ABCs of Liqueur: An Easy Guide to Cordials for Beginners

February 17, 2022 Melissa "Mel" Drake

The ABCs of Liqueur: An Easy Guide to Cordials for Beginners

Get ready to discover a world of flavor possibilities with liqueurs

If you're new to the world of bartending, understanding liqueurs can be a little intimidating. And with so many fruits, crème liqueurs, cordials, and liqueur brands out there it can honestly be hard to keep track of them all.

Have no fear—I've got your back with this guide that'll take all the guesswork out of it for you. We'll start at A and work our way (almost) through to Z.

So sit back, pour yourself a DAMN GOOD drink, and let's learn about the wonderful world of cordials!

Can’t get enough cocktail recipes? Be sure to try my Spicy Jalapeño Margarita, Blueberry Basil Margarita, and Lemon Drop Martini too!

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What Exactly is a Liqueur?

A liqueur, simply put, is a sweetened, flavored alcohol spirit. Liqueurs are made by infusing a spirit or wine with fruits, herbs, spices, and/or flowers to attain their distinct flavor.

A Brief History of Liqueurs Over the Years

The word liqueur is French in origin, meaning "to liquefy" or "to dissolve." Liqueurs were originally used as herbal remedies but as time went on their popularity grew. By today, liqueurs were being served in coffeehouses and cafes as a way to help patrons digest their meals. As time carried on liqueurs became a staple at bars and restaurants all over the world, becoming a huge part of elevating the cocktail alcoholic beverage culture we know and love today.

What is the Difference Between Liquor and Liqueur?

The difference between liquor and liqueur comes down to sugar and alcohol content.

Liquors (aka spirits or distilled beverage) are strong alcoholic drink that has an alcohol content of at least 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), and most importantly, contain no added sugar. Liqueurs do contain added sugar and are typically have an alcohol content of 15% - 30% ABV.

This means that a liqueur will always taste sweeter than liquor spirits and will contain less alcohol.

A Few Cocktail Recipes

If you liked this blog post, you'll love these cocktail recipes too!

List of Liqueurs From A to Z (-ish)

Absinthe - a unique spirit made from herbs and spices with a licorice-like taste. It is a green-colored drink that was once banned in the United States, but it is now available for purchase again.

Amaretto - a sweet, almond-flavored Italian liqueur made from almonds, apricot pits, and sugar. Amaretto is delicious on its own or can be used in cocktails.

Angostura - also known as "bitters", Angostura is often described as the salt and pepper seasoning of cocktail beverages. It's made with a variety of herbs and spices including gentian, cinnamon, bitter orange peel, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Anise - a sweet, aromatic licorice-flavored liqueur that is made from aniseed and star anise. It is a popular ingredient in drinks, and can also be enjoyed on its own chilled as a digestif. Anise liqueur is often used to make the Sazerac and the Rattlesnake.

Aperol - made with bitter orange, gentian, and cinchona. It has an orange taste and a slightly bitter tang. Aperol is often used in the Aperol Spritz.

Apple Jack - a smooth, delicious liqueur made from apples and whiskey. It's perfect for sipping on its own, or for adding a touch of sweetness to your cocktail drink.

Bailey's Irish Creme - a delicious liqueur made with cream, whiskey, and chocolate. It's perfect for sipping on its own chilled, over ice cream or adding to your favorite Mudslides!

Bärenjäger - a German honey liqueur that is perfect for sipping on its own or adding to cocktails. It's made with a blend of honey and spirits, and has a sweet, smooth flavoring that is perfect for any occasion!

Benedictine - a sweet and spicy herbal liqueur with a cognac base. Benedictine has a golden brown color and is commonly served with dessert, in coffee drinks, on the rocks, or in a number of classic adult beverages.

B&B - a liquor made with brandy and black currant. It's a sweet, fruity liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own or added to cocktails for a delicious boost!

Blue Curaçao - a triple sec adjacent liqueur is the best way to add a splash of color to your cocktails. Made from oranges you'll find Blue Curaçao in the popular Blue Hawaiian.

Campari - a popular Italian liqueur that is made from a blend of herbs, fruits, and spices. It has a bitter taste that can be enjoyed on the rocks, or mixed into cocktail beverages.

Chambord - black raspberry and Cognac-based liqueur that's perfect for mixing into a raspberry margarita or sipping on its own!

Cointreau - a premium triple sec orange-flavored liqueur that is made with orange peel. It's sweet and citrusy, and it's perfect for mixing into countless cocktails! Definitely a staple in any home bar set-up.

Crème de Almond (Noyaux) - a sweet, creamy liqueur that is perfect chilled for sipping on its own with desserts or using in cocktails. It's made with a mixture of almonds and spirits and has a delightfully nutty flavoring.

Crème de Cacao - a chocolate liqueur that's perfect for sipping on its own or enjoying in a dessert cocktail. This liqueur is made with chocolate, vanilla, and sugar, and has a rich and creamy taste.

Crème de Cassis - a black currant liqueur that is sweet and tart in flavor. Add champagne to this liqueur for a refreshing Kir Royale cocktail.

