Crème Liqueurs

From the moment that first drop touches your lips, there's something special about the way a smooth and rich liqueur sends your taste buds into overdrive. Perhaps it's the game you play after that first sip, guessing what blend of flavors was used to create the perfect drink.

After all, that's what a liqueur is – a blend of various flavors, dissolved together to create a unique taste. Whether you're just sampling a nice liqueur for the first time or are a connoisseur of the vast array of flavored spirits, crème liqueurs offer a delicious and unique experience.

Crème liqueurs are just one type of flavorful blend of spirit, yet they remain extremely popular among liqueur enthusiasts.

What are Crème Liqueurs

Although crème liqueurs are a blend of various flavors, they actually are made to focus on one main flavor. Other types of liqueurs typically feature a mix of flavorings. Well known examples of crème liqueurs are crème de menthe and crème de cacao.

However, despite the fact that crème liqueurs have a primary flavor, the other ingredients and flavors do play a part in the overall taste of a crème liqueur. So, for example, when sipping on a fine crème de cacao liqueur, the chocolate you taste is actually highlighted by a touch of vanilla. A few other examples of crème liqueurs are:

crème de'amande liqueur, flavored with almonds

crème de cassis liqueur, made with black currants and rum

white crème de menthe liqueur, a clear mint-flavored liqueur

crème de violette liqueur, made with a natural or artificial violet flower flavoring and brandy (or another neutral spirit).

Crème Liqueur Substitutes

Many elegant recipes call for some sort of crème liqueur to add intense flavor. However, because crème liqueur can, at times, be difficult to find or because you may want to make a non-alcoholic version, you can make use of specific crème liqueur substitutes that will nearly mimic the flavor of the crème liqueur itself.

For example, a crème de cassis liqueur substitute could be black currant syrup (non-alcoholic) or raspberry liqueur, which is not as sweet.

How Crème Liqueurs are Made

Unlike wine and other fine beverages, there is no lengthy aging process involve with making crème liqueurs. There are, however, a few resting stages to allow different flavors to mix together. One key ingredient that you’ll find in all crème liqueurs is sugar, which gives some blends a syrupy quality.

Cream Liqueurs versus Crème Liqueurs

While crème liqueurs are often confused with cream liqueurs, these two liqueurs are actually different in nature. The word "crème" refers to the consistency of the liqueur and should not be confused with cream liqueurs, which have a dairy product like cream or milk in their blend. For example, Irish cream liqueur is a mixture of cream and Irish whiskey. However, if you happen to be searching for an Irish crème liqueur recipe you won't find one because there is no such thing as Irish crème liqueur.

Irish cream liqueur is a very popular drink, so if you are, in fact, looking to make your own, you can do so by using a homemade Irish cream liqueur recipe.

How to Make your Own Crème Liqueurs

Here are a few simple recipes you can use to make your own crème liqueurs.

Crème de Menthe

Ingredients

8 cups sugar
6 cups water
1 pint 188 proof grain alcohol
1 oz. pure mint extract
1 tbsp. green food coloring.

Directions

Bring sugar and water to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Cover and let steep for 1 month.

Crème de Cacao

Ingredients

1 c. sugar
2 c. water
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. vodka.

Directions

In a medium pan, combine sugar and water. Boil on medium high heat until mixture is reduced to half its volume, about 20 minutes.
About 5 minutes before syrup is done, melt chocolate in a separate 2-cup or larger container.
Once the chocolate is melted completely, (very slowly) pour the hot sugar-water mixture into the melted chocolate, stirring vigorously while pouring. If mixture is not completely smooth and blended, beat with mixer or in a blender.
Cool mixture for 30 minutes.
Add vanilla and vodka. Blend well. Immediately pour into bottle or jar with tight fitting lid or cap.

Because of the consistency and high sugar levels in these and other crème liqueurs, these drinks are often considered "after-dinner" drinks and should be consumed slowly for lasting enjoyment.

Resources

Answers Corporation (n.d.). Crème Liqueur. Retrieved April 28, 2008, from the Answers.com Web site: http://www.tastings.com/spirits/liqueurs.html.

Beverage Testing Institute (n.d.) All About Liqueurs, Cordials & Apertifs. Retrieved April 28, 2008, from the Tastings.com Web site: http://www.tastings.com/spirits/liqueurs.html.

The Cook's Thesaurus (n.d.). Fruit Liqueurs. Retrieved May 2, 2008, from the FoodSubs Web site:
http://www.foodsubs.com/LiqueurFruit.html.

The Internet Cocktail Database (n.d.). Crème de Violette. Retrieved May 2, 2008, from the CocatailsDB.com Web site: http://www.cocktaildb.com/ingr_detail?id=132.