Glossary
Liquor vs Liqueur: One letter, huge difference.
2 min read
Liquor
Distilled alcohol. High ABV, no added sugar. The 'base spirits' — Whisky, Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Brandy. Usually 35-50% ABV.
Liqueur
A liquor that's been sweetened and flavoured with fruits, spices, herbs, or cream. Lower ABV (15-30%), sweet, used to add character to cocktails. Examples: Cointreau (orange), Baileys (cream), Kahlua (coffee), Campari (bitter herbs).
The rule of thumb
If it's sweet on its own, it's probably a liqueur. If it burns clean and bright, it's liquor.
"The best glass of anything is the one you understand."
— Sip Alchemy