If you’re a fan of classic cocktails, then you may have heard of Amer Picon. This French liqueur has been around for over 150 years and is a staple ingredient in many classic cocktails. But what is Amer Picon, and why is it so beloved by mixologists around the world?
History of Amer Picon
Amer Picon was first created in the early 19th century by a Frenchman named Gaetan Picon. Originally intended as a cure for malaria, the liqueur soon became popular as a cocktail ingredient. Amer Picon is made from a blend of bitter orange peels, gentian root, and a secret blend of herbs and spices. The liqueur has a deep amber color and a bitter, citrusy flavor with notes of caramel and almond.
Despite its popularity in classic cocktails, Amer Picon is not widely available outside of Europe. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to find in the United States. This is because the recipe for Amer Picon was changed in the 1980s to comply with European Union regulations. The new recipe contains less alcohol and is sweeter than the original, which has caused many cocktail enthusiasts to search for vintage bottles of the original formula.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle of the original Amer Picon, there are many classic cocktails that you can make with it. In addition to the Picon Punch and the Brooklyn, you can also use Amer Picon in a Negroni or a Boulevardier.
7 Best Amer Picon Substitutes
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find outside of Europe, which can be a problem for cocktail enthusiasts who want to make classic recipes that call for it. Fortunately, there are several substitutes that you can use to achieve a similar flavor profile. Here are seven substitutes for Amer Picon that you can try.
Torani Amer
Torani Amer is an American-made liqueur that is designed to be a substitute for Amer Picon. It has a similar flavor profile to the original, with a bitter orange flavor and a hint of caramel.
Amaro Nonino
Amaro Nonino is an Italian liqueur that is made from a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus peels. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a spicy kick.
Bigallet China-China
Bigallet China-China is a French liqueur that is made from bitter orange peels, gentian root, and a blend of spices. It has a strong bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon.
Cointreau
Cointreau is a French liqueur that is made from sweet and bitter orange peels. It has a sweet flavor that is different from Amer Picon, but it can still be used as a substitute in cocktails.
Gran Classico Bitter
Gran Classico Bitter is a Swiss-made liqueur that is made from a blend of herbs, roots, and spices. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a floral undertone.
Campari
Campari is an Italian liqueur that is made from a blend of herbs and spices. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a fruity taste.
Aperol
Aperol is an Italian liqueur that is made from a blend of bitter and sweet orange peels, along with herbs and spices. It has a sweet, citrusy flavor that is different from Amer Picon, but it can still be used as a substitute in cocktails.
While these substitutes are not exactly the same as Amer Picon, they can be used to achieve a similar flavor profile in classic cocktails. Experiment with different substitutes and find the one that works best for you. Who knows, you may even come up with your own signature cocktail recipe using one of these substitutes.
Amer Picon Alternatives: A Comparison Table
| Name | Origin | ABV | Flavor Profile | Primary Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amer Picon | France | 21% | Bitter orange, caramel, and spices | Orange peels, gentian root, and quinine |
| Torani Amer | USA | 21% | Bitter orange and caramel | Orange peels and caramel color |
| Amaro Nonino | Italy | 35% | Bitter herbs, spices, and citrus | Herbs, spices, and citrus peels |
| Bigallet China-China | France | 40% | Bitter orange, gentian root, and spices | Orange peels, gentian root, and spices |
| Cointreau | France | 40% | Sweet and bitter orange | Orange peels and sugar |
| Gran Classico Bitter | Switzerland | 28% | Bitter herbs, roots, and spices | Herbs, roots, and spices |
| Campari | Italy | 24% | Bitter herbs and spices | Herbs and spices |
| Aperol | Italy | 11% | Sweet and bitter orange, herbs, and spices | Orange peels, herbs, and spices |
What Are the Famous Cocktails Made with Amer Picon?
One of the most famous cocktails made with Amer Picon is the Picon Punch, a beloved drink in the Basque region of France. The cocktail is made by combining Amer Picon with sparkling water and a splash of grenadine, then garnished with a slice of orange. The Picon Punch is a refreshing and citrusy drink that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Amer Picon is also a key ingredient in the classic cocktail, the Brooklyn. This cocktail is made by combining rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a splash of Amer Picon. The result is a smooth and complex cocktail with a slightly bitter finish.
