Continuing the theme of one of the most popular cocktails in the world…
In this article I gave examples of the most diverse variations of Spritz – the use of a specific liqueur depends on the region of Italy (various Amaro, Limoncello, Campari…) or on the country (Lillet, if we are talking about Bordeaux, or Saint-Germain, if it is Savoy).
I recently discovered another option – Giffard Spritz from the French liqueur maker Giffard.
History of the House of Giffard
Emile Giffard, an apothecary from Angers, was more than just a pharmacist who sold medicines. A gourmet and explorer, he was particularly interested in the refreshing and digestive properties of mint. The result of his research was a mint liqueur, the refreshing effect of which was enjoyed by guests of the nearby Grand Hôtel. Then, in 1885, Emile Giffard founded a liqueur house of the same name, having converted his pharmacy into it. The main product at first was mint liqueur, which Emile called “Menthe-Pastille”, “Mint lollipop”, like the then very popular mint candy. Today, the liqueur house is owned by the fifth generation of the Giffard family, and the mint liqueur, with which the history of the house began, is still being produced. In addition, the range includes:
- fruit liqueurs
- cocoa, vanilla, coffee liqueurs…
- elderflower liqueur (similar to Saint Germain)
- Curaçao
- Limoncello
- Spritz
- non-alcoholic liqueurs…
The company’s principles are to support local producers and farmers (65% of raw materials are purchased in France, and all black currants are from the Anjou region, where the plant is located), respect for nature and environmental protection (use of solar panels, recycled glass for bottle production, reducing the weight of bottles).
The technology used by Giffard is maceration, that is, infusing ingredients (fruits, herbs, spices) in alcohol for a certain period, which, depending on the component, can vary from 24 hours to 3 months.
Giffard Spritz – similarities and differences from Aperol
The taste of the cocktail on Giffard Spritz liqueur is pleasant and balanced, close to the cocktail with Aperol with the same proportions. The differences are in the lower sweetness and bitterness of the French analogue, due to the difference in technologies. The dominant flavor is citrus (grapefruit and bitter orange), obtained from grapefruit peel tincture, complemented by rhubarb notes (from red and green rhubarb tincture) and soft bitterness from gentian extract.
The prices for both liqueurs are approximately the same, so Giffard Spritz is a good French analogue and alternative to Aperol, both in flavor profile and price.
Information and photos: https://www.giffard.com/
