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Not so long ago, my subscriber sent me an article about how she makes delicious Baileys liqueur at home. I told my wife about this recipe and offered to try it. The wife agreed and even went to the store for the necessary ingredients.
But she returned from there not only with them, but already with a ready drink. “This,” he says, “is for comparing results.” Somehow we didn’t succeed in making Baileys at home, we didn’t have enough time, but we drank the store version with her.
I love liqueurs for their rich, bright taste. I decided to do some research and find out how to drink this type of alcohol correctly. I will share the results with you.
What is liquor
There is an opinion that liquor is a purely feminine drink. However, in terms of its strength, it is not inferior to good whiskey, cognac or rum. The main difference between liquor and the above-mentioned drinks is that it can contain any aromatic herbs, fruits, nuts, berries, and even cream and eggs.
Today, liqueurs are commonly referred to as any sweet drinks containing ethanol. But the fighters for the “purity of the ranks” still try to separate this kind of alcohol from balms, liqueurs, tinctures and beaters. Conventionally, all liqueurs can be divided into three main categories:
- strong, sweetest varieties (30–45%),
- dessert, characterized by a pronounced sweet and sour aftertaste (25–30%),
- and creams, distinguished by a special viscous consistency and sugary taste (15–25%).
The most famous brands of liqueurs
One of the most purchased liquors today is Baileys Original (Baileys Original), made on the basis of whiskey produced in Ireland and cream with the addition of vanilla, sugar, cocoa beans. I personally love this creamy drink.
«Baileys Original»
Another drink that has conquered liquor lovers all over the world is the orange Cointreau (Cointreau). The rich taste in this drink is achieved thanks to a special method of collecting and processing citrus fruits, which makes it possible to preserve the maximum amount of esters in oranges, which give the liquor a special taste and pronounced aroma.
Cointreau
Speaking of liqueurs, I cannot ignore the German-made Jagermeister (Jägermeister). The basis of this noble drink is a secret blend of 38 herbs and tree bark. It is noteworthy that to this day, no one except manufacturers knows the exact recipe for a moderately sweet digestif. It is only known that it is insisted for a year in oak barrels, and then carefully filtered.
“Jagermeister”
Popular liqueurs also include: Chartreuse (Chartreuse), Sheridan’s (Sheridans), Galliano (Gagliano), Amaretto (Amaretto) and Becherovka (Becherovka).
How to choose a liquor
When choosing a liquor in a store, I always pay attention to the composition of the drink. A natural product must contain: brandy or whiskey, sugar, natural juices and flavorings, cream, milk or egg yolk.
High-quality liquor in the store will be sold only in a glass bottle, and its cost will be from 600 rubles per 0,5 liter.
How to drink liquor correctly and from what
To drink this alcoholic drink “in its pure form”, I use small stemmed glasses, the volume of which is from 25 to 60 ml. In the process of drinking, I slowly sip the drink through my teeth, stretching the pleasure as much as possible. In exceptional cases (for example, when I want to warm up), I allow myself to drink liquor in one sip.
Serving drinks in liqueur shots.
If I add a few ice cubes to the liquor, then in this case the drinks are served by me in wide glasses with a thick bottom, designed for whiskey or aperitif cocktails.
Serving liquor in a glass with a thick bottom.
I dilute excessively sweet liqueurs with boiled water or fruit juices. Sometimes I use melted chocolate, cream or ice cream to dilute. I serve similar impromptu cocktails to guests in glasses with a volume of at least 100 ml.
To serve multi-component cocktails using liquor, I use liqueur piles (if we are talking about shots), or in large glasses (relevant for longs).
Bitter varieties of liquors usually act as an aperitif, sweet ones, respectively, are dessert drinks and are served after the meal.
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!
Of course, you can drink liquor with a strong desire from a simple glass, but there are rules of etiquette that should be followed. How do you drink liqueurs? Share your experience.