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Essential Liqueurs

by 4 min read

Liqueurs are one of the best ways to add depth and complexity to a cocktail's flavor profile. There are hundreds of different liqueurs in the world that can provide sweetness or bitterness amongst a wide variety of other flavors including herbal or floral notes depending on the specific liqueur used. The sheer number of liqueurs can be overwhelming, and trying to acquire them all would take some serious cash. So we sat down and came up with the most essential liqueurs to have behind your home bar. These are both widely available and used in hundreds of cocktails. Pair these with your base spirits and our essential syrups and you'll have one impressive bar.

Orange Liqueur

This product provides a bright and sweet real orange flavor profile. Its versatility makes it highly useful and desirable in cocktails, and it complements a wide variety of base spirits.  It's famously used in classic cocktails like the Mai Tai, Cosmo, and Margarita. This is a must have!

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
  • Add and shake for 10 seconds
  • Strain into a chilled coupe

coffee liqueur

Coffee liqueurs are the moment right now! They're a great way to add the coffee flavor profile to cocktails with added sweetness and reduced acidity. They offer both the flavor and aroma of coffee, cacao, and vanilla. Known for being used in cocktails like the Espresso Martini, White Russian, and Espresso Martiki.

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
  • Add and shake for 10 seconds
  • Strain into a chilled coupe

maraschino liqueur 

A product made from wild cherries that lends a bitter marzipan note and alluring complexity to a variety of cocktails. A dry liqueur compared to others so it's not as sweet. Used in cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri, The Martinez, and The Aviation.

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
  • Stir for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled glass over ice

campari

Besides its beautiful red color, this liqueur adds intensely complex bitter orange character to your cocktails. You can find notes like cherry, cinnamon, and cinchona bark in this unique powerhouse. Used in cocktails like the Negroni, Jungle Bird, and Boulevardier.

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients, except Campari, to a shaker with ice
  • Shake for 20 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe
  • Slowly pour Campari along the edge of the glass so it sinks

elderflower liqueur 

Perfect for adding an elegant floral note to your cocktail. It also offers subtle notes of passion fruit and pear without a trace of bitterness, and plays nicely with a wide variety of ingredients. Used in cocktails like the French Gimlet, Elderflower Highball, and The Right Stuff.

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients, except soda water to a cocktail shaker with ice
  • Shake hard for 20 seconds
  • Double strain into a highball over crushed ice

falernum

This is a staple tiki liqueur. Falernum is a complex and exotic liqueur that packs in flavors like clove, lime, and almond. This is a fun category to explore, since each maker emphasizes different characteristics of the style. Used in cocktails like the Zombie, Saturn, and Spiced Mai Tai.

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
  • Add ice and shake hard for 10 seconds
  • Strain into a chilled highball filled with ice

aperol

Campari's lighter, less bitter, and sweeter-tasting little cousin. It has notes of cinchona bark and gentian root. An arguably safer option for newbies when compared with Campari since it's less bitter and has a lower abv. Used in cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, Riviera Spritz, and Paper Plane Cocktail.

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
  • Add ice and shake hard for 10 seconds
  • Strain into a glass with ice and top with Tajín

green chartreuse

An intensely herbal and slightly bitter liqueur made by monks in France using a very old, highly guarded secret recipe that's thought to include over 130 ingredients. It's very botanical and works well with a variety of ingredients. Used in cocktails like the Lucky Day, Green Eyes Gin, and Champs-Elysees. There is currently a shortage of Chartreuse in the world, so if you can get your hands on a bottle, buy it!

RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
  • Add ice and shake hard for 20 seconds
  • Strain into a chilled glass

If you make these cocktails, tag us on Instagram @liberandco.


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