Suze – the name itself evokes a sense of warmth and camaraderie. It’s not just a liqueur; it’s a symbol of summertime joy and laughter, a reminder of shared moments with friends.
For me, the scent of Suze instantly transports me back to those carefree college days, where summers were spent with close companions, playing games, feasting on giant pasta dishes, and sipping on refreshing drinks.
One fateful summer, a friend introduced us to this unique saffron-hued liqueur. He’d picked it up on a whim, drawn to the eye-catching label. My inner “food and beverage geek” recognized it instantly – Suze, with its herbal and bittersweet flavors. I couldn’t help but wonder if my friends, fresh out of college, would appreciate its complex character.
But they surprisingly loved it! They savored Suze’s distinctive taste in every combination, from gin and soda to vodka and lemonade, even mixed with White Claw. Suze became the star of our summer reunions, a shared experience that brought us together.
More Than Just a Drink: The History and Flavor of Suze
Suze is more than just a delicious summer beverage. It’s a French legacy with a story that spans over a century.
The origins of Suze date back to the late 19th century, when a French distiller, Fernand Moureaux, sought to create a unique aperitif. He turned to gentian root, a purple flower with a distinctive bitter and herbaceous taste, known for its medicinal properties.
Suze quickly gained popularity in France, making its debut at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889. Soon after, it became a staple in bars and restaurants across the City of Lights.
Suze has a captivating golden hue and a strong aroma, a symphony of herbaceous notes, tangerine, and lemon, all balanced by a touch of sweetness.
The Magic of Gentian Root: The Flavor of Suze
You’ve likely encountered gentian root in other aperitifs. It’s the secret ingredient behind the savory character of Aperol and Campari, adding a vegetal touch to Salers and Lo-Fi’s Gentian Amaro.
Gentian root, with its deep, knotted growth, brings earthy, bitter notes, along with hints of anise, tangerine, tarragon, and even a surprising minty freshness.
Suze is crafted with a year-long maceration of gentian root in neutral alcohol, allowing its essence to fully infuse the spirit. This carefully distilled and blended spirit, alongside a selection of aromatic ingredients, creates the complex flavor profile that makes Suze so special.
The Versatility of Suze: From Aperitifs to Cocktails
Suze is a multifaceted liqueur, with a flavor profile that’s both bold and versatile.
“Suze is aromatic, complex, and versatile, with a bitter, earthy, and slightly floral flavor profile,” says Keith Larry, a renowned bartender at Brooklyn’s Little Rascal. Suze has a gentle warmth and a soft finish, with an alcohol content similar to Aperol and Campari.
Suze is an ideal companion for l’apéro dînatoire, the French tradition of blending cocktail hour and dinner into one lively celebration. It’s a favorite of writer Rebekah Peppler, who enjoys it with crudites, charcuterie, and delicious bread. Peppler recommends adding tonic or soda water to temper the bitterness, or enjoying it simply on the rocks with a lemon wedge, like the French do. A highball is another classic way to savor Suze.
Suze is a favorite among professional bartenders for its aromatic complexity. “One of my favorite ways to use Suze is in a White Negroni,” shares Larry. This lighter and more herbal variation on the classic Negroni uses Suze instead of Campari, and Lillet Blanc instead of sweet vermouth. “Suze’s inherent bitterness adds complexity and depth to the cocktail while ensuring it remains true to the Negroni’s character,” Larry explains.
Suze’s herbal notes naturally complement the juniper flavors of gin, but it harmonizes beautifully with a wide range of ingredients. It’s perfect for spritzes, low-ABV cocktails, and even higher-proof drinks. “It pairs well with vegetable juices like carrot or even red pepper, the bitterness balances out some of the vegetal sweetness,” notes Larry.
Suze, whether enjoyed in a White Negroni, an aperitif glass, or mixed into a can of orange hard seltzer, deserves a place on your bar cart. It’s guaranteed to become a staple in your cocktail repertoire, adding a touch of French charm and summery joy to every occasion.
