Genepi - the Alpine Liqueur

If you get the chance to try Genepi do.

It's a traditional Savoyard liqueur that has strong herbal overtones and, if you prefer a liqueur that isn't too sweet, may be just to your liking.

It is possible to buy a bottle in the town to take home. It is traditional for the locals to make their own Genepi in August when they harvest the rare alpine flowers that give the liqueur its distinctive flavour.

If you eat out in one of the many restaurants in Morzine the proprietor may offer you a complimentary drink after your meal and often this will be the local Genepi.

Try a Grolla or Friendship Cup

There are many unique treats that can be experienced in Morzine, not least of which is a 'Grolla', or Friendship Cup.

Enjoying a Grolla is a real experience, and one most definitely to be shared with close friends. It is served in a specially carved round wooden cup with several spouts and a lid, which is carved out of a chunk of tree trunk. It sounds weird, and yes it looks wierd, but is a lovely way to round off a memorable meal with friends.

Inside the cup is served a drink made of coffee, Genepi (a local herbal liqueur), citrus zest and sugar.

The coffee is flamed just before the lid is ceremoniously put in place to extinguish the flame and 'seal in the devil'. The Grolla is passed around your table, without being put down, until every last drop is finished. Because of the Grolla's unique design it's important to block the spouts either side with your thumbs otherwise as you pour some of the contents into your mouth you run a definite risk of pouring hot coffee onto your shoulders!

If you enjoy your Grolla experience, you can purchase one to bring home as several of the shops in the town sell them. At the very least, having read this post you'll now know what the wierd spouted wooden things are when you see them!