Picon Punch

Various locations throughout Nevada · Ferino Distillery · 541 E. 4th St., Reno

Nevada's official cocktail was born in France in 1837 — Gaétan Picon created his bitter orange liqueur as a remedy for malaria, little knowing it would one day become the unofficial handshake of the American West's Basque community. The recipe is deceptively simple: Amer Picon, grenadine, club soda, a float of brandy, a twist of lemon. But the execution separates the good from the great, and there is a very real — if informal — competition across the state for the best pour. You'll find them at Basque restaurants from Gardnerville to Elko, and the debate over who makes the finest is one worth having in person.

The story has a remarkable Reno twist.. When Torani Amer — the go-to substitute for the increasingly scarce original — was discontinued after 60 years, Reno's own Ferino Distillery stepped in. In April 2025, using the original unchanged recipe transferred directly by Torani, Ferino began producing Ferino Amer from their home in the Brewery District. The first release sold out immediately.

The Picon Punch is saved. Order one.