subtle earthy undertone, making it a versatile ingredient for both classic and contemporary cocktails.
Suze Aperitif shines when sipped neat or over ice, allowing its unique bittersweet flavors to take center stage, but it also excels in spritz-style cocktails and as a modifier in gin or tequila-based drinks. This versatile spirit is perfect for warm summer evenings, pairing beautifully with light appetizers like olives, cheese, and charcuterie, or adding depth to seafood dishes with its herbaceous notes.
Nose: Bright herbal aromas dominate, led by fresh gentian root. Notes of citrus peel, particularly orange, mingle with hints of woody spice and a touch of earthy angelica. There's an underlying sweetness reminiscent of candied lemon.
Palate: Intensely bitter upfront, balanced by subtle sweetness. The gentian takes center stage, bringing a complex mix of earthy, floral, and herbaceous flavors. Citrus notes emerge, along with a slight pepperiness and hints of licorice. The texture is smooth and viscous.
Finish: Long and pleasantly bitter. The gentian lingers, accompanied by a subtle sweetness and citrus zest. A slight dryness develops, leaving a clean, refreshing sensation. Herbal notes persist, with a final whisper of woody spice.
Suze Aperitif is crafted using wild gentian roots harvested from the Jura Mountains in France, which are macerated in neutral alcohol for up to a year. This lengthy steeping process extracts the gentian's distinctive bitter flavors and vibrant yellow color, resulting in a complex and aromatic spirit that captures the essence of the Alpine herb.
2 oz Rhum Agricole, like Rhum J.M VSOP
0.75 oz John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum
0.5 oz Suze Aperitif
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
Lime wheel or twist, for garnish
Put rhum agricole, falernum, lime juice, and Suze in a cocktail shaker.
Add ice and shake well.
Double strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish as you please with a lime wheel or twist.
2 oz Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum
.5 oz Suze
.75 oz grapefruit juice
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey & water)
Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled.
Strain into a tumbler and top with a mountain of crushed ice.
Garnish with a thin grapefruit wheel and bouquet of mint.
1.5 oz Lost Explorer, or another Espadin Mezcal
0.75 oz Suze
0.5 oz St-Germain
Several dashes of orange bitters, like Angostura
Grapefruit, as garnish
Stir all the ingredients over ice.
Strain into an, old-fashioned glass over one large-format ice cube.
Garnish with the grapefruit twist.
2 oz Astraea Ocean Gin
0.5 oz Suze
0.75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 oz 3:1 honey syrup (use something high quality!)
grapefruit peel for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice until very cold.
Double strain into a coupe.
Garnish with an expressed grapefruit peel.
1.75 oz Amaro Montenegro
1.25 oz Americano Bianco
1 oz Suze
0.25 oz Italicus
Prepare the burnt lemon wedge by charring to your preferred
Throw all ingredients with ice (see description for instructions on throwing.)
Strain into an ice-filled glass.
Garnish with your lemon wedge.
1.75 oz Amaro Montenegro
1.25 oz Americano Bianco
1 oz Suze
0.25 oz Italicus
Prepare the burnt lemon wedge by charring to your preferred
Throw all ingredients with ice (see description for instructions on throwing.)
Strain into an ice-filled glass.
Garnish with your lemon wedge.
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