Bitter Giuseppe

A low-proof bitter aperitivo built on Cynar, the Bitter Giuseppe leans into the artichoke amaro's herbal bite, rounding it with the vanilla-edged richness of Carpano Antica and a quick squeeze of lemon. A few dashes of orange bitters lift the whole thing. Created in 2007 by Stephen Cole at Chicago's Violet Hour, it's famous for being stirred rather than shaken despite the citrus — a deliberate rule-break that keeps it silky and contemplative.

AperitivoClassicLow ABVBitter Sipper

Ingredients

  • 2 ozCynar
  • 1 ozCarpano Antica Formula
  • 0.25 ozLemon Juice
  • 6 dashOrange Bitters

Garnish: Lemon Peel

Preparation

Stirred · Rocks · Large cube

  1. 1.

    build

    Combine the Cynar, Carpano Antica, lemon juice, and orange bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.

  2. 2.

    stir

    Stir until well chilled and slightly diluted, about 20–25 seconds — stirred, not shaken, despite the citrus.

  3. 3.

    strain

    Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.

  4. 4.

    express

    Express a lemon twist over the surface to release its oils.

  5. 5.

    garnish

    Drop the lemon twist into the glass.

Flavor Profile

bitter
62%
herbal
47%
earthy
37%
body
31%
sweet
30%
viscosity
23%
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