Picon Punch, or simply Picon, is a cocktail made with an Amaro liqueur, a splash of soda water,[1] grenadine,[1] a lemon twist, and a bit of brandy[2] floating on top. The drink is identified as Basque,[3] but is almost unheard of in the Basque region in the Pyrenees.[4] Basque immigrants in the U.S. however have embraced the drink, where it is popular in Basque restaurants and bars in the western USA, particularly southern Idaho, northern and central California,[5][2] and northern Nevada.

Description

The traditional liqueur used is Amer Picon, which is made in Marseille, France.[1][6] It is not readily available in the United States. As a result most bars use a substitute liquor; the most popular is Torani Amer.

In Northern Nevada, the Picon Punch is served with ice in a custom stemmed glass produced by the Louie Picon Glass Company of Sparks.[7] In other regions, the drink is made in a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. At the J.T. Basque Bar and Dining Room in Gardnerville, it is served in a short 4 oz. glass. [8]

History

Picon Punch originated in Europe and remains popular among Basque immigrants in the United States.[9] As of 2005, the drink was almost never made in Basque Country.[4]

In 2024, there were shortages of Torani Amer resulting from supply chain interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and a production change, which required recertification by California authorities. During this time, there were shortages in Nevada with several bars and restaurants unable to make Picon Punch or using a different substitute liquor. Rumors appeared about the long term viability of the drink as Torani downplayed the liquor to focus on their flavored syrup business.[10] In 2025, Torani transferred the recipe for Torani Amer to Ferino Distillery in Reno, NV. [11][12]

In 2025, a bill was approved[13] by the Nevada State Legislature designating Picon Punch the official state cocktail.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ Zubiri, N. (2006). A Travel Guide to Basque America: Families, Feasts, and Festivals. Basque (Paperback). University of Nevada Press. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-87417-632-2.
  2. ^ Gold, J. (2000). Counter Intelligence: Where to Eat in the Real Los Angeles. St. Martin's Press. p. 219. ISBN 978-0-312-27634-8.
  3. ^ Douglass, W.A. & Bilbao, J. (2005). Amerikanuak: Basques in the New World. Basque (Paperback). University of Nevada Press. p. 377. ISBN 978-0-87417-625-4.
  4. ^ Douglass, William A. & Bilbao, Jon (1975). Amerikanuak : Basques in the New World. Reno : University of Nevada Press. ISBN 978-0-87417-043-6.
  5. ^ Haigh, T. (2009). Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie 100 Rediscovered Recipes and the Stories Behind Them. Quarry Books. p. 231. ISBN 978-1-61673-475-6.
  6. ^ Grier, J.; Reamer, D.; Beaumont, S. (2015). Cocktails on Tap: The Art of Mixing Spirits and Beer. ABRAMS. p. 68. ISBN 978-1-61312-779-7.
  7. ^ "Louis' Basque Corner in Reno". Holm Family Cookbook. Archived from the original on July 3, 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  8. ^ "J.T. Basque in Gardnerville, NV"
  9. ^ Douglass, William A. & Bilbao, Jon (1975). Amerikanuak : Basques in the New World. Reno : University of Nevada Press. ISBN 978-0-87417-043-6.
  10. ^ Maynard, Mark (August 6, 2024). "Picon Panic: Key ingredient for iconic Nevada cocktail unavailable until mid-August at the earliest". This is Reno. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
  11. ^ "Reno distillery to produce Amer liqueur, key ingredient of Nevada's iconic Picon Punch"
  12. ^ "Torani and Ferino Distillery partner to preserve Amer Liqueur". Northern Nevada Business Weekly. February 3, 2025. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
  13. ^ 2 News Nevada Digital Team (June 12, 2025). "Governor Lombardo signs bill allowing off property alcohol sales or delivery, naming state drink". 2 News. Retrieved June 25, 2025.

Further reading