What does liqueur mean?
A liqueur is a sweetened alcoholic drink prepared from distilled spirits and flavored with ingredients such as fruit, herbs, spices, coffee, or cream. Unlike an unflavored spirit, it generally contains considerable sugar and is intended to be enjoyed in small servings, often after a meal or in cocktails. Well-known examples include fruit, nut, herbal, and coffee liqueurs, although the category is extensive and varies by country. In British and American English, “liqueur” is the standard term for these drinks. It should not be confused with “liquor,” which is a broader word for distilled spirits, or with “cordial,” which can also describe nonalcoholic sweet drinks. The word comes through French from the Latin liquefacere, meaning “to make liquid,” reflecting the historical practice of dissolving flavorings or medicinal ingredients in alcohol.
nounA strong, usually sweet alcoholic drink made from distilled spirits and flavored with fruit, herbs, spices, or other ingredients. The term can also refer more broadly to sweet alcoholic preparations taken in small servings, often after a meal.
- A sweet alcoholic drink made from distilled spirits and flavored with fruit, herbs, spices, or other ingredients.
"After dinner, they served a small glass of cherry liqueur."
"The guest poured himself a generous measure of orange liqueur."
"This rich, coffee-flavored liqueur is often served over ice."
Used when referring to multiple kinds, servings, or varieties of liqueur.
"The shop sells a wide range of liqueurs."
A liqueur is a spirit dressed for celebration: distilled strength transformed by sugar, fruit, herbs, or spices into a drink meant to be savored.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of liqueur
The word entered English from French liqueur in the 17th century. French liqueur derives from Latin liquefacere, “to make liquid,” formed from liquidus, meaning “liquid” or “fluid.” The preparation originally referred to a liquid in which medicinal or aromatic substances had been dissolved, before the modern sense of a sweetened alcoholic drink became established.
How liqueur is actually used
In general modern English, liqueur most commonly denotes a sweet, strongly alcoholic drink. It is usually taken in small quantities, either neat, over ice, or mixed into cocktails, and is strongly associated with after-dinner service.
Easily confused with liqueur
Liquor is a broad term for distilled alcoholic spirits, whereas liqueur specifically refers to a sweetened and often flavored spirit or preparation.
Cordial can mean a nonalcoholic sweetened drink as well as an alcoholic sweet preparation, while liqueur usually refers specifically to an alcoholic drink made with distilled spirits.