Nadia George
February 21, 2024
Coloured cocktails are often led by the splashy, flashy Blue Curaçao. But it's not just about the blues; there's a whole rainbow of liqueurs out there, each adding its own hue and flavour to your drink.
Blue Curaçao is like a vacation in liquid form. It's got a signature tropical, citrusy flavour that's all thanks to the Lahara fruit, a bitter orange found on the island of Curaçao.
An Italian classic that’s as dark as a moonless night but shines with complex flavours of star anise, elderberries, and a whisper of licorice. Black Sambuca is the go-to for when you want to add an air of the mysterious to your cocktails.
Then there's Green Chartreuse. This one's like the mysterious, wise old sage of the liqueur world. Made by French monks with a secret blend of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, it's got a complexity that's hard to pin down but easy to love.
Aperol and Campari are the sunset-hued siblings, bringing a bit of Italian flair to the mix. Aperol's lighter, sweeter, and, well, orangier, perfect for spritzes that taste like summer. Campari's the bolder one, with a bitterness that's an acquired taste but easy to get on.
For something a little softer, there’s Crème de Violette. It’s like springtime in a bottle, with a delicate floral flavour and a soft, lilac hue. It’s not as common in the mixologist’s lineup, but it’s the star of the classic Aviation cocktail.
Not all colours shout; some just whisper. St-Germain, with its elegant bottle and golden hue, brings a touch of class. Made from elderflowers, it’s got a sweet, floral taste that’s versatile enough to play well with everything from champagne to gin.