As you explore the index of cocktail recipes you will find many of them use liqueurs, or cordials, that you are probably not familiar with. Names like Drambuie, Cointreau and Benedictine appear often and then the there is the crème liqueurs. What are all of these, what flavors do they add to cocktails and can one be substituted for another? These are all questions that are answered in the descriptions of the most common liqueurs below.
A-C Liqueurs <<
D-N Liqueurs <<
- O-Cha- A Japanese green-tea liqueur with a bitter aftertaste. Great finish for an oriental dinner.
- Ouzo- A popular Greek apéritif liqueur that is usually over 90 proof. Normally mixed four parts water to one part ouzo.
- PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur- A super-sweet, red liqueur infused with pomegranates. This premium spirit makes a great POM Martini and is a nice accent for a variety of food dishes. Read more...
- Patron XO Cafe- A tequila-based liqueur with the flavor of coffee essence. The liqueur is drier and not as sweet as other coffee liqueurs but is stronger at a much higher 70 proof.
- Peach Liqueur- Made from an infusion of whole, fresh and/or dried peaches in brandy or a neutral spirit base.
- Peppermint Schnapps- Similar to crème de menthe, but uses less sugar and more alcohol.
- Pernod- The distinctive flavor of Pernod is created through a combination of star anise and several aromatic herbs and plants. Replaces the outlawed absinthe.
- Pimento Dram- A peppery Jamaican rum liqueur.
- Pimm's Cup- A brand of liqueurs that combines a secret recipe of fruit and spices and adds it to a variety of base liqueurs. The most common is the gin-based, Pimm's No. 1 Cup, which is featured in a favorite mixed drink of Southern England, the Pimm's Cup.
- Pineapple liqueur, Licor de Piña- A pleasant tart fruit liqueur from the Caribbean or Hawaii.
- Pumpkin Liqueur- A pumpkin-flavored liqueur that is usually produced during the autumn and winter months. Brands available include Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice and Bols Pumpkin Smash.
- Raki- A high-proof liqueur with an anise flavor from Turkey.
- Reishu- A melon liqueur from the Far East.
- St. Germain- A French elderflower liqueur with an eau-de-vie base. Read more...
- Sambuca- An Italian liqueur made from the sambuca plant. The flavor is similar to a subtle anise and is showcased in cocktails like the Licorice Stick.
- Sloe gin- A red liqueur, which is not a gin at all, made from the sloe plums of the blackthorn bush. Some types will produce a creamy head when shaken with ice, this is indicated on the bottle label.
- Southern Comfort- An American liqueur made from a whiskey base flavored with peaches. It is an excellent mixer and is 100 proof, adding to its comforting qualities.
- Sylk Cream Liquer- A distinctly flavored cream liqueur made by Drambuie. The secret recipe includes cream, heather honey and aged malt whiskey. Enjoy it on the rocks or in a Pumpkin Martini.
- Tangerine- A liqueur made of tangerine with mild spice flavors.
- Tequila Rose- A strawberry-flavored liqueur made in Mexico. It is a mix of strawberry liqueur and tequila and is used in many cocktails like the Strawberry Kiss.
- Triple Sec- A colorless orange-flavored liqueur similar to Cointreau. Additional flavors of orange-flower water, orris root and other fragrances distinguishes it from similar liqueurs.
- Tuaca- An Italian liqueur supposedly created by the Renaissance era ruler, Lorenzo the Magnificent. The flavors are a subtle blend of vanilla and citrus. Try it in a Hot Apple Pie.
- TY KU- A pale green liqueur with sake and Asian vodka base. The flavor is a mix of over 20 all natural fruits and botanicals including pomegranate, ginseng and damiana. Read more...
- X-Rated Fusion- A pink liqueur from France that infuses mango, Provence blood oranges and passion fruit in premium vodka. Read more...
