Gentian liqueurs hold a prominent place in French apéro culture, alongside their Italian and Spanish counterparts known as aperitivi. These French aperitifs, similar to their Italian counterparts, are delightful concoctions with a balance of sweetness and bitterness, created to whet the appetite before a satisfying meal. Just as the Italians have their iconic red bitter liqueurs like Aperol and Campari, the French offer their lesser-known counterparts that veer away from red hues. Instead, these gentian liqueurs are adorned in shades of yellow, whether naturally or artificially colored, reflecting the essence of their defining botanical ingredient: gentian.
What is Gentian?
The Alpine region is home to the majestic gentian flower, known for its impressive height. This remarkable plant boasts a unique combination of faint sweetness and powerful bitterness throughout its various parts, ranging from the roots to the blossoms. Among the numerous species of gentian, the prized spring and yellow gentian take the spotlight in the production of French gentian liqueurs.
These liqueurs, along with the gentian plant itself, offer a captivating aroma and taste that can be likened to a delightful blend of fresh soil, dandelion, citrus pith, anise, tarragon, and acetone, accompanied by the earthly essence of root herbs. Notably, a substantial number of amari and vermouth feature gentian as a primary or supporting element for its bittering properties. In the case of French gentian liqueurs, efforts are made to accentuate and harmonize with the distinct qualities of this extraordinary plant.
History of Gentian Liqueurs
Gentian liqueurs originated in the French Alps and were first documented in the late 18th century. The well-known brands we have today, such as Avèze, Salers Aperitif, and Suze, were introduced between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Although initially used as medicinal tonics, gentian liqueurs gained popularity as a refreshing aperitif, often enjoyed on the rocks with a touch of lemon juice. Nowadays, these liqueurs are commonly used to add a delightful herbal complexity to a variety of cocktails. They are featured in both modern classics like the White Negroni and creative variations like the Bijou Blanc, a delightful twist on the classic Bijou cocktail.
Gentian Liqueurs Brands
Gentian liqueurs are not often used in classic cocktail recipes. However, the popularity of the Negroni and Aperol Spritz has ushered in an era of amaro cocktails that highlight the unique bitterness of these liqueurs. One contemporary classic, Wayne Collins’ White Negroni, has firmly established gentian liqueurs as an essential ingredient in the world of cocktails. While they may vary in appearance, all gentian liqueurs can be recognized by their distinctive gentian aroma and flavor.
Avèze – Introduced in 1929, Avèze stands out as the gentlest and smoothest among the gentian liqueurs mentioned here. It serves as an excellent introduction for those venturing into this category for the first time. This delightful liqueur is crafted by combining fresh wild and cultivated yellow gentian with alcohol, which is then rested for a period of up to nine months. To create its distinctive character, it is skillfully infused with other undisclosed roots and herbs. The result is a liqueur that exudes a subtle sweetness and possesses a pleasant weight on the palate.
The bright and lively hue of gentian-yellow in Avèze is reminiscent of Suze, and brings a vibriant yellow to any cocktail it’s used in. Although it may pose a slight challenge as a substitute, Avèze stands out as the least bitter option, imparting stronger notes of sweetness and citrus.
Tip: Try savoring Avèze in conjunction with gin for an experience that accentuates the botanical profiles of both.
Salers – Established in 1885, Salers holds the distinction of being the oldest among the remaining producers of gentian liqueur. Its production involves distillation of gentian root sourced from the slopes of Puy Mary, a dormant volcano renowned for its bittering agent. This exquisite liqueur is then matured in oak barrels, which imparts a unique character. Salers sets itself apart from Avèze or Suze by avoiding artificial coloring, resulting in a delicate, pale straw color that perfectly complements its refined taste. By substituting another gentian liqueur with Salers, one can effortlessly introduce a drier twist to any beverage.
Tip: Try pairing Salers alongside tequila to enhance their natural earthy flavors.
Suze – Introduced in 1889, Suze stands out as the most bitter and highest proof option among the group, making it a perfect choice to complement robust flavors in cocktails. Its bracing bitterness adds a clean, crisp, and inviting touch, accompanied by a vibrant gentian-yellow color similar to Avèze. Suze takes the lead in being the most intense and gentian-forward bitter in its category, with a touch of sweetness for balance. It also offers a unique citrusy profile, reminiscent of juniper or pine, rather than the typical lemon or orange notes found in Avèze.
Tip: Suze pairs nicely with a variety of spirits such as smoky mezcal or fruity Midori, enhancing their flavors. However, it may not harmonize as well with barrel-aged spirits like whiskey.
