People tend to travel not only to enjoy a break from the monotony of daily life but also to experience different cultures and peoples. And there is no better way to get a feel of the culture and the traditions of a place than through its cuisine. For instance, Italy wouldn’t be Italy without its signature pastas and creamy gelato, and Japan wouldn’t be quite as endearing without its culinary treasures, such as the succulent sushi and the mouthwatering ramen, to beckon generations of food lovers to the respective countries.
Similarly, each country also boasts its own distinctive selection of liquors. Italians swear by a bubbly and refreshing spirit known as Limoncello while the Greeks are quite taken with a grape-infused concoction known as Ouzo. A visit to these countries would be incomplete without basking in these specialties, as these drinks are deeply entrenched in the cultural heritage of these places. Check out some of the most famous liquors from around the world that you must try on your travels.
Limoncello
Originating in the breath-taking Amalfi coast of Italy, Limoncello is an enticing liquor that is a staple in Italian cuisine. Prepared from the zest of locally produced Sorrento lemons, plus pure alcohol, sugar, and water, Limoncello boasts a citrusy, sugary, and tangy taste. This drink typically acts as a digestive, meaning that it is usually taken neat after dinner to help one digest their meal. However, it can also work as an aperitif when it is mixed with other spirits to create refreshing and delicious cocktails, such as the Limoncello Martini.
Chartreuse
A French liquor, Chartreuse is believed to have been handcrafted by Carthusian monks, when they combined 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, to formulate an exhilaratingly minty herbal beverage. This drink typically comes in two varieties, Green Chartreuse, produced from a sugar beet-based spirit and Yellow Chartreuse, produced from a grape-based spirit. Both these variations of the drink are distilled in copper pots and aged in French oak. Like Limoncello, Chartreuse, too is primarily taken neat as a digestive; it is also used in some cocktails, including the Last World.
Feni
Feni is a decadent Desi delicacy hailing from the state of Goa. This liquor is a hallmark of the culinary heritage of Goa, and it is easily available in almost every bar and liquor joint throughout the state. This drink comes in two varieties; it can either be made out of cashew apples or coconuts. While the cashew feni packs a nutty punch, the coconut feni is imbued with a somewhat milder and sweeter flavour. Like most of the liquors listed above, feni can be taken either neat or with cocktails.
Image Credits: iStock
Amarula
A South African concoction, this creamy and luscious liquor is made from the fruit of the famed Marula trees. It is prepared by first fermenting the fruit, distilling it, and eventually, blending it with cream. Emitting undertones of vanilla and caramel, this liquor pairs well with coffee-infused cocktails as well as desserts, given its naturally sweet taste profile. It can also be blended with coffee to create a rich and smooth cocktail. The famous Amarula Sunset cocktail uses this liquor as one of its vital ingredients.
Kahlúa
This flavour-packed and intense Mexican liquor is known throughout the world for its frequent fusion with coffee-infused cocktails. Prepared using rum, 100% Arabica coffee beans, vanilla, and sugar, the drink strikes a wonderful balance between contrasting flavours, such as sweet and bitter, to produce a highly rich and dynamic liquor. Being so packed with delectable flavours, this drink can be savoured neat; it can also be added to hot coffee or cocktails to elevate their flavours.
Image Credits: iStock
Ouzo
Ouzo is a highly regarded aperitif hailing from Greece; as an aperitif it is best enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink as aperitifs are known to stimulate one’s taste buds to prepare them for the imminent meal. Crafted from juicy local grapes, and flavoured with star anise and botanicals, the drink transforms to a striking milky white colour upon the addition of some water. It goes well with traditional Greek mezze platters; it is also said to resemble liquorice in taste owing to its naturally sweet undertones.