Bitter Giuseppe Cocktail recipe
Rating
Microbadges
Tags
Method
How to make a Bitter Giuseppe
- Cynar 60 ml, White vermouth 30 ml (Carpano Antica (if available)), Lemon juice 7.5 ml, Orange bitters 6 dashes
-
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass
-
- Stir until they are well chilled
-
- Strain the mixture over ice into an old fashioned glass
-
- Finish by garnishing with a lemon twist
Power tips
Elevate the Bitter Giuseppe with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Upgrade to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
- Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.
Your private tasting notes
FAQ's
Who created the Bitter Giuseppe cocktail and what is its origin?
The Bitter Giuseppe is a fantastic cocktail originating from the creative mind of Stephen Cole at Chicago’s renowned bar, Violet Hour. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, the Violet Hour is revered in the cocktail community, and the Bitter Giuseppe stands as a testament to Cole's mastery in mixology. This cocktail was designed for those who appreciate a complex, herbal blend with a bittersweet character. It captures the rustic flavors of Italy, highlighting the earthy, bitter notes of Cynar, an Italian artichoke-based liqueur, and is complemented beautifully by the citrusy vibrance of lemon juice and orange bitters.
What is Cynar and why is it used in the Bitter Giuseppe?
Cynar is an Italian amaro, or bitter liqueur, that is primarily flavored with artichokes, though it features a complex blend of 14 different botanicals. It is widely appreciated for its deep, earthy flavors and subtle sweetness, making it an ideal base for the Bitter Giuseppe cocktail. Its unique profile gives a savory element to cocktails, which perfectly balances the bright citrus and herbal notes found in the Bitter Giuseppe. Using Cynar adds both depth and intrigue to the drink, ensuring an enriching tasting experience with each sip.
When is the best time to enjoy a Bitter Giuseppe cocktail?
The Bitter Giuseppe is an excellent cocktail choice for a variety of occasions, but it particularly shines as a pre-dinner drink given its role as an aperitif. Its low alcohol by volume (ABV) of 15.5% allows it to gently stimulate the palate without overwhelming it, preparing the stomach for a satisfying meal. Its bittersweet and herbal profile makes it a fantastic choice for someone looking to unwind after a long day, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons when its complex flavors can be savored most. Whether you're toasting with friends at a casual gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, the Bitter Giuseppe provides a flavorful and pleasant drinking experience.
What types of food pair well with a Bitter Giuseppe cocktail?
The Bitter Giuseppe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes thanks to its unique combination of bitter, herbal, and citrus flavors. This cocktail complements rich, savory foods such as grilled meats, particularly lamb or beef, which balance well with its bitterness and acidity. Mediterranean and Italian fare, like antipasti with cured meats, olives, and cheeses, are particularly good partners. Light salads with a citrus dressing also harmonize well, accentuating the cocktail's citrus notes while providing a refreshing contrast to the drink's robust flavor profile. Whether as part of a multi-course meal or alongside simple tapas, the Bitter Giuseppe enhances any culinary experience.
What garnish is recommended for a Bitter Giuseppe cocktail?
To finish your Bitter Giuseppe and enhance its visual and aromatic appeal, a simple yet effective garnish is a twist of lemon or orange peel. This garnish not only adds a visually appealing splash of color but also accentuates the cocktail's citrus elements. When preparing the garnish, gently express the oils of the peel over the drink by twisting it, which releases a bright, zesty aroma that complements the herbal bitterness of the Cynar. A well-executed garnish can subtly elevate the flavors of your Bitter Giuseppe, making the drinking experience even more enjoyable. For those who prefer a slightly nutty note, a thin slice of almond can also be added to enhance the drink's complexity.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Experience this earthy, tropical blend in a glass
Turnbuckle
Overproof rum, Cynar, Lemon juice, Passion fruit syrup, Orgeat syrup
Explore this rich blend of grappa and coffee.
El Resentin
Grappa, Cynar, White vermouth, Coffee
Enjoy this sophisticated blend of sherry, Cynar, and gin.
Remember the Alimony
Gin, Cynar, Sherry (dry)
Experience this sophisticated blend of mezcal and Cynar
Guillotine
Mezcal, Cynar, White vermouth
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we'll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we'll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments