Bright yellow, properly bitter and quietly iconic — Suze is made from wild gentian root dug by hand in the Alps and the Jura, then macerated for a year. Picasso put the bottle in a collage; French bartenders have never let it leave the back bar. Bitter aperitifs are having a decade, and this is the original oddball.
Suze is first produced in France, at a moment when bitter aperitifs were the everyday ritual of the café terrace.
Yellow Gentian
Gentiana lutea grows wild in the high meadows of the Alps and Jura. A root needs around twenty years before it is worth lifting.
Hand Dug
The roots are dug by hand with a two-pronged fork, on slopes no machine can reach.
A Year Steeping
Cold maceration runs for around twelve months before blending — long enough to pull out bitterness without harshness.
What Sets It Apart
Wild Gentian Root
Not an extract — actual root, macerated
Twelve Months
A full year of cold maceration before blending
Alps & Jura
High meadows, harvested by hand
The Yellow Bottle
One of the most recognisable labels in France
Tasting Profile
Bitterness
Earthy Root
Citrus Peel
Sweetness
Gentian RootOrange PeelHoneyGreen HerbsDry Finish
How to Serve It
White Negroni
Gin, Suze and blanc vermouth — a modern classic
Suze Tonic
Long over ice with tonic and a slice of grapefruit
Neat & Chilled
A small cold glass before eating — the French way
Pairs Well With
Comté
Jura cheese with a Jura root — a regional match
Salted Nuts
The default terrace snack, and correct
Charcuterie
Fat and salt against a bitter, dry finish
Dark Chocolate
Two bitternesses that reinforce rather than clash
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
France
Style
Gentian aperitif liqueur
Key Botanical
Wild yellow gentian root
Maceration
Around twelve months
ABV
20%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
What does gentian taste like?
Bitter, earthy and faintly floral — closer to a root vegetable than to citrus or herbs. It is the bitterness behind many amari and aperitifs, but here it is the whole point rather than one voice in a chorus.
How bitter is it really?
Assertively, but not aggressively. There is honeyed sweetness and orange peel underneath, and at 20% it is gentle enough to drink before a meal. Anyone who enjoys a Negroni or a grapefruit IPA will be on familiar ground.
What is a White Negroni?
Equal parts gin, Suze and a blanc vermouth, stirred over ice with a lemon twist. Invented in the 2000s and now on menus worldwide — it is the single best reason to keep a bottle of this at home.
Who is this a good gift for?
The home bartender missing one bottle, the Francophile, and anyone who has developed a taste for bitter drinks. The yellow bottle is instantly recognisable and looks striking on a shelf.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Suze responsibly. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
