What is génépi? Liqueur, tradition and recipe

What is génépi? Liqueur, tradition and recipe

Genepi is much more than an Alpine liqueur: it's a symbol of tradition, mountains, and artisanal know-how. Discover its history, its varieties, and how it's prepared.


A rare plant from the summits

Genepi (or génépy) is an aromatic plant from the wormwood family. It grows between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level in the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. Among the varieties used:

  • Yellow Genepi (Artemisia umbelliformis)

  • White Genepi (Artemisia mutellina)

  • Black genepi (rarer)

Their harvest is regulated to preserve the plant.


A typical mountain liqueur

Traditionally, mountain families macerate dried flowers in alcohol, then add a syrup. The result: a herbaceous, floral, and slightly bitter liqueur, often served chilled as a digestif.

The alcoholic strength of génépi varies between 35% and 45% depending on the recipe.


Michellot's artisanal recipe

At De Michellot, our génépi is made from an infusion of white génépi combined with mountain plants: angelica, tansy, sage, etc.

  • French grain alcohol

  • No added flavors or colors

  • Artisanal production in Lyon

👉Discover our artisanal génépi


How to taste it?

  • Served very cold, as a digestif

  • In a cocktail: mix with gin, lemon, honey

  • In cooking: a few drops in crème brûlée or sabayon


To go further:


From Michellot , 100% artisanal mountain liqueurs.