Picon Amer Aperitif (1000ml)

A much desired cocktail ingredient but generally hard to find is Picon Amer, with distribution for a long time limited to France. Despite being produced since 1837, making it a bar standard in early cocktail guides, it remains elusive outside of Europe. The proprietary recipe has no doubt changed slightly over the years, as has the ABV. However, orange remains the dominant flavour. Quinine, cinchona and gentian are also known ingredients (not surprising as "Amer" translates to "bitter".)

Although it was popularised as a key element in cocktails like the "Liberal", the "Brooklyn" and the "Picon Punch", Amer is traditionally enjoyed straight up or over ice as an aperitif. It reportedly has more bitterness than Picon Club and Picon Biere. While bartenders often cite alternatives, such as Amaros, cross tastings suggest nothing quite equates to the distinctive taste of Picon Amer - if you can find it! 21% Alc./Vol.