How to differentiate between a Spirit and a Liqueur?
At our retail shop in Windermere we currently stock a range of spirits and liqueurs and our customers often ask us the same question, “what is the difference between a bottle of Lakeland Liqueur and, for example, a bottle of Gordon’s Gin?” The question has arisen so frequently that we thought we would write a blog to put the “record straight” as many people are confused by the recent growth in the liqueurs market and exactly what the difference is between a spirit and a liqueur?
What is Spirit?
Traditional pure spirits are made from grains or other plants with the main six pure spirits being gin, vodka, brandy, tequila, rum and whisky, all of which have a high alcohol content of usually over 38% ABV. Spirits are made through distillation by using an alcoholic liquid made using a fermentation process, this liquid is then placed in a still where the alcohol is extracted in a relatively high concentrate, resulting in a pure distilled spirit.
What is a Liqueur?
Today with many of the traditional spirits being flavoured, it has become difficult for many of us to distinguish between liquors and liqueurs. Liquors are used to create liqueurs by adding different flavours to them. The base spirit is blended with sweet based fruit syrups, herbs and spices, coffee, chocolate, cream and even nuts. Sweetness and flavour are key, as these ingredients give the spirit a softer, sweeter flavour and dilute the spirit, therefore, lowering the alcohol content too, generally, between 15 – 30% ABV.
The best top 10 Liqueurs – here is a related article detailing the top 10 liqueurs, there will be some very familiar brands which you will immediately recognise and realise that liqueurs have been around a lot longer than you may have realised. https://theferventshaker.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/the-fervent-shaker-top-10-liqueurs/
How to serve liqueurs?
Liqueurs are great served “on the rocks” or with mixers but are extremely versatile and are very popular these days in cocktails and added to fizz as they add many different taste sensations and flavours.
Our Lakeland Liqueurs are available in gin, rum and vodka ranges and all of them are a great accompaniment to your favourite choice of bubbles by adding a glug to your champagne flute or a great ingredient to use to create a wide range of delicious cocktails.
For great cocktail ideas and details on our Lakeland Liqueur ranges, please visit our website at www.lakelandartisan.co.uk