Ingredients

  • 2 ozCynar
  • 1 ozSweet vermouth
  • ¼ ozFresh lemon juice
  • 6 dashesOrange bitters
  • 🍋Lemon coin(garnish)

🔧 Tools

mixing-glassbarspoonstrainerjigger

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for 25-30 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
  4. Express a lemon coin over the drink and drop it in.

📜 History

Stephen Cole created the Bitter Giuseppe at The Violet Hour in Chicago in 2008. The cocktail was revolutionary for placing Cynar—an artichoke-based Italian amaro—in the role typically held by whiskey or gin. Cole's inspiration came from wanting to create a drink that was unabashedly bitter yet still balanced and approachable. The sweet vermouth softens Cynar's vegetal edge while fresh lemon juice and celery bitters enhance its herbaceous qualities. The Bitter Giuseppe has become a template for amaro-forward stirred drinks and helped establish Cynar as an essential backbar ingredient beyond its traditional role as a digestif.

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