TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Liqueur Types in the World
Umeshu is a Japanese liqueur made by macerating sugar and ume plums (Prunus mume) in alcohol. It is usually made with rock sugar and ripe or green ume plums, while the base is generally made with shōchū, though other neutral spirits can also be used.
The result is a bittersweet liqueur with a fruity aroma. Apart from the classic version, umeshu comes in a variety of styles that may include other sweeteners such as honey or black sugar, while some add additional flavorings. Umeshu can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or diluted with water, tea, or soda.
VARIATIONS OF Umeshu
THE BEST Umeshu Fruit Liqueurs
Hailing from South Africa, this cream liqueur is produced with a base spirit that is distilled from carefully selected and hand-picked fruits of African marula, which is also known as elephant tree. The base is aged and then combined with sugar and cream to create a rich liqueur that is characterized by its slight caramel flavor and underlying notes of vanilla and spices.
Since marula fruit is a treat for elephants, the brand has turned them into a trademark, and actively work on their protection. Amarula is best served well-chilled, preferably over ice, but it also blends well into cocktails, especially those based on whiskey or vodka.
Hailing from Gdańsk, this herbal liqueur is easily distinguished by the flakes of real gold. According to the written records, it first appeared in 1598, and it was an invention of a Dutch Ambrose Vermollen who created a recipe that was based on a secret combination of 20 different herbs and roots.
Considered as one of the oldest liqueurs in the world, Goldwasser comes at 40% ABV and displays both sweet and spicy cinnamon aromas, with underlying notes of licorice and mint. Though its history is closely intertwined with Poland, following the political turmoil and the Second World War Goldwasser is now produced in Germany, but it remains a symbol of the city of Gdańsk.
Averna is a popular Italian bitter digestif that was named after its inventor Salvatore Averna who created it in 1868. Some sources state that the recipe was handed to the Avernas by a monk of the local San Spirito monastery. The exact ingredient list remains the Averna family secret, but this bittersweet liqueur is said to be made with more than 60 different herbs, roots, pomegranate, and the essential oils of bitter Sicilian lemons.
Though Averna is typically enjoyed on its own, served on the rocks or neat, it can also be used for various cocktails.
Chios Mastiha is a Greek liqueur that is made with Masticha Chiou—a resinous sap of the Schinias tree. Although Schinias is found in other Mediterranean countries, the plant only produces resin on Chios, presumably because of the island’s unique microclimate.
The liqueur is made by macerating Chios mastic or Chios mastic oil in grain spirit or distilling it with alcohol. The combination is then diluted with water and sweetened before it is bottled. Chios Mastiha must have a minimum of 15% ABV. The process results in a clear and subtly sweet spirit with fresh notes of pine, anise, herbs, and citrus fruit.
Hailing from Saronno, this renowned amaretto brand is produced with a base spirit, apricot kernel oil, burnt sugar, and 17 different herbs, fruits, and spices. The brand claimed the invention of the original amaretto in the 16th century, and throughout history, its production has remained in the hands of Reina family. Disaronno is distinguished for its use of apricot kernel oil, which provides it with a distinctive combination of almond and apricot flavors.
Because of its sweetness and smooth texture, it can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it can also work well in a variety of cocktails and long drinks.
Rakomelo is a Cretan drink that combines honey and tsikoudia, a clear Cretan spirit that is sometimes referred to as raki, though it is not anise-flavored like the namesake Turkish spirit. The drink is often flavored with herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves.
It is frequently prepared at home by combining warm spirit and honey, but commercially produced versions are also available. Rakomelo is sometimes served warm, usually as a soothing winter drink or a health remedy, while the well-chilled variety is mainly enjoyed neat or with ice, preferably as an aperitif or a digestif.
Teranino is a unique Croatian liqueur produced with fruit or pomace brandy and red wine made from Teran variety—hence the name. This liqueur is usually sweetened and flavored with various botanicals such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, lemon, vanilla, or fennel.
The result is a ruby red liqueur with an earthy and herbaceous character, fruity notes, and sweet, spicy aromas. Teranino is sweet and typically has between 15 to 20% ABV. It is best to serve it chilled and enjoy it as an aperitif or a digestif. Teranino can be served neat or on the rocks.
This acclaimed cream liqueur is produced with a combination of neutral alcohol, triple distilled Irish whiskey, and cream, which is supplied by small, local Irish family farms. The base of the liqueur is additionally enriched with vanilla, cocoa, and caramel, to create the distinctive toffee flavor.
The drink was invented in Dublin, in the 1970s and it still remains an entirely Irish product and one of the most prominent Irish brands. Baileys is usually served neat, over ice, but it also perfectly blends in coffee or hot chocolate, or in a wide array of cream-based cocktails.
This classic liqueur is made with different combinations of neutral spirits, caramel, sweet or bitter almonds, various herbs, spices, and occasionally apricot kernel oil. Though its name stems from the Italian amaro, meaning bitter, amaretto is characterized by its sweet almond flavor and hints of bitter notes.
It can be served neat, over ice, with lemon juice or coffee. Amaretto is often used in the preparation of various desserts, while the most popular amaretto-based cocktails include Godfather, Amaretto sour, Almond kiss, and Nutcracker Martini.
VARIATIONS OF Amaretto
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Liqueur Producers in the World
Sheringham Distillery is an award-winning distillery located on the west coast of Canada, in Langford, British Columbia. Founded with the vision of creating premium, handcrafted spirits that reflect the spirit and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Sheringham quickly earned a reputation for its quality, innovation, and commitment to local ingredients.
They are best known for their Seaside Gin, a unique gin infused with notes of sea salt and local seaweed from the shores of Vancouver Island, creating a complex yet refreshing flavor profile. It is often recognized as one of the best gins in Canada.
AWARDS

