We talked a lot about the laws that did or didn't get passed in this year’s legislative session in Carson City, plus a few that the governor vetoed. But something that everyone seemed to agree on was passing a bill to make Picon Punch the official state drink of Nevada. It’s popular up north, but barely known in Las Vegas. So what’s the deal?
😋 What Is Picon Punch?
Picon Punch is usually served in a bell-shaped glass. Fill it with ice, add a few drops of grenadine, pour in a burnt orange herbal liqueur named Amer Picon until it’s about 3/4 full (or two-ish ounces), top it off with a splash of soda water and finish with a brandy float. Rub lemon peel around the rim, twist it above the cocktail, and toss it in as garnish. Variations are common. Feel free to go “Elko-style” and skip the soda for more Picon 👀
“I think of it as Nevada in a glass,” says Joe Cannella of Reno’s Ferino Distillery. “It’s balanced, but strong.”
🤔 Where Did Picon Punch Originate?
As with most cocktails, the true origin is hard to nail down. It emerged in Basque boarding houses in either San Francisco or Bakersfield in the late 1800s. Its popularity grew as Basque immigrants found work sheepherding and working the fields in Northern Nevada.
“It’s not a drink from Basque country. It’s a Basque-American drink,” says City Cast Las Vegas co-host and culinary historian Sarah Lohman, who’s a fan of the cocktail. “It’s tradition to keep refills in the same glass with another lemon twist added each time so you know how many drinks you’ve had. It’s very convenient.”
The Amer evolution. (Rob Kachelriess/City Cast Las Vegas)
😢 A Missing Main Ingredient
So that Amer Picon we mentioned earlier? It’s still available back home in France, but was banned in the U.S. years ago over the questionable inclusion of calamus root. A few distilleries came up with their own versions (including one by The Depot, also in Reno), but Torani Amer became the most popular substitute.
You may recognize Torani as the manufacturer of syrups in coffee shops. Booze isn’t really their thing, so they passed along their Amer recipe to Ferino at no charge. The company just wanted to see it in good hands.
“A lot of folks think I engineered some master acquisition or something, but the truth is, Torani just reached out,” Cannella confirms. “We worked out a deal, and they signed over the recipe, but I didn't pay any money.”
🧐 Picon Punch in Vegas?
To call the presence of Picon Punch in Las Vegas minimal would be generous. Cannella is hoping that changes soon. His first shipment of Ferino Amer just arrived in Southern Nevada and should appear in stores soon — and perhaps some bars and restaurants. He’s also promoting Picon Week (leading up to Nevada Day in October), to raise the profile of Picon Punch throughout the state, as well as donations for the Nevada Boys and Girls Club.
- Have you ever tried a Picon Punch? And more importantly, do you know a good bar around here that makes one? 👀 If so, let us know 📬
- Las Vegas could use a good Basque restaurant too. They’re amazing. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]
