Amer Picon Cocktail – Bittersweet Citrus Aperitif from France
This bittersweet French aperitif unites Amer Picon’s orange zest and herbal richness with a lively hit of lime for a refreshing, elegant cocktail.
A sip of the Amer Picon Cocktail is like stepping into a French café at sunset - bright, bittersweet, and refreshingly simple. This elegant aperitif pairs the herbal orange notes of Amer Picon with the tang of fresh lime and a touch of grenadine for balance. A drink with history, it captures the charm of 19th‑century France in every glass.
A Taste of French Tradition
First created in 1837 by Gaétan Picon, Amer Picon was born in Marseille as a bittersweet tonic made from gentian, quinine, and orange. It soon became a cornerstone of French aperitifs, known for its bold flavor and versatility. The Amer Picon Cocktail honors that heritage — simple, balanced, and distinctly European.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Amer Picon – the herbal, bittersweet core of the drink.
- Lime Juice – adds a lively tart edge.
- Grenadine – softens the bitterness and deepens color.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Chilled cocktail glass
Why It Works
The cocktail’s brilliance lies in contrast — citrus meets caramelized bitterness, and sweetness rounds out the edges. The result is refreshing yet complex, ideal as a pre‑dinner drink or a refined evening sipper.
Variations to Try
- Amaro Swap: Use Amaro CioCiaro or Torani Amer for a different bittersweet tone.
- Citrus Shift: Substitute lemon juice for a sharper, brighter profile.
- Spritz Style: Top with soda water and serve over ice for a lighter version.
Tips for Serving
Serve in a well‑chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange peel twist. Pair with light appetizers like olives, nuts, or a slice of citrus‑glazed cheese. For gatherings, pre‑batch the mix (without ice) and shake to order.
Amer Picon Cocktail Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 1 tsp.
- 1 1/2 oz. Amer Picon
- 1/2 oz.
Directions
- Add Amer Picon, lime juice, and grenadine to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Optionally garnish with an orange peel twist.
Classic, citrusy, and utterly French — a taste that never fades.