Cocktail Recipe: Using Amer Picon Substitute
Here is a recipe for a cocktail using a substitute for Amer Picon:
Negroni Sbagliato
Ingredients:
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sparkling wine
- 1 tsp Gran Classico or other Amer Picon substitute
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add sweet vermouth, Campari, and Gran Classico or other Amer Picon substitute.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
This cocktail is a twist on the classic Negroni, which typically includes gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. In this version, the gin is replaced with sparkling wine, and the Amer Picon is replaced with Gran Classico or another substitute. The result is a light and refreshing cocktail with a bitter, citrusy flavor. The orange twist garnish adds a bright and zesty aroma to the drink. Enjoy this cocktail as an aperitif before a meal, or as a refreshing sipper on a warm day.
What can I use instead of Amer Picon in Brooklyn?
If you’re making a Brooklyn cocktail and can’t find Amer Picon, there are a few substitutes that can work. One option is to use Torani Amer or Ramazzotti Amaro, both of which have a similar bitter, herbal flavor. Another option is to use a combination of orange bitters and a small amount of Fernet-Branca, which can also achieve a similar effect.
What does Picon taste like?
Amer Picon has a complex flavor profile, with notes of bitter orange, herbs, and caramel. It is a dark, reddish-brown liqueur with a somewhat thick and syrupy texture. The bitterness is the most prominent flavor, and it is balanced by a subtle sweetness and a hint of herbal complexity.
What can I use instead of Amaro?
If you don’t have any amaro on hand, there are a few substitutes that can work in cocktails. One option is to use Campari or Aperol, which are both bitter liqueurs with a similar flavor profile to some types of amaro. Another option is to use a combination of orange bitters and sweet vermouth, which can achieve a similar effect in some recipes.
Why is Amer Picon not available in the US?
Amer Picon is not currently available in the US due to a trademark dispute. The original formula for Amer Picon contained a small amount of quinine, which is an ingredient in tonic water and is classified as a drug by the FDA. Because of this, the US government has placed restrictions on the import and sale of Amer Picon. However, there are substitutes available that can achieve a similar flavor profile.
Is Picon a liqueur?
Yes, Picon is a liqueur. It is a type of bittersweet liqueur that originated in France in the early 1800s. The original formula for Amer Picon contained bitter orange peel, gentian root, and a small amount of quinine. Today, there are several variations of Picon available, each with their own unique flavor profile.
How much Picon do you put in beer?
The amount of Picon that you put in beer can vary depending on your personal preference and the recipe you’re following. In general, a common ratio is 1 part Picon to 3 parts beer. However, some recipes may call for a larger or smaller amount of Picon depending on the desired flavor profile. It’s best to experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect balance for your taste.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Amer Picon is a beloved French liqueur that has been a staple ingredient in classic cocktails for over 150 years. Its bitter, citrusy flavor adds complexity and depth to cocktails like the Picon Punch and the Brooklyn. While it may be difficult to find outside of Europe, the search for the original formula is worth it for cocktail enthusiasts who want to experience the true flavor of Amer Picon. So, the next time you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding Amer Picon to your favorite cocktail and see what kind of magic it can create
Related Questions
What is Amer Picon?
Amer Picon is a French bitter apéritif that was first created in the early 19th century. It is made with a blend of bitter and sweet orange peels, along with gentian root, quinine, and other herbs and spices. The resulting flavor is bitter and slightly sweet, with notes of orange and other botanicals. Amer Picon is often used as an ingredient in cocktails, particularly in France and other parts of Europe.
What is Torani Amer?
Torani Amer is a American-made substitute for Amer Picon. It is made with a similar blend of herbs and spices, including bitter and sweet orange peels, gentian root, and quinine. However, Torani Amer is sweeter than Amer Picon and has a slightly different flavor profile. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails that call for Amer Picon.
What is Amaro Nonino?
