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Alcohol Free Bitter Aperitif

Looking for some alcohol free staples to have behind your bar? Here's my version of what would be considered the Campari to your home bar.

- Difficulty: Easy

Servings 2 cups
Author Monica C

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Water
  • 400 g Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Grapefruit Coarsely Chopped (including peel)
  • 1 Orange Coarsely Chopped (including peel)
  • 1/3 cup Gentiane Liqueur Gentian Root liqueur by Chartreuse
  • 1/2 tbsp Pink Peppercorn lightly pressed
  • 3 Star Anise
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 3 Whole Cloves
  • 1/3 Licorice Root
  • 1/4 tsp Red Food Colouring Optional*

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, add all your ingredients. Bring it to a boil and then cover and allow to simmer for 1 hour.

  2. Turn off the heat and let this cool completely before straining.

  3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, discarding solids and reserve in the fridge. Can last up to 1 month.

Recipe Notes

Note that I used the Gentian Liqueur because I couldn't find Gentian Root ANYWHERE. It adds that bitter quality that is so much of the identity to Campari. I knew with it reduced down and simmering for an hour, the alcohol would be removed.