Très bonne liqueur je les recommande et la livraison et rapide et extrêmement bien emballé
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Génépi is both a rare alpine plant and the traditional liqueur made from it — one of the most iconic digestifs of the French Alps. This guide covers everything: origin, production, taste, how to drink it, food pairings, and a recipe to make your own.
Génépi refers to three species of alpine plants in the Artemisia genus, growing at high altitude, often above 2,000 metres: Artemisia genipi (black génépi, the most aromatic), Artemisia umbelliformis (white génépi, softer and more floral), and Artemisia glacialis (glacier génépi, the rarest). These fragile plants grow in high-altitude scree; harvesting is now regulated by local authorities in each alpine region to preserve the resource.
Génépi liqueur is made by macerating génépi sprigs in neutral alcohol, followed by light sweetening. It traditionally sits between 35% and 45% ABV, and its colour ranges from pale straw to soft green depending on the variety used and the maceration time — a natural tint from the fresh plants' chlorophyll, with no added colouring.
Génépi's use dates back to shepherds in the alpine valleys, who prepared it as a digestive remedy and tonic after exertion at altitude. Commercial distilleries in the Chambéry and Savoie region later formalised the recipe during the 19th century, making génépi the reference digestif of ski resorts and mountain refuges — a status it still holds today.
Traditional production follows four steps:
De Michellot Génépi Liqueur follows this long, cold-maceration process, with no synthetic flavouring or added colour.
Génépi is known for its herbal, floral profile, with a light bitterness and a fresh finish that make it approachable even for palates unused to strong digestifs. Depending on the species and producer, it can lean more floral and soft, or more herbal and dry.
Génépi is traditionally served as a digestif, well chilled, at the end of a meal, in a small liqueur glass or tulip glass pre-chilled in the freezer:
Want to make your own génépi following the traditional "40" recipe? Follow our complete guide to homemade génépi. For cocktails, check out our 6 original génépi cocktails, our génépi cocktail ideas, or the génépi Moscow Mule recipe.
Génépi pairs well with mountain cheeses (beaufort, reblochon, tomme), fruit desserts (blueberry, pear), and dark chocolate. It also works beautifully after coffee, or in a sorbet or ice cream for a fresh, herbal note. A dash of génépi in a pan sauce for game or wild mushrooms also brings out its character.
Three main channels: direct from the producer — maximum traceability and freshness, like the De Michellot Génépi Liqueur, 70cl, also available in a 2.5L Pot Gascon and 5L bag-in-box for professionals — through specialist wine and spirits merchants, or directly from mountain refuges and ski resorts in the Alps.
Black génépi (Artemisia genipi) is the most aromatic and bitter. White génépi (umbelliformis) is softer and more floral. Glacier génépi (glacialis) is the rarest, with a woodier profile. Most commercial liqueurs use a blend of the three.
Between 35% and 45% ABV depending on the producer. De Michellot Génépi Liqueur is 35% ABV.
A small liqueur glass or tulip glass, ideally chilled in the freezer for a few hours beforehand: the intense cold rounds out the bitterness and brings out the floral aromas.
Serve it very cold — cold naturally dulls the perception of bitterness — or top it with a splash of still or sparkling water rather than adding sugar, which masks the aromas without actually reducing the bitterness.
Several years, stored away from direct light, between 12 and 18°C. The alcohol content naturally preserves it once opened.
Yes, provided you source génépi sprigs in line with local harvesting regulations. See our detailed homemade génépi recipe.
The génépi plant is traditionally used in alpine herbal medicine for its digestive properties. These traditional uses concern the raw plant — not the liqueur, which remains an alcoholic beverage to be enjoyed in moderation. See our detailed article on génépi and herbal medicine.
Excessive drinking is harmful to your health. Please drink responsibly. Only for sale to adults of legal drinking age.