Honorable mention: Luxardo Bitter Bianco, a clear-hued take on the iconic Italian red bitter liqueur, strikes a harmonious balance between Campari and French gentian aperitifs. Amongst the French gentian liqueurs, Luxardo Bitter Bianco closely resembles Salers in terms of its pronounced bitterness and enticing hints of aromatic baking spices. Give it a try in this White Negroni riff.
Gentian Liqueur Cocktails to Try at Home
From classic cocktail recipes to modern riffs, here are our favorite gentian liqueur cocktails.
1. White Negorni
Wayne Collins revolutionized the cocktail world with his creation, the White Negroni, which played a significant role in elevating gentian liqueurs to a must-have component in mixology. This inventive twist on the classic Negroni preserves the essence of gin while replacing sweet vermouth with the exquisite Lillet blanc and substituting Campari, the traditional Italian bitter liqueur, with the delightful French gentian liqueur Suze. The resulting flavor profile is both intoxicating and crisp, reminiscent of the original Negroni but with a lighter touch that dances gracefully on the palate.
2. Fumata Bianca
Fumata Bianca, an Italian-inspired aperitivo, is a delightful beverage that offers a unique and refreshing experience. Combining the herbal notes of Suze, the crispness of bianco vermouth, the smokiness of mezcal, and the effervescence of club soda, this drink will satisfy your thirst with its sweet, herbal, and smoky flavors. It is a must-try for lovers of mezcal who seek a well-balanced cocktail that isn’t overly spirit-forward or excessively sweet with citrus undertones.
3. The Healer
The Healer, a concoction born from the desire for non-hot Toddy variant, combines Suze, Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Licor 43, and zesty lemon juice with expert creativity. This delightful libation skillfully melds the unique flavors of gentian liqueur, resulting in a harmonious and intricately layered soothing beverage.
4. White Negroni Daiquiri
Delighting both fans of White Negroni and Daiquiri cravings, the White Negroni Daiquiri is an exquisite fusion that artfully combines the bitter notes of the White Negroni with the lively flavors of Bacardi, zesty freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a subtle hint of sweetness.
5. Suzie Americano
Light, floral, and elegant, the Suzie Americano is a delightful variation of the timeless classic. Crafted with Suze, bianco vermouth, and effervescent club soda, this white rendition of the Americano is a refreshing libation. Served during aperitivo hour, it embodies the perfect balance of flavors.
6. Yellow
The Yellow Cocktail, a genuine French delight, is a delightful fusion of gin, Suze, and yellow Chartreuse. This beloved mixed beverage is savored along the picturesque Côte d’Azur in France. Its name is derived from the vibrant hue of its primary ingredients. To elevate its flavors, lemon juice is added, imparting a tangy zest that transforms it into a smoother rendition of the Last Word.
7. Bijou Blanc
The Bijou Blanc is a brilliantly crafted twist on the timeless Bijou cocktail. It showcases a delightful blend of Italian bianco and extra-dry vermouths, skillfully balanced to perfection. Enhanced by the bold addition of navy-strength gin and the anticipated green Chartreuse, it offers a captivating and robust flavor profile. To top it off, a mere quarter-ounce of Salers is added, imparting profound depth and structure.
8. Reno
The Reno cocktail is a delightful homage to the significant happenings of April 21st, 1945 in the backdrop of World War II. This exquisite aperitivo highlights the exceptional taste profiles of Amaro Montenegro, Cocchi Americano Bianco, Italicus, and Suze. It is worth noting that the distinctive character of this libation is owed to the prominent bitter notes imparted by Suze, without which, the Reno would be very much incomplete.
9. White Mezcal Negroni
Experience the captivating fusion of smoky mezcal and bitter Suze in the White Mezcal Negroni. Delight in the perfect harmony achieved by the exquisite sweetness of blanc vermouth. Each sip reveals a tantalizing mix of mineral, herbal, and bitter flavors that unfold gradually, creating an enchanting drinking journey.
10. Montreal Cocktail
The Montreal Cocktail, a proud bearer of the official drink title in Montreal, expertly captures the essence of the city. It harmoniously blends the influences of its French heritage, represented by Suze, and the English touch embodied by gin. Adding a local charm, it incorporates domestically produced rye whisky. To elevate its flavors, a touch of Italian flair is introduced with the inclusion of Aperol. The result is a beautifully balanced and flavorful libation that showcases the unique character of Montreal.
Discover the full collection of gentian liqueur cocktails here.
FAQ
How to drink gentian liqueur?
It is commonly enjoyed on the rocks with a touch of lemon juice. Or try mixing it in a cocktail.