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I’m not a sports gal. I don’t tailgate or host cookouts for game day. That said, I’m happy to attend those events because I love a gathering, and I love an excuse to have drinks with friends. I generally prefer a cocktail or a glass of wine to a beer, though, and sports-adjacent drinking is definitely more beer-focused than anything else. So, when attending a sports-themed party — like, say the Super Bowl — I like to lean on relatively simple, unfussy drinks I can make with beer. In the past I’ve made micheladas, but to widen my repertoire, I found a drink I like even more: the picon bière.
What is a Picon Bière?
Hailing from France, a true picon bière is a mix of light beer, bitter orange liqueur, and a French aperitif called Picon. The latter two ingredients can be difficult to source in the U.S. though, so I rely instead on Montenegro amaro and Cointreau to bring similar flavors to the drink.
How to Make a Picon Bière
In a pint, highball, or other large glass, mix 1 pint of light beer with 1 ounce each of Montenegro amaro and Cointreau liqueur. Stir to combine and garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Credit: Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn Credit: Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn
What Makes a Picon Bière So Great
This drink makes a light beer taste like a fancy cocktail with the help of only two ingredients. It’s an easy upgrade to the beverage that is likely already on offer at a Super Bowl party in abundance, and it doesn’t require more than a quick stir. You don’t even have to commit a complicated recipe to memory, it’s just 1 beer plus 1 ounce each of the other two ingredients. What’s not to like?
Tips for Making a Picon Bière
Don’t worry too much about the beer. I like this drink best with lager, but it also works well with a pilsner. I’ve also made it with beer that I didn’t necessarily love the flavor of on its own, but the Montenegro and Cointreau go a long way to balancing out any less than ideal flavors.
Mix up the amaro. Montenegro is my favorite mixer for this drink, but I’ve seen recipes that call for other amaros. Opt for something that’s bitter with a little bit of sweetness like Ramazottior Averna.
Further Reading
Why People Are Ditching Their Seltzer After a Disturbing Study
We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing
Tuscan Chicken Is the “Most Delicious” Dinner of All Time, Says Everyone Who’s Tried It
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