The main difference between liquor and liqueur is that liquor is an alcoholic beverage made with grains or other plant-based products and fermented into a potent drink, while liqueur is a distilled spirit sweetened with different flavors, extracts, and oils. Liquors such as whiskey, brandy, and rum often act as a base spirit for liqueurs and have a higher alcohol percentage than liqueurs.
It is true that the words “liquor” and “liqueur” are quite similar, that many people often use them interchangeably. Although both liquors and liqueurs are alcoholic spirits we use to mix cocktails, there is a significant difference between liquor and liqueur.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Liquor
– Definition, Features
2. What is Liqueur
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Liquor and Liqueur
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Liquor and Liqueur
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Alcohol, Liquor, Liqueur
What is Liquor
The term ‘liquor’ refers to alcoholic beverages made with grains or other plant-based products fermented into a potent drink. We use the word liquor to refer to six main distilled spirits: vodka, brandy, whiskey, tequila, rum, and gin.
We often use liquor as the base of mixed drinks and cocktails: gin and tonic, martini, rum and coke, etc. However, we take in straight liquor when we take shots. When we add liqueurs and different mixers to these liquors, we often call them shooters.
When it comes to liquor production, we all know that the manufacturers add sugar is generally in the fermentation process of liquor. However, the end-product does not have a sugary flavor profile. It is possible to find liquors in distinct flavored profiles such as cinnamon and citrus; however, they might not give any sweetness to your taste buds.
What is Liqueur
A liqueur is a distilled spirit sweetened with different extracts, flavors, and added oils. Therefore, we can say that all liqueurs are liquors. In the past, liqueurs were called cordials, and many were used for medicinal purposes, especially the monks who mastered alchemy.
Compared to liquors, the alcohol percentage of liqueurs is lower. This is a result of the additives mixed into these distilled drinks by manufacturers. Across the globe, people use liqueurs to make a range of creative cocktails. Moreover, liqueurs come in hundreds of different flavors, extending from orange to almond and coffee. There are cream liqueurs such as Baileys Irish Cream, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, and Baileys Salted Caramel, which taste extremely sweet; liqueur lovers in every corner of the world love them.
Similarities Between Liquor and Liqueur
- Both liquor and liqueur are alcoholic beverages.
- We use both to mix cocktails.
- All liqueurs are liquors, but not tall liquors are liqueurs.
Difference Between Liquor and Liqueur
Definition
Liquor is an alcoholic beverage made with grains or other plant-based products and fermented into a potent drink, while liqueur is a distilled spirit sweetened with different flavors, extracts, and oils.
Different Types
The six main liquors include vodka, brandy, whiskey, tequila, rum, and gin, whereas Cointreau, crème de cassis, flavorful schnapps, amaretto, and Chambord are some well-known liqueurs.
Alcohol Content
Generally, liquors have a higher alcohol content than liqueurs.
Flavor Profile
Liqueurs taste sweeter than liquors, which have a strong flavor profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between liquor and liqueur is that liquor is an alcoholic beverage made with grains or other plant-based products and fermented into a potent drink, while liqueur is a distilled spirit sweetened with different flavors, extracts, and oils. Liquors such as whiskey, rum, and brandy often act as a base spirit for liqueurs and have a higher alcohol percentage than liqueurs.
Reference:
1. “Liqueurs.” An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
2. “Liquor.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Jack Daniel’s Bottle” (CC0) via Piqsels
2. “Liqueur-drink-alcohol-smoke-smoky” (CC0) via Pixabay
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