Crème de Menthe - a sweet, minty liqueur that is perfect for adding a cool, refreshing flavor to your cocktails. Often green in color, it's also great for serving on the side as a digestif or in a Grasshopper cocktail!

Disaronno - a smooth, sweet premium amaretto liqueur that's delicious for sipping on its own or adding to your favorite mixed drinks, hot chocolate, or desserts. It's made with apricot puree and comes in a pretty amber bottle, making it the perfect addition to your bar cart.

Drambuie - a Scottish liqueur that is made with honey, herbs, and spices. With a slightly herbal taste, it's often enjoyed on the rocks, or in the Rusty Nail.

Fireball - a liqueur is made with Canadian whisky and cinnamon that is perfect for adding a kick to your cocktail drinks! It's especially delicious chilled as a shot and in a warm drink like cider or hot chocolate!

Frangelico - a hazelnut liqueur named after a monk named Frangelico, who is said to have invented it. Perfect for mixing in coffee, desserts, or other adult beverages.

Galliano - Italian licorice and vanilla herbal liqueur that is perfect for sipping on its own or using in a Harvey Wallbanger.

Godiva - a decadent chocolatey delicious liqueur that will make you feel like you're drinking dessert! It's perfect in a chocolate martini and makes a great after-dinner drink!

Goldschlager - made with real gold flakes, this sweet, cinnamon spicy, and slightly citrusy liqueur can add a touch of luxury to any drink. Goldschlager is perfect for sipping on its own, or for adding a bit of excitement to your cocktails.

Grand Marnier - a French orange liqueur made with oranges and cognac base spirit cognac this smooth triple sec adjacent cordial is sweet, fruity, and perfect for sipping on the rocks or elevating a mixed cocktail.

Hpnotiq - a liqueur made with vodka, cognac, and passion fruit. Enjoy Hpnotiq as a standalone drink, with soda water, or in cocktails like an Incredible Hulk.

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Cinnamon Whiskey - a cinnamon-flavored liqueur that is made with Tennessee whiskey. Perfect sipped on its own or in a Cinnamon Whiskey Mule.

Jägermeister - made from 56 herbs and spices and created in 1935 as a digestif. Jägermeister is a dark brown liqueur with a taste reminiscent of cough syrup. It can be enjoyed in mixed drinks or in shots.

Kahlúa - a Mexican coffee liqueur made with rum, vodka, and sugar. It's a delicious way to add a little caffeine to your drink!

Limoncello - a delicious lemon juice-flavored liqueur that is made from lemon zest, sugar, and alcohol (usually vodka). It is usually served chilled as an after-dinner drink.

Luxardo - cherry maraschino liqueur

Malibu Rum - a smooth, sweet liqueur made with Caribbean rum and coconut. It's perfect for a summer drink and goes great with tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.

Midori - a sweet, vibrant green Japanese liqueur made with honeydew melon. Try mixing it with pineapple juice and vodka for a Melon Ball cocktail.

Peach Schnapps - a liqueur made from peaches and sometimes brandy or vodka. It's a sweet and smooth liqueur that is perfect for that can be enjoyed in a Fuzzy Navel.

RumChata - a creamy, delicious liqueur made with Mexican spice, Caribbean rum, and cream. It's perfect for sipping on its own, or in eggnog or milkshakes!

Rumpleminz - a delightful peppermint liqueur that is perfect for the holidays and winter drinks.

Sambuca - a sweet, anise-flavored liqueur that tastes like licorice. Often enjoyed after dinner as a digestif.

Sloe Gin - a rich red-colored liqueur made from sloe berries (a small dark fruit related to the plum) and gin. It's sweet, fruity, delicious, and great in a Sloe Gin Fizz.

Southern Comfort - made with whiskey, peach, and apricot flavors, it's a smooth, easy-to-drink spirit that is perfect for beginners and tastes great in lemonade and with grenadine in an Alabama Slammer.

St. Germaine - a French liqueur made from elderflowers picked once per year. This unique liqueur is great for many unique drinks, from the brunch favorite, French 75 to a St. Germaine and Prosecco.

Tequila Rose - a sweet, strawberry-flavored Mexican cream liqueur made with tequila.

Tia Maria - a liqueur made with Arabica coffee beans, Jamaican rum and, vanilla. It's a dark, rich liqueur that's perfect for sipping on the rocks or in a delicious Martini!

Triple Sec - made with oranges, this "workhorse" of liqueurs is often found in most popular cocktails.

Tuaca - a smooth liqueur that is made with Italian brandy, vanilla, and citrus fruits. It's perfect for sipping on the rocks, or you can use it in drinks for a delicious boozy treat!

X-Rated Fusion - made with vodka and gives off the delicious aroma of sweet mango, melon, blood orange, and passion fruit. It's sweet, fruity, packs a punch, and can be enjoyed on the rocks.

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Thank You

So there you have it, my beginner bartenders! Liqueurs are a great way to add excitement and variety to your drinks. I hope this article has helped demystify liqueurs for you and given you some ideas on how to use them in your own cocktails.

As always, please feel free to reach out on social media or leave me a comment below if you have any questions or feedback.

Until next time, happy mixing!

Cheers!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.