The Rebirth of a Valais Icon at the Foire du Valais 2025
On the occasion of the Foire du Valais 2025, Distillerie Morand celebrates the grand return of an iconic Valais cocktail: the Bon Père cocktail, a unique blend of the flavors of Valais Williams pears and the lively freshness of grapefruit.
This will revive memories of the small ready-to-drink bottles that once delighted festivals and celebrations. Produced by Domaine Jean-René Germanier, this recipe sold up to 2 million units per year before being discontinued in the early 2000s.
2025 marks its comeback, this time in a new format.
The Bon Père William Cocktail – 2025 Edition
With the collaboration of its creators, Jean-René Germanier and Gilles Besse, Distillerie Morand is once again offering the Bon Père cocktail, now in a new form: a liqueur.
The cocktail comes to life in a single step: simply mix Bon Père Williamine liqueur with still or sparkling water (1/3 liqueur – 2/3 water).
Fabrice Haenni, Director of Distillerie Morand, expresses his enthusiasm:
"It is a great satisfaction to be able to bring back to life a product that was so appreciated in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. Combining tradition and modernity, it highlights just how excellent and contemporary Valais Williams pears are."
The Bon Père cocktail (20% vol.) is made from Williamine® Morand, enhanced with citrus aromas. It is available now at www.shop.morand.ch
For its revival, the Bon Père cocktail will be featured at the Espace Live and at the permanent Distillerie Morand stand during the Foire du Valais.
From Brandy to Icon: The Incredible Story of the Bon Père William Cocktail
The story of the Bon Père William cocktail is rooted in the heart of the Domaine Jean-René Germanier. It all began in the 1940s, when Francis Germanier decided to distill Bon-Chrétien Williams pears that had fallen to the ground after a severe storm in the Rhône Valley. From this inspiration, the Bon Père William eau-de-vie was born, quickly becoming an essential reference in Valais.
In 1981, the third generation, represented by Jean-René Germanier, took over the estate and continued to innovate. In 1986, he created an innovative product: the Bon Père William cocktail, blending pear eau-de-vie with grapefruit in a modern premixed version. This cocktail achieved immense popular success and has remained in the collective memory ever since.
Today, in 2025, its return marks the continuation of this story, much to the delight of Jean-René Germanier and Gilles Besse:
"The new Bon Père William cocktail perfectly reproduces the original recipe we are proud of. It will undoubtedly revive many (good) memories!"