On a recent trip to France, my husband insisted that we not only seek out and try Picon Punch cocktails, but that we also locate and bring home a few bottles of Amer Picon, the French bitter orange liqueur that is used in the classic cocktail and which is no longer available in the U.S.
If you’re thinking, “Wait, so you’re telling me about a cocktail recipe that I can’t make?”, then don’t worry because Torani Amer, available at BevMo, makes a good substitute for Amer Picon.
So for my holiday cocktail this year, I’m planning to share a little taste of France with friends and family and serve up Picon Punch at our gatherings. Another popular use for Amer Picon, (and perhaps a use that I like even better), is adding just a splash to a light beer, resulting in a traditional French shandy, or a Picon Bière. Plus, it also adds a festive red-ish color to the beer. Above right is a photo of a Picon Bière that we enjoyed during our trip.
Whether you decide to try out a Picon Punch cocktail or a Picon Bière, cheers to trying something new this holiday season!
Picon Punch (from ProfessorCocktail.com)
Ingredients:
2 1/2 oz. Amer Picon (substitute Torani Amer)
1 tsp. Grenadine
1-2 oz. Club Soda
1/2 oz. Brandy
Instructions:
Build in a highball or collins glass filled with ice. Add Amer Picon and grenadine, then give a quick stir. Top with club soda, then the brandy float. Garnish with a lemon twist.
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