Byrrh is a French aperitif made of red wine and quinine water or tonic water, with spices and grapes such as Grenache, Carignan, and Muscat. Developed in 1866 by two French brothers, it was originally sold as a tonic in pharmacies. Byrrh is rarely exported from France and can be enjoyed on its own or as a component of mixed drinks.
Byrrh is a French drink that is consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Developed in 1866, this aperitif is a combination of red wine and quinine water, although tonic water may be used instead of quinine. Additionally, the wine may include spices such as Ceylon cinnamon, elderberry peel, and cocoa. The grapes used to make this wine include Grenache, Carignan and Muscat. Production of these wine beverage centers in Thuir, France.
Developed by two French brothers, Simon and Pallade Violet, who were draperies, the apéritif was originally sold as a tonic in pharmacies and then in restaurants and bars. Drapers were men who sold clothes or cloth. After the French pharmacist’s union filed a lawsuit, Violins dropped references to quinine and advertised the drink under the Byrrh label.
Many art nouveau and art deco posters were created to advertise this apéritif, including one done in the early 1900s by Austrian illustrator Raphael Kirchner (1876-1917). Kirchner’s work was quite daring for his time. Illustrations of him were quite popular with soldiers fighting in World War I.
Although production of Byrrh continues today in Thuir, the drink’s popularity began to wane around World War II. Furthermore, the Violet family is no longer involved in producing this aperitif. This red wine drink is rarely exported from France and is hard to find in the United States.
Byrrh should be served fresh. The aperitif has a citric or orange aroma and can be combined with olives or nuts. In addition to the “regular” quality red wine mix that is aged for three years, a more expensive variant is available that ages for almost ten years, uses higher quality wines and has a richer taste.
This red wine drink can be enjoyed on its own or with a twist of lemon or orange zest. Additionally, Byrrh is also a component of mixed drinks. For example, two ounces (about 57 grams) of creme de cassis and four oucnes (about 114 grams) of Byrrh combined with soda water results in two servings of “Byrrh Cassis” that should be served over ice. Another variation for two servings of a mixed drink using this appetizer is two ounces (about 57 grams) of rye, two ounces (about 57 grams) of dry vermouth, and two ounces (about 57 grams) of shake ice, strain and serve.
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