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The Picon Limon is built around Amer Picon, a bittersweet French orange-and-gentian liqueur that doesn’t get nearly enough use outside a handful of classic cocktails. Creme de Cassis softens the bitterness with a blackcurrant sweetness, fresh lime juice keeps it from tipping too sweet, and a top of soda water lightens the whole thing into something more session-friendly than a straight spirit-forward pour.
It’s stirred and strained rather than shaken, then topped and finished with a twist, so it comes out clear and bright rather than cloudy, more aperitif than nightcap.
Glass: Highball glass | Strength: Light | Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 3 minutes
Bartender’s tip: Amer Picon can be hard to find in the US; if you can’t get the real thing, a small amount of Torani Amer or a mix of orange liqueur and Angostura bitters gets you in the right neighborhood, though the flavor won’t be identical.
Steps
- Stir amer picon, creme de cassis and lime juice with cracked ice and strain into a large chilled wine glass (should hold 16 ounces).
- Fill with soda water, garnish with a twist of lemon, and serve.
