SMART THINKING

Inspired by bitter oranges, Philip Culazzo has created Monaco’s very own liqueur.

Historically – before tourism and gambling took over – oranges were the mainstay of Monaco’s economy. Indeed, more than 150 years ago, 90 per cent of its land was used for agriculture, and farmers were taxed on citrus produce. Every season, 15 tons of bitter oranges from the trees on the streets of Monaco would be picked and sent to be destroyed in an incinerator. This inspired local Monaco resident Philip Culazzo to plant his first pip and create Monaco’s very own tipple: ‘L’Orangerie’. The first 100 per cent Monégasque liqueur, it uses the oranges that are too bitter to eat, and contains just four ingredients: oranges, a small amount of sugar, water and alcohol. Similar to limoncello, the alcohol content is 30 per cent. Each year approximately 15,000 tonnes of Monaco bitter oranges produce 50,000 bottles, and Culazzo says it’s his mission to “develop a product that is genuine and truly reflects the region of Monaco”.