What is fruit liqueur?
A fruit liqueur is a spirit made from fruit that contains at least 100 grams of sugar per litre. Compared to other spirits, the alcohol content of many liqueurs is relatively low (between 15% - 30%), although there are exceptions like the French liqueur Chartreuse verte, which contains more alcohol than vodka and many whiskies.
When talking about fruit liqueur, it must be distinguished between fruit liqueur and fruit juice liqueur. Fruit juice liqueur refers to a liqueur which contains at least 20% fruit juice. If concentrated juice is used for production, the amount may be adjusted. Many times, multiple juices and additives are used for the production of fruit juice liqueur. What’s not allowed, however, is the usage of colouring agents.
Fruit liqueur is a more general term and is not necessarily made from fruit juice. A good example is Cointreau, which receives its aroma from orange peels. Instead of making fruit juice from the peel or the fruit, the peel is chopped and macerated in alcohol to extract the aromas slowly. The famous Blue Curacao liqueur is made this way.
The history and usage of liqueur
Many herbal liqueurs that exist today, for example Angostura Bitter, were originally invented for medicinal use. Herbs proved themselves to be very effective when used to fight digestive issues.
Fruit liqueur was thought of as a luxury drink initially. In medieval times, fruit liqueurs were only available to upper classes due to the high price of sugar. It took until the beginning of colonialism and the subsequent fall of sugar prices before liqueurs became more affordable.
What fruit liqueurs are there?
The world of fruit liqueur is exceptionally diverse and creative. Many supermarkets offer cherry liqueur, raspberry liqueur, lemon liqueur or vanilla liqueur. However, there are more exotic varieties to look out for as well; pear liqueur, peach liqueur, plum liqueur, elderflower liqueur or maracuya liqueur are always popular.
How to drink fruit liqueur
Although no rules are required to enjoy your fruit liqueur, it’s common to drink liqueur as an aperitif before a meal or as a digestif after a meal. Since aperitifs tend to be dry alcoholic drinks, fruit liqueurs are more suited as digestifs. In some regions, the digestif is consumed directly before the main course. Of course, fruit liqueurs can also be used for the preparation of desserts and sauces.
What popular brands should you know?
Due to the large market, there are countless popular and exciting fruit liqueurs that one should try at least once. This includes brands like Kleiner Feigling (a fig liqueur), Cointreau, Blue Curacao, Amarula (a fruit cream liqueur), Luxardo Limoncello (a South Italian liqueur made from lemon peel), O’Donnell Moonshine (who carry a baked apple liqueur in their assortment) or Edinburgh Gin (who also produce gin liqueur).
Fruit liqueur at Gustero
At Gustero, you can find a multitude of high-quality fruity liqueurs, perfect for all occasions. Browse our selection and discover your new favourite liqueur. Order today!
