Liqueur & Herbs

Buying guide: Liqueurs & herbal schnapps

A liqueur is an alcoholic beverage specialty that is characterized by its sweetness and diverse flavours. Liqueurs were originally developed in the Middle Ages by monks and alchemists as a remedy. Today, they are primarily for enjoyment and are made from a mixture of spirits, sugar or other sweeteners and natural flavors such as herbs, fruits, flowers or spices. By definition, a liqueur must contain at least 100 grams of sugar per liter to be called a liqueur. Liqueurs usually have an alcohol content of between 15 and 35 percent and are often enjoyed neat, on ice or as an ingredient in cocktails.

Difference between liqueurs & herbal schnapps

While liqueurs are characterized by their sweetness and a wide variety of flavours, herbal schnapps is a special category of liqueur that is characterized by the use of herbs, roots and spices. Herbal schnapps are traditionally less sweet than other liqueurs and often have an intense, slightly bitter taste. Another distinguishing feature is the production process: while fruit or nuts are often used as flavorings for liqueurs, herbal schnapps are dominated by herbs and spices.

Our recommendations for the best liqueurs

The mild one: Licor 43

"Licor 43 Cuarenta y Tres" is the best-selling Spanish liqueur in the world. It is produced in the Diego Zamora distillery in Cartagena using a recipe that is over 2000 years old. The liqueur impresses with its smooth taste, which is reminiscent of vanilla and caramel. It is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or in various cocktails.

The tangy one: Pallini Limoncello

Pallini Limoncello is based on a family recipe that is over 100 years old and uses only the best PGI Sfusato lemons from the Amalfi Coast. With no artificial flavorings or preservatives, this limoncello has a strong lemon aroma and a perfect balance between sweet and sour. Ideal as a digestif or in summer cocktails.

The fruity one: Kirsberry liqueur

Kirsberry is a popular cherry liqueur made from 100% Danish cherries. With no artificial colors or preservatives, it offers a light mouthfeel with the taste of delicate dark cherries, red wine and light spices. Perfect for lovers of fruity liqueurs.

The chocolaty one: Mozart Chocolate Cream

Mozart Spirits stands for first-class chocolate liqueurs from Salzburg. The "Mozart Gold" is a creamy milk chocolate liqueur made from the finest ingredients. The combination of Belgian dark chocolate, fresh cream and bourbon vanilla from Madagascar makes this liqueur a special treat for chocolate lovers.

The Scottish one: Drambuie Whisky Liqueur

Drambuie is a world-famous whisky liqueur made from a blend of fine malt whiskies, Scottish heather honey and mysterious herbs. It has a sweet, spicy honey note and is ideal as a digestif or in cocktails.

Our recommendations for the best herbal schnapps

The Scandinavian: Valhalla herbal liqueur

Valhalla is a new herbal schnapps from the Koskenkorva distillery that combines high-quality vodka with wild herbs and Nordic berries. This blend gives the product a feeling of raw Nordic nature. The taste is characterized by a fresh combination of citrus fruits, bitter herbs and spices, rounded off with liquorice root.

The innovative: Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee

Jägermeister is the world's most successful liqueur brand, made from 56 different herbs, fruits, roots and spices. Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee combines the classic Jägermeister with high-quality cold brew coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. This innovative blend creates a unique taste experience with cocoa notes and a hint of chocolate.

The traditional one: Killepitsch herbal liqueur

Killepitsch is a traditional German herbal liqueur from Düsseldorf, made according to a secret family recipe. It contains 98 different herbs, roots, berries and fruits, which give it a delicately tart, balanced aroma. This liqueur impresses with its perfect balance between the spiciness of the herbs and the sweetness of the berries.

The most popular liqueurs & herbal schnapps brands

Popular brands in the field of liqueurs and herbal schnapps include:

• Baileys: Known for its creamy Irish cream liqueur.
• Amaretto Disaronno: Famous for its almond flavor.
• Aperol: A bitter-sweet aperitif from Italy and the heart of the Aperol Spritz.
• Fernet-Branca: An Italian herbal schnapps with an intense, bitter taste.
• Grand Marnier: An orange liqueur with cognac.

Liqueurs from different countries

Italy

Italy is famous for its long tradition of making liqueurs, which are often enjoyed as a digestif after a sumptuous meal. Particularly popular are fruity and herbal varieties such as limoncello and amaretto, which are served in convivial gatherings or at the end of a good meal.

Germany

Germany has a strong tradition in the production of herbal liqueurs, which are often made according to secret family recipes. Liqueurs such as herbal and fruit liqueurs are usually consumed neat or as an ingredient in hot drinks such as mulled wine, especially during the winter months.

France

In France, liqueurs are an integral part of fine cuisine and are often used in fine dining. Herbal and fruit liqueurs are particularly well-known and are enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif to stimulate the appetite or aid digestion.

Spain

In Spain, the consumption of liqueurs is strongly integrated into the local culture, often as the end of a cozy dinner. Here, sweet and spicy liqueurs dominate, which are served in small glasses and shared in convivial company.

Ireland

Ireland is known for its creamy liqueurs, which are often made from Irish whiskey and cream. These liqueurs are often drunk neat or as an ingredient in coffee drinks such as Irish coffee and are particularly popular in the colder months.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What types of liqueurs are there?

There are many different types of liqueurs, including fruit liqueurs, cream liqueurs, nut liqueurs, herbal liqueurs, spiced liqueurs and more. Each type has its own characteristic ingredients and flavors.

How do I recognize a high-quality liqueur?

A high-quality liqueur is characterized by natural ingredients, a balanced taste composition and a clear declaration of the ingredients.

How should liqueur be stored?

Liqueur should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, bottles should remain tightly closed to preserve the quality and taste.

What is the shelf life of liqueur?

Unopened liqueurs can usually be kept for several years. Once opened, they should be consumed within 6 months to a year, depending on storage and ingredients.

What is the shelf life of herbal schnapps?

Unopened herbal schnapps can also be kept for several years. Once opened, it is advisable to drink the schnapps within a year to enjoy the best aroma.

What is liqueur?

A liqueur is a sweet, flavored alcoholic beverage made from a base spirit, sugar and natural flavors. By definition, a liqueur must contain at least 100 grams of sugar per liter to be called a liqueur.

What is the difference between liqueur and schnapps?

Schnapps is a clear, high-proof spirit with no added sugar or flavorings, while liqueur is sweeter and can contain various flavors.

What is the difference between whisky and whisky liqueur?

Whisky is a pure spirit produced by distilling fermented grain mashes. Whisky liqueur, on the other hand, is a mixture of whisky and other ingredients such as honey, herbs or spices, which give it a sweeter and more complex flavor.

How is herbal schnapps made?

Herbal schnapps is produced by macerating or distilling herbs, roots, berries and spices in alcohol. The mixture is then matured in barrels to develop its full flavor.

How do you drink liqueur?

Liqueur can be enjoyed neat, on ice or as an ingredient in cocktails. It is also ideal as a topping for desserts or as an ingredient in hot drinks.

Which cocktails are typically made with liqueurs?

Popular cocktails with liqueurs include the White Russian, the Mai Tai, the Margarita and the Espresso Martini. Each liqueur brings its own note to the cocktail and ensures a special taste experience.