Amer Picon

Reference

Algeria (original creation), Marseille / France, France (current production)

ABV18-21%

Sub-styles

French amerorange bitter liqueuraperitif amer

Tasting Notes

Bitter orange peel, gentian root, quinine, caramel, orange juice concentrate, coffee, mocha. Modern version is sweeter and lower-proof than historic. The bitterness is real but tempered — you taste the orange and quinine more than raw gentian.

Brand Guide

Primary: Picon Amer ($20-25, mainly in France — hard to find in US). Substitutes: Bigallet China-China ($25-35) — most recommended US substitute. Torani Amer ($20-25) — popular in Nevada for Picon Punch. Amaro CioCiaro ($22-28) — approximation for cocktail use. The original high-proof Picon is a ghost — these are all workarounds.

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The Story

The lost French bitter. Essential to classic recipes, now nearly impossible to find original.