A quintessential French apéritif known for its bold, bitter gentian profile, golden hue, and deep-rooted history in France's drinking culture. First created in 1889 by Fernand Moureaux, Suze remains one of the most distinctive and enduring bitter liqueurs, celebrated for its balance of earthy bitterness, floral aromatics, and bright citrus undertones.
Suze is crafted from the roots of wild gentian, a plant native to the mountainous regions of France and Switzerland. These roots undergo a maceration process, which extracts their signature bitter and herbal qualities. The infusion is then blended with a carefully selected mix of botanicals, adding honeyed spice, citrus zest, and subtle floral notes that soften its intensity. Compared to other bitter apéritifs, Suze has a more delicate, earthy complexity, making it a versatile ingredient in classic and modern cocktails.
Traditionally enjoyed chilled over ice with a twist of lemon, Suze is also a key component in cocktails, particularly apéritif-style drinks. It can replace Campari for a more herbaceous white Negroni, add a bitter edge to a Suze & Tonic, or be paired with dry vermouth for a refreshing low-ABV spritz. Its unique profile also makes it an excellent modifier in contemporary craft cocktails, where its vibrant bitterness and alpine character provide depth and complexity.
A staple in French cafés and bars for over a century, Suze remains one of the most beloved gentian-based apéritifs, offering a taste of old-world herbal craftsmanship.
