Suze Liqueur, France

Bright, bold, and unapologetically bitter, Suze Liqueur from France is a true original that has captivated drinkers since 1889. Its blazing yellow color and distinctly vegetal flavor profile set it apart as one of the most iconic aperitifs in the world. Rooted in the tradition of yellow gentian, painstakingly harvested by hand from the French mountains after two decades of growth, Suze is a complex and refreshing liqueur that remains as daring today as it was at its debut. A mainstay in French cafés and cocktail bars for more than 130 years, Suze is a celebration of craftsmanship, character, and an enduring love of bitters.

Product Details:

• Type: Aperitif / Herbal Liqueur
• Alcohol: 15% ABV
• Base Ingredient: Yellow gentian roots from the mountains of France
• Maturation: Unaged and unoaked
• Production Process: Traditional maceration, distillation, and blending using a recipe unchanged since 1889
• Distiller: Suze (Founded by Fernand Moureaux and Henri Porte)
• Current Owner: Pernod Ricard
• Closure: Screwcap
• Packaging: Distinctive tall amber bottle, originally designed in 1896 and unchanged since

Sensory Description:

The nose is intense and harmonious, with notes of citrus peel, candied fruit, and wild herbs. On the palate, Suze opens with gentle sweetness, followed by an assertive yet balanced bitterness from the gentian root, softened by fruity hints of orange and a whisper of fresh vegetal character. The finish is long and refreshing, with lingering herbal complexity.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold Medal – International Wine & Spirits Awards, 2023
• Great Value – Ultimate Beverage Challenge, 2020
• Finalist – Ultimate Beverage Challenge, 2020

Distiller's Background:

Founded in 1885 by Fernand Moureaux and Henri Porte, Suze broke with convention by crafting a wine-free aperitif based on wild gentian root. From its gold medal debut at the 1890 Paris Universal Exhibition to its bold Art Deco ads in the 20th century, Suze has never shied away from standing out. Since 2003, it has been produced at the historic Thuir Distillery in Southern France, now under the stewardship of Pernod Ricard. With more than 130 years of history, Suze continues to define and refine the bitter category with every bottle.

Serving Suggestions:

• Suze White Negroni: Mix 1 part Suze, 1 part Lillet Blanc, and 1 part gin. Stir over ice and garnish with grapefruit zest.
• Suze Alianza: Blend 1 part Suze, 1 part Lillet Rosé, and 1 part mezcal. Serve over ice with grapefruit zest.
• Suze Tonic: Combine 1 part Suze with 2 parts tonic water. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge.
• Suze Sour: Shake 1 part Suze with ½ part lemon syrup, ½ part sugar syrup, and 1 egg white. Strain into a cocktail glass.

Why Suze Liqueur?

Suze Liqueur is more than a drink, it’s a French icon. With its vivid color, rare gentian bitterness, and timeless design, Suze stands alone as the definitive bittersweet aperitif. Whether mixing cocktails, enjoying a low-ABV spritz, or sipping neat, Suze is a bold expression of tradition, individuality, and flavor that refuses to be forgotten.