What feels like a creamy sip of dessert or a bittersweet aperitif may not be as exciting as a whiskey on the rocks. But liqueurs and cordials remain a vital component in modern mixology. Typically, liqueurs are sweetened, lower-proof distilled spirits. With a base of alcohol (15-30% ABV), liqueurs are the catalysts that make regular spirits less boring. Herbs, spices, nuts, fruits, chocolate, and coffee are a few ingredients that make this liquor a ‘liqueur’.
Whereas cordials are distilled spirits that feel a lot sweeter. These are prepared solely from fruit or fruit juice. Basically, liqueurs and cordials describe an alcoholic beverage seasoned with sweet and punchy flavors. The liqueur is derived from the Latin word ‘liquefacere,’ which means the act of dissolving something in a liquid. Contrarily, cordial is derived from the Latin word cor, which means heart. Although both terms are synonymous, cordials seem to be more widely used in the United States and liqueurs are more popular in Europe.
There are standard protocols to produce a liqueur which goes through processes like extraction, distillation, infusion, and smoking. Depending on the kind of liqueur made, the procedure could take a few minutes to several years. After choosing a base liquor, the producer extracts flavor compounds from the base ingredients. In order to get the required flavor profile, makers can either create one that has all the ingredients or a variety of liqueurs that can be combined in a mix.
The kind of liqueurs and cordials available today are plenty in number. From Baileys Irish cream to Jaegermister, liqueurs add a burst of flavor to every sip. Further, each one has a range of distinct elements and diverse aromas. Therefore, it makes a lot more sense to go with a flavor profile rather than liqueur names alone.
When liqueurs combine spices and herbs, it gives a cinnamon or ginger-flavored drink. St. Germain, Chartreuse, and Benedictine fall into this category. Jägermeister is another strong liqueur made with exotic ingredients in herbal notes. Although Jagermeister is typically drunk as a shot, it blends well in cocktails too.
A catch-all category of sweet liqueurs with chocolates, nuts and coffee flavors is a game changer in desserts and ice creams. Think Kahlua, Irish cream, or white chocolate liqueurs to top some fancy desserts. Buy your favorite cordial liqueurs online and satisfy your sweet tooth!
When you think of margaritas, shake it up in a citrus twist with limoncello or triple sec. Citrus liqueurs are excellent for savoring on their own and incorporating into cocktails, but ultimately it comes down to one’s preference. Look for a tangerine liqueur that is well-balanced, lively, and made from natural components.
Fruit liqueurs can be made with any fruit you can imagine! But to extract the specific essence of each fruit type, subtly different extracting methods are required. Cherry liqueur and Creme de cassis are popular examples. The finest liqueurs have a good blend, can handle mixing, and offer more than the taste of flavored alcohol.
The craft of creating cordial has existed since the 18th century, and today's bartenders are embracing it to develop new concoctions. Cordials taste best when made with fresh fruits or flowers. Moreover, there are numerous flavors to choose from. To keep the syrups last longer, citric acid may be added to cordials. Make your drinks stand out, experiment with cordial flavors, and bring out the bartender in you!
An ounce or two of Liqueurs makes great digestifs and are known to settle the stomach after heavy meals. Needless to say, liqueurs pair well with desserts due to their sweetness. Small cordial glasses are designed for enjoying liqueurs straight, chilled, or on the rocks. Gaze through our wide collection to shop for liqueurs & cordials online.
Once a bottle of liqueur is opened, it tends to lose its character over months and years. Remember, liqueurs that have dairy, egg or cream are prone to go bad if not consumed as soon as opened. The loss of flavor and sugar crystallizing is not something you’d want to see in a classic liqueur! The bottles are to be kept in a complete liquor cabinet, properly covered with the original cap, and kept out of direct sunlight in a cold, dry location.
Fortunately, this beverage is incredibly adaptable and lets anyone enjoy the art of mixing flavors. There are numerous recipes that blend two or more liqueurs. Many of them use a modest pour of the liqueur to enhance or soften the main spirit.
In addition to being used in countless cocktail recipes, liqueurs are essential for any original concoctions you want to make. Planning to buy your favorite cordial liqueurs online? Make a pit stop right here. Know that liqueurs are strong beverages that can stand on their own, but they stand stronger as amazing mixers!
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