Liqueur

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The liqueur is a sweet alcoholic drink that impresses with its irresistible fruity aroma. The name of the alcohol comes from the Latin word liquifacere, which translates as liquefy. This type of drink is consumed alone and also in combination with other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Types of liqueurs

Liqueurs are divided into three groups. The first includes mature liqueurs. Their recipe is kept a deep secret. Their production is revealed only to a certain circle of people. It is believed that their recipe dates back to the distant thirteenth century.

The second category includes liqueurs, which in the modern world are mostly used for mixing cocktails. They are considered branded and usually have a higher price. The third group includes liqueurs with a creamy consistency.

History of liqueur

It is believed that this type of drink was known to mankind eight centuries ago. Interestingly, the liqueur was not created as an alcoholic beverage, but rather as a remedy. The first liqueurs were mixed by Italian monks who used fruits and herbs. They soaked these components in alcohol and then left them for several months.

The resulting liquid was filtered and mixed with distilled water. The alcohol was then sweetened and flavored with spices that were kept secret. Not long after the drug, the liqueur became a favorite drink of both ladies and gentlemen. He was known both among the poor and among the aristocracy.

It is known, for example, that Louis XIV liked to drink from this drink and for this reason it was regularly present at the royal table. However, the drink gained its greatest popularity in the nineteenth century. The most serious producers of liqueurs since then are the French and Italians, who passed on their knowledge to the Dutch.

Production of liqueur

Although manufacturers of quality liqueurs make sure of the authenticity of the recipes they use, more or less the production technology has changed over time. And although the recipe of the most selected liqueurs is kept secret, still some facts manage to reach consumers.

It is known, for example, that the production process begins with the soaking of various fruits in alcohol. Citrus peels and various fragrant herbs are added to them. Depending on the type of liqueur, the components are aged for several hours to 7 days.

The resulting liquid is filtered and distilled using a special device. After this step of the production process has passed, the essence of the drink is obtained. It in turn mixes with water and sugar. The product is flavored with fruit juices and essential oils.

In different countries liqueur is prepared according to different recipes. In Israel, for example, alcohol is made from cacti in the drink. The liqueur can contain all kinds of fruits, but still the producers emphasize mostly strawberries, cherries, raisins and mulberries.

Selection and storage of liqueur

Liqueurs are one of the most common alcoholic beverages on the market. Of course, the greatest variety of them can be found in specialized stores. When choosing alcohol, check the expiration date and whether the drink bottle is tightly closed.

As for the storage of liqueurs, in general there is nothing specific. It is enough to keep in a cool and dark place, away from children. Although it is necessary for some special liqueurs, in general, the storage of this type of alcohol in the refrigerator is completely unnecessary, as its stay there can negatively affect the consistency. Properly stored, the opened bottle of alcohol can be used for 10-12 months, and sometimes longer.

Serving liqueur

The liqueur can be served in its pure state or to a hors d'oeuvre. Depending on your preferences, it can be diluted with a few ice cubes or not. If served in its pure form, the drink is poured into special liqueur glasses. They are characterized by a small volume. Besides liqueur, brandy can also be served in them. If the liqueur participates in a cocktail, the drink is served in the well-known cocktail glasses.

Cooking with liqueur

The irresistible sweet taste of the liqueur, as well as its equally pleasant aroma, make it a preferred ingredient in many sweets. Liqueurs are readily used by chefs in the preparation of creams, smoothies, ice creams and puddings. They can give a unique charm to pastries such as cakes, pies, cheesecakes, candies, eclairs, donuts, pancakes, waffles, biscuits and more. Some of the most irresistible sweet surprises with liqueur are undoubtedly Blueberry Tiramisu, Zebra Cheesecake, Juicy Cake, Lemon Cheesecake and others.

Liqueurs are one of the most important ingredients in many unforgettable cocktails. They are mixed with fruit juices, milk or other alcoholic beverages such as brandy, whiskey, gin, absinthe, mint. Liqueurs can also be placed in hot drinks such as tea and coffee.