Génépi

Génépi or génépy (French: [ʒenepi]) is a traditional herbal liqueur or apéritif popularized in the Alpine regions. Genepi also refers to alpine plants of the genus Artemisia (commonly called wormwood) that is used to make a liqueur in the French region of Savoy and in the Italian regions of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, where the Artemisia génépi plants grow and where the beverage is commonly produced.

Génépi liqueur is related to absinthe in that its namesake botanicals are of the genus Artemisia, but like Chartreuse, it is a liqueur (contains sugar) and traditionally taken neat. Like many European herbal liqueurs, especially those used as digestifs, the flavor of génépi can be an acquired taste. It is less sweet than many digestifs, and the flavor imparted by the herbs is reminiscent of chamomile or feverfew. It is naturally light olive to pale gold in color. Cheaper versions may be made bright green through the addition of food coloring.

Because génépi is produced by steeping the aromatic flowering tops of select Artemisia sp. in a clear alcohol, it is not a spirit liquor such as absinthe and gin, which are produced by re-distilling botanicals in alcohol.