A fascinating liqueur made in the French Basque Country.

Izarra was created in the late 19th century by a botanist named Joseph Grattau, who based the liqueur on a recipe that dated back to 1835. Izarra means “The Star” in Basque, and the star of this drink has risen ever since.

Izarra is produced with a base of Armagnac, which is flavoured with prunes and walnut shells. A syrup of sugar and acacia honey is also added, alongside 16 different botanicals. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but we do know it contains almonds, walnuts, celery and finally, the most prominent flavour: peppermint. Finally, the concoction is matured for six months in oak barrels.

The result is a grassy, minty liqueur with a strong Armagnac-spice complexity, notes of oak, nuts and rich honey, and a vegetal edge.

Not just another crème de menthe, Izarra Green is complex and delicious, and would make for an interesting twist on the modern classic Grasshopper cocktail. In the Basque Country it is often paired with gin.

• Product type
  Herb Liqueurs
• Distillery / brand
  Izarra
• Country
  France
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• SKU
  038621