Suze

First marketed in 1889, this French liqueur was an invention of Fernand Moureaux who originally produced it in the commune Maisons-Alfort. He decided to distill the roots of wild gentian root, together with a secret combination of other herbs and spices, to create this complex aperitif that is characterized by floral, bitter, and spicy flavors.

While the dominant aroma is imparted with mashed gentian roots, the drink displays subtle, earthy notes of citrus, vanilla, apricots, and caramel. Suze is typically served cold, as a long drink when it is usually paired with tonic or orange juice.

It also works well in cocktails, and it can be sipped neat as an aperitif. Suze is now produced in Thuir, Pyrénées Orientales.