Amaro Nonino is an Italian bitter liqueur that is made with a blend of herbs and spices, including gentian, saffron, and rhubarb. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a floral undertone. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails that call for Amer Picon.
What is Bigallet China-China?
Bigallet China-China is a French bitter liqueur that is made with a blend of herbs and spices, including bitter orange, gentian, and cinchona bark. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a citrusy taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails that call for Amer Picon.
How does Torani Amer compare to Amer Picon?
Torani Amer is a sweeter alternative to Amer Picon. It has a similar blend of herbs and spices, but the sweetness level is higher. As a result, cocktails made with Torani Amer will have a different flavor profile than those made with Amer Picon.
How does Amaro Nonino compare to Amer Picon?
Amaro Nonino has a similar bitter flavor to Amer Picon, but with more of a floral undertone. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails, but the resulting drink will have a different flavor profile.
How does Bigallet China-China compare to Amer Picon?
Bigallet China-China has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a citrusy taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails, but the resulting drink will have a different flavor profile.
What are some cocktails that can be made with Amer Picon?
Some cocktails that can be made with Amer Picon include the Picon Punch, the Brooklyn, and the Champs Elysees.
Can Campari be used as a substitute for Amer Picon in cocktails?
Campari has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a fruity taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails, but the resulting drink will have a different flavor profile.
Can Aperol be used as a substitute for Amer Picon in cocktails?
Aperol can be used as a substitute for Amer Picon in cocktails. It has a sweet, citrusy flavor that is different from Amer Picon, but it can still work well in certain cocktails.
- How does Cynar compare to Amer Picon?
Cynar is an Italian bitter liqueur that is made with artichokes, along with a blend of herbs and spices. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with a more vegetal taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails, but the resulting drink will have a different flavor profile.
- What is Lillet?
Lillet is a French aperitif that is made with a blend of wines, along with fruit liqueurs and herbs. It has a sweet, fruity flavor that is different from Amer Picon, but it can still be used as a substitute in certain cocktails.
- What is Byrrh?
Byrrh is a French aperitif that is made with a blend of red wine, quinine, and other botanicals. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a wine taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails that call for Amer Picon.
- Can Gran Classico be used as a substitute for Amer Picon in cocktails?
Gran Classico is a Swiss bitter liqueur that is made with a blend of herbs and spices, including bitter orange peel and gentian root. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of an earthy taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails, but the resulting drink will have a different flavor profile.
- How does Fernet Branca compare to Amer Picon?
Fernet Branca is an Italian bitter liqueur that is made with a blend of herbs and spices, including myrrh and saffron. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a minty taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails, but the resulting drink will have a different flavor profile.
- Can Aperitif de Normandie be used as a substitute for Amer Picon in cocktails?
Aperitif de Normandie is a French aperitif that is made with a blend of apple brandy, calvados, and other herbs and spices. It has a sweet, fruity flavor that is different from Amer Picon, but it can still be used as a substitute in certain cocktails.
- How does Suze compare to Amer Picon?
Suze is a French bitter liqueur that is made with a blend of gentian root and other botanicals. It has a bitter flavor that is similar to Amer Picon, but with more of a floral taste. It can be used as a substitute in cocktails, but the resulting drink will have a different flavor profile.
- What is the difference between aperitifs and digestifs?
Aperitifs are alcoholic beverages that are usually consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. They are typically light, refreshing, and low in alcohol content. Digestifs, on the other hand, are alcoholic beverages that are consumed after a meal to aid in digestion. They are typically heavier and higher in alcohol content than aperitifs.
- What is the history of Amer Picon?
Amer Picon was first created by Gaétan Picon in 1837 in the town of Algiers, which was then a French colony. The recipe was later refined by his son, who added more herbs and spices to the blend. The drink became popular in France and other parts of Europe in the early 20th century, and it is still enjoyed today as a component of classic cocktails.
- How do bartenders use Amer Picon in cocktails?
Bartenders use Amer Picon in cocktails to add a bitter, citrusy flavor. It is often used in drinks like the Picon Punch, the Brooklyn, and the Champs Elysees. Some bartenders also use Amer Picon as a modifier in other cocktails to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
