Bitter Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur developed by French producer Lejay-Lagoute with support from Japanese beverage giant Suntory, made its debut in April 2024. The brand aims to meet the growing demand in Japan for beverages that are less sweet and more refined, with natural and bitter flavor profiles.
A Sustainable, Traditional Approach
Produced through gravity extraction and using locally sourced ingredients, Bitter Cassis highlights a commitment to sustainable and artisanal methods. This careful production process gives the liqueur its distinct bitter edge, setting it apart from the typically sweet cassis on the market.
A Modern Take on Classic Cocktails
Bitter Cassis is described as a fresh twist on the traditional Negroni, offering a more complex and less sugary profile. Its bold taste is designed for modern palates and cocktail experimentation.
The liqueur took center stage at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, as part of a partnership with Vitagora. Displayed in the French Pavilion, the collaboration promoted the theme “Territory and Food: Towards Sustainable Production and Consumption Models,” underlining the brand’s eco-conscious mission.
Bar Alcobareno and Signature Drinks
In Osaka’s Tennoji district, Bitter Cassis has secured a spot on the menu at Bar Alcobareno, operated by respected bartender Masanori Ayukawa. Ayukawa has crafted three cocktails featuring the new liqueur:
The French Américano, blending Bitter Cassis with elderflower liqueur
The French Negroni, a reinvention of the classic with a cassis twist
The Negroni Sbagliato, a sparkling version made with prosecco
These cocktails showcase the liqueur’s versatility and appeal to a more sophisticated audience.
Lejay’s Continued Success in Japan
According to IWSR 2024, Lejay remains the best-selling French spirit brand in Japan, bolstered by its long-standing relationship with Suntory. The brand’s flagship cassis is widely available in major Japanese retail chains, including Don Quijote (Donki), Aeon, and Seijo-Ichi.
In addition to Bitter Cassis, Lejay offers a range of fruit liqueurs in Japan, including peach, raspberry, and strawberry variants—further solidifying its position in the country’s spirits market.
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