Bitter Giuseppe

Recipe from Stephen Cole

Adapted by Robert Simonson

Bitter Giuseppe
Nathan Weber for The New York Times
Rating
4(222)
Comments
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Cynar is a low-proof, bittersweet amaro derived from artichokes, among many other ingredients. Italians typically drink it over ice with a slice of orange. But it has found a home in many cocktails thanks to adventurous American mixologists who not only treat it as a supporting player, but also sometimes as the foundation of a drink. Such is the case with the Bitter Giuseppe, a creation of the Chicago bartender Stephen Cole. The cocktail calls for a full two ounces of Cynar. Though audacious in concept, the drink is easy to understand if you think of it as a Cynar manhattan. The lemon juice, lemon twist and extra bitters do much to lighten up the mixture, which is brighter and more buoyant than you might expect. A great aperitivo cocktail. —Robert Simonson

Featured in: That’s Amaro: One Man’s Love Affair With Bitter Liqueurs

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink
  • 2ounces Cynar
  • 1ounce Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth
  • ¼ounce lemon juice, plus lemon twist for garnish
  • 6dashes orange bitters, preferably Regans’
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

211 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 20 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 19 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 6 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass three-quarters filled with ice. Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over large ice cube. Garnish with twist.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
222 user ratings
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Comments

Richard Schuster

Shying away from what I expected to be a bitter bomb, I substituted Cocchi Americano for the Carpano Antica. The result is an excellent drink.

e1035116

Its not bad if you like a bitter flavor profile. I like Cynar and Carpano Antica, so it tasted great while reading the NY Times in front of the fireplace.

Does remind me of a medicinal concoction. I plan to do a riff on this by using 1.5 oz of Cynar and Vermouth, and then use ¼ oz orange juice, plus orange twist for garnish.

Michael B.

To create some additional "mouthfeel" add a good pinch of kosher salt before you stir. The result is a velvety luxurious texture that better coats your tongue.

Henning

To add a twist, swap the lemon juice for a Limoncello - it adds a bit more complexity

Andy

12 dashes is roughly equal to 1/4 ounce

Ana Q

Second on the healthy pinch of kosher or maldon flake salt. Preferably on a big ice cube. It’s heavenly. Fantastic drink.

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Credits

Adapted from Stephen Cole, the Violet Hour, Chicago

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