Liqueurs, Aperitifs, Cordials and Other Potent Potables
Liqueurs & Cordials
Liqueurs (also called cordials) are sweet, flavor-infused spirits that are categorized by their flavoring agents -- nuts, fruits, herbs and spices, etc. Top-quality liqueurs are produced by distillation of either the fermented flavor materials or the spirit in which they have been infused. Many liqueurs use finished spirits such as Cognac, Rum or Whisky as their base. Others macerate fruit or other flavorings in a neutral spirit. Crèmes (i.e., crème de menthe, crème de cacao, etc.) are liqueurs with a single, dominant flavor rather than a mix, while cream liqueurs combine dairy cream and alcohol in a homogenized, shelf-stable blend.
All liqueurs are blends, even those with a primary flavor. For the most part, liqueur themselves are to aged for any specified length of time, though their base spirits may be. Schnapps is a general term used for an assortment of white and flavored spirits that are made from grain, potatoes, or molasses and flavored with virtually anything. Anise-Flavored Spirits vary widely in style depending on the country of origin. They can be dry or very sweet, low or high proof, distilled from fermented aniseed or macerated in neutral spirit. Bitters are the descendents of medieval medical potions and are marketed as having at least some therapeutic value as stomach settlers or hangover cures. They tend to be flavored with herbs, roots, and botanicals, contain lower quantities of fruit and sugar than liqueurs, and have astringent notes in the palate.
Generic Liqueurs | Brand-name liqueurs | Flavored Schnapps |
Aperitifs, Brandy, Port
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