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Bitter Giuseppe

The Bitter Giuseppe is a bitter, herbal spirit-forward cocktail made with Cynar, Sweet Vermouth, Lemon Juice and Orange Bitters. It is stirred and served in an old-fashioned glass, at about 14% ABV.

Method
Stirred
Glass
Old-fashioned glass
Served
On Rocks
Strength
About 14% ABV
Family
Spirit-forward
Flavour
Bitter, herbal & floral

Ingredients

How to make it

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
  2. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over one large ice cube.
  3. Express a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.

Tip: Stir with plenty of cold, hard ice for 20 to 30 seconds. You want it chilled and silky, not cloudy.

About the Bitter Giuseppe

Stephen Cole created it at The Violet Hour in Chicago around 2007, turning Cynar from a modifier into the base of the drink. It is stirred even though it contains lemon juice, which only brightens the artichoke amaro.

Missing something?

  • No Cynar? Use Amaro Nonino (Lighter and more orangey)
  • No Cynar? Use Campari (Brighter and more bitter)
  • No Sweet Vermouth? Use Punt e Mes (Noticeably more bitter)
  • No Lemon Juice? Use Lemon (Squeeze fresh: 1 lemon gives about 30 ml)
  • No Lemon Juice? Use Lime Juice (Sharper, different aroma)

All swaps for Cynar, Sweet Vermouth and Lemon Juice

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