I have noticed a lot of trends recently in the wine & spirits industry. One trend is how cocktails are making a big comeback. With our economy at a slowed state, many are looking for different libations. Looking for a difference in flavor, difference in price and a difference in style. Wine has been the hip and status choice for the public that was enjoying economic freedom. Now, for some, the game has changed. Everyone knows that wine can be expensive. Everyday wines which are around ten dollars or less can add up, whereas a bottle of your favorite spirit can last weeks at lower cost. With increased consumption comes the search and demand for better ingredients. On their own, or used as a mixer, interesting liqueurs can be the difference in what people are looking for.
A liqueur is an alcoholic beverage that has been flavored with fruit, herbs, nuts, spices, flowers, or cream and bottled with added sugar. The word liqueur comes from the Latin liquifacere (“to liquefy”).
Liqueurs date back centuries and are historical descendants of herbal medicines, often those prepared by monks, such as Bénédictine. Bénédictine is a private recipe containing 21 plants and spices. Liqueurs were made in Italy as early as the 13th century. Nowadays, liqueurs are made worldwide and are served in many ways: by themselves, poured over ice, with coffee, mixed with cream or other mixers to create cocktails, etc. Liqueurs are also used in cooking. Some liqueurs are prepared by infusing certain woods, fruits, or flowers, in either water or alcohol, and adding sugar or other items. Others are distilled from aromatic or flavoring agents. Alcohol content is not a distinctive feature. At 15-30%, most liqueurs have a lower alcohol content.
In today’s market there are some new and very fascinating liqueurs and that is what we will focus on:
1. Aperol: Originally created in 1919, this Italian aperitif was not available in Louisiana until just recently. A cousin to Campari, it has a subtle orange flavor and contains such ingredients as bitter orange and rhubarb. www.aperol.com
Around $24 dollars-Try Aperol:
a. On the rocks.
b. Add one part Aperol to 3 parts Prosecco.
c. 1 part Aperol, 1 part lemon juice, 1 part spiced syrup and 1 party square one organic vodka, garnish with apple wedge.
2. Mathilde Liqueurs of France: A part of Cognac Ferrand, these are my favorite fruit liqueurs. They offer a range of flavors consisting of pear, peach, raspberry and cassis. They even have an orange liqueur infused with VSOP cognac that is great for making margaritas. The other thing I like is that they come in half bottles. www.mathildeliqueurs.com
Around $17
3. Trader Vics: This Company is primarily known for its rums but it does make a few liqueurs. We will focus on two.
a. Macadamia Nut, which is pure heaven in a glass with silky nut flavors. I like to drink it on its own but you can also heat it up and pour it over vanilla ice cream or pecan pie.
b. Kona Coffee was the Platinum winner in the 2007 World Beverage Competition. It has a rich coffee that is fantastic.
Add these two together and mix into an Irish coffee = three words “Over the Top”, www.tradervicsrum.com around $24 dollars.
4. Domaine de Canton: This is a French Ginger Liqueur that is loaded with intense ginger flavor. It is seductively sweet and tastes like ginger snap cookies. This is also Cognac-based and makes for some interesting cocktails. www.domainedecanton.com
Around $24 dollars — Try
a. Muddle a few strawberries and put in 1 part vodka or gin and 2 parts Canton.
b. Add 1 part Domaine de Canton and 3 parts Champagne.
c. Muddle 6 frozen black cherries and add a splash cranberry with 1 part vodka and 2 parts Canton.
d. Add to your favorite Mojito recipe.
5. St. Germain Elderflower: French in origin, this has to be the most versatile liqueur I have seen. Add it to Vodka or Gin. Add it to anything and it seems to work. It has an intense aroma and taste of white peaches. www.stgermain.fr
Around $35 dollars — Try
a. Substitute St. Germain for triple sec used in making a margarita or cosmopolitan.
b. Add 1 part St. Germain to 3 parts Champagne.
6. Ty Ku Liqueur: Asian in origin, this is brand new in Louisiana. It is a blend of Asian super fruits and teas. It contains green tea, ginseng, honeydew, mangosteen and yuzu. It is advertised as low in sugars, carb, and calories. When picked up, a button releases from the bottom activating the world’s only illuminating bottle. www.trytyku.com
Around $25 dollars — Try
a. Mix with tequila and add a squeeze of lemon and soda (only 96 calories).
b. Mix 1 part vodka with 2 parts Ty Ku, splash lemon (only 98 calories).
Enjoy!