Pairing liqueurs with other drinks

For various reasons, not everyone likes to drink pure liquors. To many, they seem too sweet, strong or harsh. If you also adhere to this opinion, then I advise you to find out how you can dilute the liquor so as not to spoil its taste. We will consider all the nuances of proper mixing.

Liqueurs go well with the following drinks:

1. Mineral water

Suitable for diluting strong (herbal), fruit and some dessert liqueurs. Brands such as Cointreau, Curacao, Benedictine, Becherovka, Midori, Limoncello, Amaretto, Malibu, as well as orange, cherry, strawberry, apple and other fruit liqueurs go well with water. Adding water without gas does not affect the taste of the liquor, but only reduces the strength and makes it not so sweet (in the case of dessert types).

Pairing liqueurs with other drinks
Water is added to fruit and herbal liqueurs to reduce strength and sweetness.

Attention! Cream-based liqueurs, such as Baileys and Sheridans, must not be diluted with water, otherwise the cream will immediately curdle and the liqueur will become unpalatable. For the same reason, cream liqueurs are never mixed with soda and juices. They can be drunk with milk, coffee, tea and spirits (gin, vodka, light rum).

2. Milk (fresh)

Pairs well with cream and cream liqueurs. In addition to the mentioned brands Sheridans and Baileys, Pina Colada liqueurs, Irish cream (whiskey), Millwood and coffee liqueurs are also diluted with milk. Adding milk changes the taste, so here you need to choose the right proportions. I recommend starting with 1:3 (one part milk and three parts liquor), and then go by taste.

Pairing liqueurs with other drinks
Cream liqueurs diluted with fresh milk

3. Juices

Suitable for diluting fruit liqueurs. In most cases, juice from the same fruits as the liquor itself is used. For example, cherry juice is added to cherry liqueur, etc. Citrus juices (orange, lemon and pineapple) are considered universal, they are mixed with almost all liquors (except milk, cream and coffee). Dilution ratio: 1:1 or 1:2 (one part juice and two parts liquor).

Pairing liqueurs with other drinks
Orange juice goes well with almost all liqueurs (except dairy)

4. Tea and coffee

Pairs well with herbal, milk, coffee and cream liqueurs. It is enough to add a few drops of the chosen liquor to the cup, for example, Malibu, Lawyer or Sheridans, and you will immediately feel how the taste has changed. In winter, tea or coffee with herbal beaters (Jägermeister, Becherovka) perfectly warms and improves immunity, and in combination with sweet liqueurs, this is an excellent dessert drink.

Pairing liqueurs with other drinks
Herbal liqueurs are added to tea and coffee

5. Alcoholic drinks

By diluting the liquor with other alcohol, you can reduce its sweetness and increase the strength. In most cases, this method is resorted to by men. All liqueurs can be mixed with spirits that have a neutral taste (vodka, gin, and light rum). Cocktails with liqueurs delight with their sweet taste.

Pairing liqueurs with other drinks
Liqueurs go well with hard liquor.

In the case of cognacs, wines, champagnes, etc. an individual approach is needed, because due to the different composition and taste, these drinks do not always go well with liquors.

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