Gentian Cocktails to Try at Home
Gentian liqueur , with its lovely bitterness and mountain character, is the perfect ally for revisiting your homemade aperitifs. Long relegated to grandfather's digestifs, it's making a strong comeback in cocktail bars... and in our glasses. Here are 5 gentian cocktail recipes that are easy to make at home, with or without a shaker.
Why is gentian perfect for your cocktails?
A liqueur with a bitter and elegant taste
Gentian is distinguished by its natural bitterness , derived from its root. It is this uniqueness that makes it an original base for balanced, subtle and refreshing cocktails.
A French heritage to revisit
Used for centuries for its digestive properties , gentian is part of the heritage of French artisanal liqueurs. Rediscover this plant in your cocktails, it's reconnecting with a tradition... in a modern version.
Gentian Cocktail Recipes
1. Gentiane Tonic – The classic revisited
A simple and effective cocktail, perfect for bitter lovers.
Ingredients :
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4 cl of gentian liqueur
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12 cl of tonic
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Lemon slice or grapefruit zest
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Ice
Preparation :
Pour the gentian into a balloon glass, add ice cubes, top up with tonic, stir gently and garnish.
2. Montagnard Spritz – The Alpine aperitif
A French variation of the Italian spritz.
Ingredients :
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3 cl of gentian liqueur
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6 cl of dry or sparkling white wine
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3 cl of sparkling water
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Orange zest or fresh thyme
Preparation :
In a wine glass filled with ice, pour the ingredients, stir gently and serve with an orange slice.
3. Bitter Sidecar – For thrill seekers
An original twist on the famous cocktail.
Ingredients :
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3 cl of cognac
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2 cl of gentian liqueur
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2 cl of fresh lemon juice
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Ice
Preparation :
Shake all ingredients in a shaker, strain and serve in a cocktail glass provided.
4. Gentian Mule – An alternative to the Moscow Mule
A cocktail that is spicy, bitter and thirst-quenching.
Ingredients :
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4 cl of gentian liqueur
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1 cl of lemon juice
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10 cl of ginger beer
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Lemon slice or rosemary sprig
Preparation :
Pour the ingredients into a glass filled with ice, stir and serve chilled.
5. French Negroni – A tribute to signature aperitifs
A Negroni with a French terroir twist.
Ingredients :
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2 cl of gentian liqueur
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2 cl of red vermouth
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2 cl of French gin
Preparation :
Stir in a mixing glass with ice. Serve in an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube and an orange zest.
Our tips for creating your own homemade cocktails
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Use bitterness sparingly : gentian is powerful, a few centilitres are enough.
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Pair it with fresh ingredients like citrus, ginger or aromatic herbs.
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Experiment with various bases : gin, white wine, sparkling wine, sparkling water, etc.
Which gentian liqueur should I use?
Not all gentian liqueurs are created equal. For a successful cocktail, choose:
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A artisanal liqueur , not too sweet and rich in natural extracts
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A product without artificial flavors, for an authentic taste
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A French origin, faithful to tradition
👉 Michellot's Gentian , for example, is perfect for this use: intense, herbaceous, elegant.
Where to buy a good gentian liqueur?
You can get a homemade gentian liqueur from our online store:
🔗 See Michellot's gentian liqueur
Also available from our wine merchants and delicatessens .
FAQ – Gentian Cocktail
What does a gentian cocktail taste like?
A balance between bitterness, freshness, and herbaceous aromas.
Can we replace Suze with a homemade liqueur?
Yes, a craft liqueur offers a more authentic, less sweet taste, ideal for refined cocktails.
What are the best ingredients to combine with gentian?
Lemon, orange, ginger, dry white wine, tonic or vermouth.
Is gentian liqueur drunk on its own?
Yes, but it reveals its full potential in cocktails, especially as an aperitif.
To try at home 🍸
With its roots in Auvergne and its inimitable taste, gentian is a welcome addition to your evenings. Get out the glasses, try these recipes, and restore the nobility of this unique aperitif.