The Bitter Giuseppe Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always liked cocktails that surprise me, and the Bitter Giuseppe does exactly that. It’s not too sweet and not too strong—it hits a balanced spot that keeps you wanting another sip.

The Bitter Giuseppe is a simple, low-alcohol cocktail that blends amaro, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and a touch of salt for a rich, complex flavor.

You’ll enjoy how easy it is to make with just a few ingredients and basic bar tools. The drink offers a mix of bitter and citrus notes that work well before dinner or as a slow evening drink.

Once you taste it, you’ll see why this cocktail stands out for its depth and simplicity.

The Bitter Giuseppe Cocktail Recipe

I make the Bitter Giuseppe when I want a drink that’s rich, earthy, and slightly sweet. It combines amaro, vermouth, and lemon to create a balanced flavor that’s both bitter and refreshing.

I like how simple it is to prepare while still feeling like something special.

Equipment

To make this drink right, I keep my tools simple but precise. Each one helps me control temperature, dilution, and presentation.

• Mixing glass – I use a sturdy one that holds enough space for ice and stirring.
• Bar spoon – It lets me stir smoothly without over-diluting the cocktail.
• Jigger – I measure my ingredients carefully to keep the balance consistent.
• Strainer – I use it to pour the drink cleanly into the glass without ice chips.
• Rocks glass – I like a short, heavy glass that fits comfortably in my hand.
• Ice cubes – Large, solid cubes work best because they melt slowly.

I chill my glass before mixing to keep the drink cold longer. Clean tools and good ice really do make a difference in taste and texture.

Ingredients

The Bitter Giuseppe uses only a few ingredients, but each one matters for balance and depth.

• 2 oz Cynar (artichoke-based amaro with bittersweet flavor)
• 1 oz sweet vermouth (I prefer Carpano Antica for its rich spice)
• ¼ oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed adds brightness)
• 1 dash orange bitters (enhances citrus notes)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

I pick ingredients that complement each other rather than compete. The amaro brings bitterness, the vermouth adds sweetness, and lemon juice sharpens everything.

The garnish gives a clean aroma that finishes the drink nicely.

Instructions

I keep the process simple but pay attention to each step.

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Add Cynar, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and orange bitters.
• Stir for about 20–25 seconds until the mixture feels chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the surface before dropping it in.

I taste as I go to make sure the balance feels right. If it’s too bitter, I add a touch more vermouth.

If it’s too sweet, a few extra drops of lemon juice help.

Notes

I find this cocktail works best as a slow sipper after dinner. The bittersweet flavor pairs well with salty snacks or dark chocolate.

When I want a lighter version, I serve it over crushed ice or top it with a splash of soda water. For a stronger bite, I reduce the vermouth slightly.

I always use fresh citrus and quality amaro because small details change the final taste. The Bitter Giuseppe rewards patience and precision with a smooth, balanced result every time.

Tasting Notes

Right from the first sip, I get a bold mix of bitter herbs and citrus. Cynar really brings in this deep, earthy vibe—rich, but it doesn’t feel too heavy.

The vermouth steps in with just enough sweetness to soften everything out.

As I go, there’s this dance between sweet, sour, and bitter that keeps things interesting. Lemon juice perks it up, while the bitters pull it back down to earth.

It’s smooth, but there’s a sharp bite that hangs around for a second or two.

The aroma? It’s got hints of caramel, orange peel, and herbs—honestly, every time I take a sip, something different pops out, especially as the drink warms up or gets more diluted.

If I pour it over ice, the flavors kind of unfold at their own pace.

I really enjoy how that initial bitterness eventually fades into a gentle sweetness, and then it just leaves this clean finish. Makes me want to go back for another taste, honestly.