Updated:2023/10/03
Speaking of herbal liquor…
What comes to mind when you hear the word herbal liquor? Some people may think of the Greek drink ‘ouzo’ or the French drink ‘pastis.’ Perhaps Japanese Yomeishu is also a kind of herbal liquor? There is a little-known herbal liquor called Appenzeller Alpenbitter in Switzerland, so I would like to introduce it to you today.
About Appenzell
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Switzerland has 26 cantons, which are administrative units similar to prefectures in Japan, and the smallest of them is Appenzell Innerrhoden. The state capital is Appenzell. It is located in the northeastern part of Switzerland, and is a German-speaking canton of Switzerland, close to Liechtenstein and Austria. This state is famous for being very conservative, and is a very unique place, as women did not have the right to vote until 1991, and it still uses direct democracy, where all voters gather in a square and vote by a show of hands.
Appenzell, the state capital, has a population of about 7,000 people. It has a traditional Swiss feel, with beautiful buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, including churches, monasteries, and town halls, as well as houses with bay windows with unique signs. Appenzeller cheese, a specialty of this state, is polished not only with salt but also with cider,# herbs, and spices, so it has a nutty aroma and unique spiciness, which many people seem to fall in love with.
Herbal liquor loved by the Swiss people – Appenzeller Alpenbitter
Appenzeller Alpine Bitter is almost unheard of in Japan, but it is a famous herbal liquor that is said to be known to everyone in Switzerland. The recipe, which is made by combining 42 types of herbs, flowers, spices, and roots, has been kept secret since its founding in 1902, and it continues to be manufactured at a distillery on the outskirts of Appenzell.
The unique herbal flavor goes well not only with drinking straight, but also with cocktails, appetizers, and main dishes. Among the various recipes introduced on the homepage, there is a cocktail called Wild Heidi, so I’ll quote it here!
Wilde Heidi
Appenzeller Alpenbitter 50cc
Tonic water 100cc
orange slices, ice cubes
I would like to try it if I have a chance!
