Génépi

Génépi or génépy (in French) or genepì (in Italian ) is a traditional herbal liqueur or aperitif popularized in the Alpine regions of Europe. Genepi also refers to alpine plants of the genus Artemisia (commonly called wormwood) that provide the liqueur's flavor and color, and the French Savoy region adjacent to the Aosta Valley, where the plants grow and where the beverage originated.

Genepi liqueur is related to absinthe in that its namesake botanicals are of the Artemisia genus, 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 strong, clear alcohol such as vodka or pure grain alcohol, it cannot be considered equivalent to spirits traditionally produced by re-distilling botanicals in alcohol, such as absinthe and gin. Further separating it is its added sugar content.

The word génépi has uncertain etymological origins, but it is strongly associated with the Savoy region. The Petit Larousse Illustré says that génépi "is the generic name of different aromatic plants typical of the Alps". Zingarelli defines the term "genepí" by distinguishing between two meanings. The first refers to the plant, an unspecified member of the Artemisia genus, while the second refers to the beverage resulting from it and from other Alpine plants. The Enciclopedia Espasa contends that "genippi" is the native Alpine word for a particular group of plants of the genus Artemisia and lists their names and characteristics.

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