Liqueurs are sweetened, flavored spirits. They can be based on fruit, herbs, nuts, coffee, cream, flowers or spices, and their sweetness and alcohol strength vary widely.
Main liqueur families
- Orange: useful in Margaritas, Sidecars and Cosmopolitans.
- Coffee: essential for Espresso Martinis and dessert drinks.
- Amaretto: almond-like flavor for Sours and coffee.
- Herbal: bitter, minty or complex after-dinner styles.
- Cream: rich liqueurs for coffee and dessert cocktails.
- Fruit: berry, peach, melon and tropical flavors.
How to build a starter collection
Begin with one orange liqueur, coffee liqueur, amaretto and a bitter aperitivo. Those four cover more recipes than a shelf full of highly specific flavors.
Storage
Many non-cream liqueurs are stable after opening when tightly sealed and stored away from heat and light. Cream liqueurs have more specific shelf-life instructions; follow the label and refrigerate when directed.
How to avoid overly sweet drinks
Taste the liqueur before adding syrup. Fresh citrus, bitters, soda or a higher-proof base spirit can restore balance.
Browse the liqueur collection.
Sources
Definitions and labeling standards were checked against the TTB distilled-spirit standards. Storage guidance should be confirmed on each producer’s label.
