Do you know the difference between Liquor, Liqueur & Spirit: Read this to know

The present generation is particular about what they want to drink and where they want to consume it. Drinks, the feast of reason and the flow of the soul have an essential role in myriads of cultures. Many of us raise a toast to commemorate significant life events such as weddings, holiday gatherings, or conferences, all of which entail the use of alcohol. Furthermore, if consumers desire a drink, there are several alternatives accessible, that includes liquor, liqueur, and spirit. On the other hand, people don’t realise the difference; they always believe “candy is dandy, liquor is quicker.”

All of these terms are frequently used interchangeably, yet they are entirely distinct in the realm of alcoholic beverages, since they differ in both flavour and use. For instance, liquor like whisky and rum are often consumed on the rocks or as a foundation in cocktails. On the other hand, liqueurs are distilled flavour additions used to sweeten or improve mixed beverages, such as coffee or crème liqueur. Spirits, such as gin or vodka, are also commonly distilled beverages with no added sugar and at least 20 per cent alcohol by volume. Still unsure about which term to use and when? Here are the differences between liquor, liqueur, and spirit.

Liquor: Non-Brewed Alcohol

Any non-brewed alcohol, including distilled spirits, is considered liquor. It is essentially an alcoholic beverage containing ethanol. It is created via the fermentation of grain, fruit, or vegetables. When compared to other drinks, liquor is sweeter, owing to the additional flavour and sweetness. Also, due to the concentrated nature of the distillation or compounding procedures, liquor has a greater alcohol level than wine and beer. To compliment the base of the drink, extra juices and flavours are frequently added to give it a touch. Moreover, wine and beer are not considered distilled alcohol, but neither are they spirits.

Spirit: A Distilled Beverage

Spirits are distinctive liquors manufactured to have distinct flavours. Spirit refers to a distilled beverage containing at least 20 per cent alcohol by volume and no added sugar. When alcohol is distilled, it is transformed into a spirit. Fermentation is the process of distilling alcohol. Brandy, gin, tequila, and vodka are the most common spirits. Spirits are manufactured by distilling alcohol from fermenting liquids to sweeten or flavour them. The alcohol percentage in spirits typically ranges from 37 per cent to 43 per cent. Spirits do not taste sweet initially, but the flavour develops progressively as they ferment. However, spirits are less sweet than liquor.

Liqueur Not Liquor

Liqueurs are a type of alcoholic beverage and individuals frequently mix up the terms liquor and liqueur. Both drinks, however, are significantly different in substance and form. Most liqueurs are prepared from a base spirit to which flavour and spices are added, resulting in a beverage with more sugar and flavour but less alcohol. Liqueurs are commonly used to improve blended drinks. Liqueurs are sugar-free distilled drinks. They generally have fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices, as well as coffee or chocolate added to them.

In a word, there are no hard and fast rules on how you should play with all types of beverages and their distinct nature, including liquor, liqueur, and spirits. We all know that liquor will always be liquor, liqueur will always remain liqueur, and spirit will forever be spirit. Hence, everyone is OK as long as they have something to drink during the good moments.

(The writer is Chairman, and Managing Director Alcostar Group of Companies)