Bitter Giuseppe Cocktail: A Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Cynar
  • 1 ounce Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
  • 1/4 ounce Lemon Juice
  • 6 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 Lemon Twist for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Pour the Cynar, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
  2. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
  3. Stir well for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

Tools for making

  • Mixing glass - Used to combine and stir the cocktail ingredients.
  • Bar spoon - Used to stir the cocktail in the mixing glass.
  • Strainer - Used to strain the cocktail into the serving glass.
  • Old-fashioned glass - The glass in which the cocktail will be served.
  • Ice - Needed to chill the cocktail and fill the serving glass.
  • Lemon twist - A garnish to add flavor and visual appeal to the cocktail.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute Cynar with another amaro such as Campari or Aperol for a different flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different vermouths like Punt e Mes or Dolin Rouge to vary the taste.
  • Add a splash of soda water or tonic water to make it a lighter, fizzy version.
  • Try using different citrus juices such as grapefruit or orange juice instead of lemon juice.
  • Replace the Angostura bitters with other aromatic bitters like orange or chocolate bitters.
  • Add a dash of simple syrup or honey syrup to sweeten the cocktail if desired.

Recipe overview

Immerse yourself in the world of cocktails with the unique Bitter Giuseppe. This cocktail is a delightful blend of Cynar, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. The Bitter Giuseppe stands out with its distinct bitter flavor profile, balanced with a hint of citrus from the lemon juice and garnish. The vermouth adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly compliments the bitterness. This cocktail is stirred, not shaken, resulting in a beautifully clear, chilled drink. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a beginner, the Bitter Giuseppe is a must-try. Just follow the simple steps, and you'll have a wonderful cocktail to enjoy.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute Cynar with another bitter liqueur? Yes, you can substitute Cynar with another bitter liqueur of your preference, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor profile of the drink.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth? If you don't have Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, you can use another sweet vermouth as a substitute, such as Punt e Mes or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino.
  3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if that's what you have available. Just make sure it is 100% pure lemon juice without any added sweeteners or preservatives.
  4. Can I omit the Angostura Bitters? The Angostura bitters contribute to the unique flavor profile of the Bitter Giuseppe, but if you don't have them or prefer to omit them, you can still enjoy a slightly different version of the drink.
  5. Can I make a larger batch of Bitter Giuseppe in advance? Yes, you can scale up the quantities of the ingredients to make a larger batch of Bitter Giuseppe in advance. However, it's best to stir each individual serving with ice before straining it into a glass to ensure proper dilution and temperature.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Glass - A glass container used for stirring and mixing cocktail ingredients.
  • Old-Fashioned Glass - A short and sturdy glass used for serving cocktails on the rocks.
  • Bar Spoon - A long-handled spoon with a twisted handle, used for stirring cocktails.
  • Strainer - A tool used to strain out ice and other solids when pouring a cocktail.

Origin stories

The Bitter Giuseppe is a relatively new cocktail that was created by Stephen Cole, a talented mixologist who was head bartender at The Violet Hour in Chicago. This drink was invented as part of his efforts to showcase Cynar, an Italian bitter liqueur made from artichokes. Cynar, which is typically consumed in Italy as a digestivo, was relatively unknown in the American cocktail scene at the time. The Bitter Giuseppe became a prized fixture on The Violet Hour's menu and has since spread in popularity to bars across the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.