Guide to Liqueurs, Cordials and Apéritifs

Liqueurs and Cordials

Liqueurs  or cordials  are typically sweet alcoholic drinks that are categorized according to their flavouring agent.  Such spirits may be infused with fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, crèmes and so on, and many often use cognac,  rum  or whisky  as a base.  Because of their high sugar content, they are usually high in alcohol - sometimes up to 70 per cent by volume.  Liqueurs are not usually aged, but they are left to rest for certain lengths of time to allow their components to marry together harmoniously. Not sure what kind you'll like?  Our guide below categorizes a number of liqueurs - choose a flavour you enjoy and chances are, you'll find a new favourite drink!

Flavours 

Chocolate Crème de Cacao  Godiva Chocolate Liqueur  Mozart Chocolate Liqueur  Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur	Coffee Kahlúa  Sheridan's  Tia Maria	Fruits Cointreau  Grand Marnier  Limoncello  Midori	Cream Bailey's Irish Cream  Carolan's  Dooley's  Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur

Herb Chartreuse  Bénédictine  Goldschläger  Jägermeister	Anise Absinthe  Ouzo  Pastis  Sambuca	Nuts Amaretto  Frangelico  Nocino  Ratafia	Whisky Drambuie  Famous Grouse  Lochan Ora  Orangerie

Apéritifs

The word apéritif  comes from the Latin aperire, which means "to open", thus these are drinks taken before dinner in order to stimulate the appetite.  They may be as simple as a glass of sherry,  some white wine  or a Kir (white wine sweetened with blackcurrant syrup ), but don't stop there!  Let us help you explore this new world, or if you're already a convert, let us help you find new your new favourite.

Common Apéritifs

Campari  is a bitter Italian drink that is quite lovely in soda or orange juice.	White Dubonnet  is dry and infused with herbs, and Red  is sweet and spicy.	It's most often served with a twist, but 007  liked to add Lillet  to his martini.	Vermouth  can be dry  or sweet.   Some greats are Martini & Rossi  and Cinzano.	Anise-based drinks like Pernod,  Ricard  or ouzo  are alwaus classic.

Related Guides

Spirits Guide	Beer Guide	White Wine Guide	Red Wine Guide	Food and Beverage Guide

External Links

• Tastings - A guide to liqueurs and cordials.
• Wikipedia - A list of various liqueurs.
• Food & Wine - The art of the apéritif.