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Liqueurs

Last modified by Cocktail Recipes on December 1, 2023

Among some of the oldest spirits, liqueurs are made from a base alcohol that’s distilled or macerated with various ingredients and then sweetened. In general, liqueurs make up to 35 percent sugar by volume, and crème liqueurs such as crème de menthe make up to 40 percent sugar. A liqueur can be herbal (Chartreuse), citrus- or fruit-based (Cointreau), floral (violet-inflected parfait amour), or nut- or seed-based (nocino, made from unripe green walnuts).

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Aperitifs (Spirit-Based)

Last modified by Cocktail Recipes on December 1, 2023

With the rise of bottles such as Aperol, an Italian bitter orange aperitif made from bitter orange, low-proof, bitter spirit-based aperitifs like Campari have become popular in the US thanks to mixologists’ embrace. Pimm’s No. 1, an English aperitif made with gin, has subtle spice and citrus flavors, and Cynar, made with 13 herbs and plants, including artichokes, is another spirit-based aperitif.

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Aperitifs (Wine-Based)

Last modified by Cocktail Recipes on December 1, 2023

The term aperitif is commonly used to describe any pre-dinner beverage, but it also specifically refers to a type of drink. These beverages are typically light, dry, and low in alcohol content, with distinctive bitter notes. Around one hundred years ago, bartenders began incorporating wine-based aperitifs into cocktails instead of simply serving them on their own before meals. This category includes quinquinas (or kinas), which contain quinine – a bitter extract derived from cinchona bark with a flavor similar to cinnamon. Some well-known examples include Lillet and Dubonnet. Lillet offers white, rosé, and red variations infused with citrus and subtle herbal flavors, while Dubonnet is a sweet combination of fortified wine, herbs, and spices.