8 Premium Liqueurs Worth the Price
By Monique Farah
Liqueurs have had a long history in the spirits world. Although many people believe they were present in Ancient Greece and Egypt, the first real documented proof was in the 13th Century.
Italian Carthusian Monks in the French Alps were infusing herbs for medicine when they created Chartreuse. Made with a secret recipe of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, chartreuse is still produced in the same place, with only two monks permitted to enter the room where the botanicals are dried.
With the shortage of chartreuse, bartenders must turn to other liqueurs for complex flavor profiles. Now flavor profiles range from the traditional herbal blend to banana pudding and egg nog. Since they are a lower proof, sweeter spirit they are often sipped straight for dessert or used to flavor boost cocktails.
Liqueurs are now being featured more prominently in specialty bar menus across the U.S. There are premium liqueurs that stand above the rest, this artfully crafted selection is worth the sticker price.
Grand Marnier “Navan Vanilla”
Grand Mariner was one of the first liqueurs to move to a fruit forward flavor profile. In 1800, Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, who was from a wine merchant family, decided to combine cognac with a rare variety of oranges from the Caribbean. This produced Grand Mariner orange Cognac Liqueur. The popularity for Grand Marnier never waned but once it was introduced as a floater on top of the Cadillac Margarita, it exploded.
In 2004 Grand Marnier released their “Navan Vanilla” liqueur. This liqueur has an elegant balance of sweet and spice. There is a soft warmth that comes from the all-natural Madagascar Vanilla that finishes softly to the back of your tongue. “Navan Vanilla” uses the same base neutral spirit and infusion process as the original Grand Marnier. It is a sophisticated after dinner cordial that should be sipped straight and appreciated for the subtle flavors.
Gozio Amaretto Premium Specialty Liqueur
In 1901, Luigi Gozio founded the Distillerie Franciacorta in Gussago, Italy to produce grappa. Seeing the rise in demand for liqueurs, the distillery moved into production of Amaretto in the 1950s. Using a secret formula made from bitter almonds, burnt sugar and grain alcohol, Gozio has created a rich nutty flavor with caramel undertones. The velvety finish curbs any bite when sipping this dessert experience. Today, the Gozio family combines a lot of their old methods with new technology, to ensure their Amaretto is 100 percent natural, with no added artificial extracts, aromas or additives.
X-Rated Fusion
X-rated Fusion is the perfect blend of premium French wheat vodka, Sicilian blood oranges and Brazilian mangos and passion fruit. With a juice like viscosity, X-rated has managed to escape the syrupy outcome of many liqueurs. It mixes beautifully with any citrus fruit flavored cocktail and is a perfect summer shot. When mixed with an orange-based vodkas, like Svedka “Clementine”, the Sicilian blood orange is enhanced while the bite of the vodka dissipates. The bright pink color combined with the large bold bottle proudly claiming X- RATED, adds a little edge to your home bar.
Patron Cafe liqueur
Patron is undoubtedly the world’s leading premium tequila. Even with mass popularity, it’s still produced in small batches with 100% Blue Weber Agave. In 1992 Patron combined their exquisite tequila base, with the natural essence of fine Arabica Coffee to create the Patron Cafe Liqueur. With hints of Chocolate, vanilla and coffee, it’s a perfect after dinner cordial to accompany or drizzle on your dessert. It’s also a great alternative to the very popular vodka espresso martini.
Chinola Passion Fruit
Chinola transports you to the beaches of the Dominican Republic with this tropical liqueur. Each bottle contains “roughly six large passion fruits, all of which are grown in the Samaná peninsula along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic”. Using responsible farming methods, Chinola has extended their knowledge and practices to local farmers in the area promoting sustainability. The flavor of this liqueur really opens up when shaken with ice and served chilled. It’s a quality selection when creating a tasting menu. The sweet and tangy finish is bold enough to stand up to a Filet or Salmon while light enough to compliment a creamy dessert.
Amaro Montenegro
Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur. Montenegro is one of the smoothest and most balanced options available. Known for its harmonious blend of 40 botanicals, creating a bittersweet and complex taste, bartenders appreciate mixing with this spirit.
Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
This Italian liqueur is made from Marasca cherries and their pits, resulting in a unique and slightly nutty flavor. The spirits adds depth, complexity, and a hint of sweetness to drinks. The combination of cherry and almond flavors makes it stand out in the world of liqueurs. It’s used in classic cocktails such as the Aviation and the Hemingway Daiquiri.
Amarula Cream
Amarula is a South African cream liqueur made from the marula fruit. It has a creamy, caramel-like flavor with a hint of fruitiness that comes from the marula fruit, which gives it a distinct and enjoyable taste. It is often served over ice or used in cocktails.
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