Suze Saveur D'Autrefois Liqueur

Suze Saveur d’Autrefois is a classic French bitter liqueur that embodies refined herbal complexity and vibrant, bittersweet brightness. With its signature gentian backbone, balanced citrus lift, and nuanced spice, it is both a storied aperitif and a versatile mixology component—offering depth for sipping straight or dimension for elevated cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Originating in France, Suze holds a long heritage as one of the quintessential apéritif amer spirits, historically celebrated for its aromatic intensity and flavorful balance. Saveur d’Autrefois (“taste of yesteryear”) is conceived as a homage to the original traditional recipe, crafted to highlight the authentic character of gentian root—a deeply bitter botanical sourced from alpine regions.

The production begins with careful selection of gentian roots, which are macerated and distilled to extract their bold, earthy bitterness. Complementary botanicals—including citrus peels, gentle spice, and floral elements—are incorporated to create a refined aromatic profile that marries bitter intensity with invigorating brightness. The result is a liqueur with layered complexity, herbaceous depth, and an enduring finish rooted in French apéritif tradition.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Pronounced herbal complexity with focused notes of gentian root, citrus zest (especially lemon and bitter orange), light floral nuances, and a touch of warming spice.

Palate:
Distinctively bitter yet balanced, opening with minerally gentian and citrus oil brightness. Herbal spice and subtle floral undertones integrate with a gentle sweet-bitter interplay that keeps the profile energetic without overwhelming.

Finish:
Long and refreshing, with lingering gentian bitterness, citrus peel echo, and a refined herbal trace that invites another sip.

Quick Overview

Serving Suggestions

Neat or With Ice
Serve chilled or over a single large ice cube as an apéritif to awaken the palate before a meal.

Traditional Dilution
Add a splash of chilled water or soda to soften the bitterness and open aromatic layers.

With Citrus Twist
Serve with an expressed lemon or orange twist to accentuate freshness and cut through bitter warmth.

🍸 Signature Cocktail Recipes

🍋 Classic Suze Spritz

• 1.5 oz Suze Saveur d’Autrefois

• 3–4 oz dry sparkling wine (or non-alcoholic sparkling alternative)

• Splash soda water
  Build in a wine glass over ice.
  Garnish: Lemon wheel
  A bright, bittersweet aperitif spritz with herbal intrigue.

🌿 Suze & Tonic

• 1.75 oz Suze Saveur d’Autrefois

• 4–5 oz premium tonic water
  Build over ice in a highball glass.
  Garnish: Grapefruit twist & fresh thyme
  Herbaceous, crisp, and refreshingly bitter.

🍋 Bitter French 75 Twist

• 1.5 oz Suze Saveur d’Autrefois

• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice

• 0.5 oz simple syrup

• Top with champagne or sparkling wine
  Shake first three over ice; strain into flute; top with bubbles.
  Garnish: Lemon peel
  A French 75 with deeper herbal resonance and bitter citrus edge.

🍊 Suze Old-Fashioned

• 2 oz Suze Saveur d’Autrefois

• 0.25 oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  Stir with ice; strain into rocks glass over large ice cube.
  Garnish: Orange twist
  A bitter-forward twist on the classic, with complexity and balance.

Food Pairing Suggestions
Pair with:

• Light seafood and shellfish

• Citrus-dressed salads

• Spring vegetable crudités

• Mild goat cheese and herbed crudités

The bittersweet and citrus herbal profile enhances bright, savory, and creamy dishes.

"If you're a Lillet drinker and you're looking for a little more complexity, Suze may be the way to go." Serious Eats

"What’s old is new again, and the more obscure, the better. Today’s craft mixology culture celebrates the rediscovery of century-old potions, concoctions and bitters in an attempt to offer that mysterious edge of je ne sais quoi. No one does it better than the French when it comes to style and aperitifs. A true celebrity among French aperitifs, Suze Saveur d’Autrefois is making a demure but vogue re-entrance into U.S. cocktail bars thanks to two super French characteristics: a distinct aroma of wild gentian harvested from the zee Alps, and a chic, retro bottle designed at the end of the 19th century by Henri Porte. This complex, highly aromatic aperitif shows notes of bittersweet herbs complemented by subtle accents of vanilla, candied orange and spice and a delicately bitter finish. Serve on the rocks with a splash of soda, or ask your most discerning mixologist to surprise you. De rien." Kendall Johnson on Drink Me