Liqueur and liquor – for most of us, the words seem strangely identical. Some of us might even think that they are the same word written differently according to American and British English. Often, you might’ve even used these terms interchangeably. But, we’re here to clear all your doubts and make you understand the difference between these two terms. Though these words ‘look’ and ‘sound’ identical, they are starkly different. Keep reading to find out what sets them apart!
What Is Liquor?
Liquor refers to an alcoholic drink produced by distillation of grains, sugar, fruits, and vegetables. They are also referred to as spirits in the United Kingdom. These distilled beverages are characterized by their significantly higher alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, which is usually above 38%. Grain-based liquors are first fermented and then distilled to perfection. Distillation increases their alcohol content, so liquors are generally higher in their ABV than liqueurs. Tequila, vodka, whiskey, rum, brandy, etc are some of the examples of liquors.
Liquors usually form the base of alcoholic drinks or cocktails, but are often consumed neat or on the rocks.
Types of Liquor
- Rum: It is made by fermenting sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice and then distilling it
- Brandy: Wine and fruit juices from apricots and apples are distilled to make brandy, which is also a common digestif.
- Whiskey: It is produced using distilled grain, barley, rye, or wheat. It is typically aged in wood barrels or sherry casks.
- Vodka: Inarguably the most popular liquor in the world, it is made of water, cereal grains, ethanol, potatoes, and even honey!
- Gin: Deriving its name from ‘juniperis’, this clear distilled liquor can be enhanced with various botanicals, however, the predominant flavor has to be of juniper berries.
What Is Liqueur?
All liqueurs are liquors, but not all liquors are liqueurs. How? Well, liqueurs are produced by using liquor or spirits as their base. These are then sweetened and flavored with a variety of syrups, oils, flavorings, coffee, and cream. This addition of sugar and other components to the base spirit reduce its alcohol content, therefore they are much weaker than liquors. Their ABV usually hangs in between 15 to 30%, comparatively less than liquors. Liqueurs are usually used to enhance flavors in cocktails. Bailey’s Irish Cream, Cointreau, Curaçao, etc are some of the examples of liqueurs.
Liqueurs can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks as they are, however, many cocktails use them to enhance their flavors. A few of them are also used as toppings on icecream, and yes Bailey’s, we’re looking at you!
Types of liqueurs
- Coffee liqueur: Kahlua, Tia Maria, Patron XO Cafe are some of the examples of coffee liqueur. They are usually prepared by steeping coffee beans in rum or whiskey.
- Fruit liqueur: These liqueurs are usually made by macerating fruit extracts in a base spirit. Grand Marnier, Limoncello, Cointreau, Chambord, are some of the examples of fruit liqueurs.
- Cream-based liqueur: These liqueurs are an emulsion of cream with an alcoholic spirit, lending a creamy texture. Bailey’s Irish Cream is one of the most popular cream-based liqueurs.
Apart from these popular types of liqueurs, there are also herbal liqueurs (sambuca, Jägermeister, Galliano) and nut liqueurs (Frangelico, Disaronno).
Summing Up
Now that you know the difference between liqueur and liquor, it is time to raise your ‘spirits’ and share this knowledge with your friends. While it is easy to get confused between these identical words, remember that all liqueurs are liquors, but not all liquors are liqueurs.
FAQs
Is Vodka A Liqueur Or Liquor?
Vodka is a liquor and not a liqueur. It is made by fermenting and distilling products such as potato, grains, and even honey.
Is Liquor Stronger Than Liqueur?
Yes, liquors are stronger than liqueurs in their alcohol content. This is because liquors are distilled, which increases their alcohol content. However, on the other hand, liqueurs are enhanced with added flavorings, sugar, and other ingredients that reduce its alcohol content.
What Is The Full Form Of ABV?
ABV stands for ‘Alcohol by Volume’. It is a unit of measuring the alcoholic strength of a drink and is calculated in terms of a percentage. This percentage stands for the amount of ethanol (alcohol) in the overall volume of the drink
