Liquor vs. Liqueur

Hattiesburg, MS

Many people easily confuse the terms liquor and liqueur. They sound alike, and sometimes people mistakenly use the words interchangeably. The fact is the two are quite different in tastes and properties. Here is a look at what sets them apart.

Liquor

Liquor is an alcoholic beverage made by the distillation of a fermented mixture from either grains or plants. The distillation process purifies the mixture by removing any water, which leaves behind a “sugary” or sweet taste. Liquors are sometimes aged to produce complex flavors, such as Scotch or Bourbon. Other types of flavored liquors, like vodka, have the flavored added after the distillation process.

Liquor can be enjoyed plain, referred to as neat, on the rocks (over ice), or mixed with juice, sodas, or in a cocktail.

Liqueur

Liqueur, sometimes called cordials or schnapps, is an alcoholic beverage with more of an herbal, sweet taste. It also has a much lower alcohol by volume (ABV) content of about 15-50%. After the distillation process, it is bottled with sugar (or another type of sweetener), which gives it a syrupy consistency. You will find liqueurs are often flavored with cream, herbs, fruit, or other ingredients. Liqueur is usually not aged for long, unlike liquors. Well-known liqueurs are Grand Marnier and Kahlua.

Liqueurs are sometimes served on the rocks, used in cooking, or mixed in cocktails. Layering liqueurs of different densities in a shot glass creates distinct color bands, which is a popular way to serve them.

Here are a couple of popular liqueur drink recipes.

Amaretto Sour

Serving: 1

• 1 1/2 oz Amaretto Almond Liqueur
• 1 – 2 splashes of Sweet and Sour Mix

Pour the amaretto liqueur into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Add a splash or two of sweet and sour mix, and shake well. Strain or pour into an old-fashioned glass, garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange, and serve.

Mudslide

Serving: 1

• 1 part Kahlua
• 1 part Vodka
• 1.5 parts Irish Cream Liqueur

Pour into a shaker filled with ice, and mix well. Pour over ice in a rocks glass. Add a fancy touch by topping it with some chocolate flakes.

At Lincoln Road Pack Store, we offer a wide selection of liquors and liqueurs. For questions, please call Lincoln Road Package Store at (601) 268-3677 or send an e-mail to jamiefarris@gmail.com.