Kitchen Charts - Liqueurs for Cooking

A liqueur can be defined as a beverage created by combining a spirit and a flavoring ingredient. Following are just a few that are commonly used in food preparation.

Amaretto
Italy was the birthplace of this almond liqueur. A famous macaroon-type cookie is made using amaretto. It is also used to flavor a popular cheesecake.

Creme de Cassis
Made with black currants, this sweet liqueur blends well in chocolate recipes. It also is used often with fruit.

Frangelico
Another Italian beverage, frangelico gets its flavor from hazelnuts. It can be found in cheesecake and mousse recipes.

Grand Marnier
This classic is a mixture of brandy and orange. It is used in souffles, crepes, mousses, and desserts. Duck also pairs well with the rich orange flavor.

Kahlua
This coffee-flavored drink from Mexico is also used extensively in baking. Many Tiramisu recipes employ it.

Xanath (sha-nath) Made from premium vanilla beans, organically grown (certification pending) in the rainforest of Veracruz. Because the vanilla is native to this exotic region, it is rainforest friendly and completely agriculturally sustainable. Xanath is crafted from a secret recipe by the Gaya family, processors and purveyors of vanilla and vanilla products since the 1870s.