World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
BEST Sheringham Distillery Spirits
Aura Distillery, located in Buzet, Istria, Croatia, is a family-run business specializing in the production of spirits, liqueurs, jams, and gins made from wild herbs and fruits harvested in unspoiled nature. Their products are entirely natural, with no additives, artificial flavors, or colorings.
The distillery offers a diverse range of 25 types of brandies and liqueurs, four types of gin, and nine types of jams, alongside products like extra virgin olive oil and elderflower vinegar. Their flagship product, Teranino, is a liqueur made from Teran red wine and ten spices, renowned for winning numerous gold medals at prestigious global competitions.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023

European Spirits Challenge - Silver
2024

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Aura Destillery Spirits
Distilleria Sibona is one of the oldest distilleries in the Piedmont region, located in the heart of Roero. It is renowned for its artisanal production of grappa, utilizing fresh pomace from prestigious local wineries. Sibona holds a unique historical distillation license and prides itself on its deep connection to traditional methods while incorporating modern techniques to ensure high-quality products.
Their grappa is aged in various types of barrels, including those used for sherry, port, and whiskey, enhancing the flavor profile and creating distinctive spirits.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2022, 2021, 2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Distilleria Sibona Spirits
Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, headquartered in London. The company was founded by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris in 2004. Hotel Chocolat owns a cocoa plantation in Saint Lucia, allowing them to control the entire production process from bean to bar.
They operate a variety of retail locations across the UK and have an international presence with stores in the United States and Japan.
AWARDS

The Liqueur Masters - Gold
2023

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2016, 2015, 2011

Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009
BEST Hotel Chocolat Desserts
De Kuyper Royal Distillers is a renowned Dutch family-owned company specializing in the production of premium liqueurs and spirits. Founded in 1695 by Petrus De Kuyper, the company began as a manufacturer of barrels and casks for transporting spirits and beer.
By 1752, the family owned a distillery in Schiedam, the epicenter of Dutch gin production. Over the centuries, De Kuyper expanded its operations and product range, establishing partnerships and exporting to markets across Europe, Great Britain, and Canada.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022, 2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2023, 2021, 2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024
BEST De Kuyper Liqueurs
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

The Scotch Whisky Masters - Gold
2024, 2022

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Campari Group Spirits
AWARDS

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

The Asian Spirits Masters - Gold
2022
BEST The Kyoto Distillery Spirits
AWARDS

The Scotch Whisky Masters - Gold
2024

The Brandy Masters - Gold
2023, 2022

The Liqueur Masters - Gold
2023
BEST Bardinet Spirits
Vina Rossi, established in 1885, is a family-owned winery located in Vižinada, Istria, Croatia. With over 18 hectares of meticulously maintained vineyards, they cultivate indigenous Istrian grape varieties to produce high-quality wines and brandies.
Their portfolio includes labels such as Moro, Malvazija Templara, Templara Riserva, Rosé, Istrian Malvazija, Chardonnay, and Yellow Muscat. The fifth generation of the Rossi family continues to innovate while preserving traditional values, offering tasting experiences that showcase both their heritage and contemporary creations.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024

European Spirits Challenge - Silver
2024
BEST Rossi Destillery Spirits
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Liqueurs in the World
Lemon Gin Liqueur is a handcrafted spirit that captures the essence of premium lemons. With an alcohol content of 25%, this liqueur is crafted on a gin base specifically designed to complement the juice of high-quality lemons. The result is a harmonious balance of fresh, tart lemon notes gently sweetened to create a refreshing and versatile beverage.
Ideal for various serving options, the Fresh Lemon Liqueur can be enjoyed on its own, shaken over ice, or as a key ingredient in simple cocktails. Its bright and sophisticated profile evokes the simple pleasures of summer, making it a delightful choice for any season.
AWARDS

World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
AWARDS

USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021

USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2021
Aura Teranino is a renowned red wine liqueur produced by Aura Distillery in Istria, Croatia. Crafted from the indigenous Teran grape variety, this liqueur is infused with a blend of ten aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
It boasts a deep ruby-red color and offers enticing aromas of ripe cherries, milk chocolate, and cinnamon. On the palate, it is sweet and layered, with a lingering aftertaste reminiscent of cherry marmalade. With an alcohol content of 15.86%, Aura Teranino is best enjoyed chilled, either neat or over ice, and pairs well with desserts or as a standalone indulgence.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Dutch Cacao Liqueur is a premium chocolate liqueur produced by De Kuyper Royal Distillers, a renowned Dutch company with a rich heritage in crafting high-quality spirits. This liqueur is meticulously created using the finest cocoa beans, resulting in a rich and authentic chocolate flavor.
It boasts a smooth and velvety texture, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of cocktails and desserts. With an alcohol content of 24% ABV, Dutch Cacao Liqueur balances sweetness and strength, offering a delightful experience for chocolate enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
The Mari Gold aperitif from Straightaway Cocktails' Accompani collection is celebrated for its bright citrus and floral orange blossom notes. Key botanicals include Seville orange peel, citron peel, orange blossom, and gentian root, giving it a balanced profile of sweetness and subtle bitterness.
This makes Mari Gold ideal for sipping neat or enhancing cocktails, such as in a refreshing spritz mixed with sparkling water and an orange slice.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
Aura Fernet Amaro 78 is a premium herbal liqueur produced by Aura Distillery in Istria, Croatia. Crafted from a blend of 78 different herbs, citrus peels, roots, and spices, this liqueur is made through a meticulous process of distillation, maceration, and infusion.
The number 78 signifies the variety of ingredients used, reflecting the distillery's dedication to complexity and quality. With an alcohol content of 34.7%, Aura Fernet Amaro 78 is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif, served chilled at temperatures between 6-8°C.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023






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