Liqueur Liqueur A liqueur (, ) is an alcoholic beverage flavored variously by fruit, herb, spices, flowers, nuts or cream combined with distilled spirit. Often served with or after dessert, they are typically heavily sweetened and un-aged beyond a resting period during production, when necessary, for their flavors to mingle. Liqueurs are historical descendants of herbal medicines. They were made in Italy as early as the 13th century, often prepared by monks, as in Chartreuse). Today they are produced the world over, commonly served straight, over ice, with coffee, in cocktails, and used in cooking. In some areas of the United
Lemon liqueur proof neutral spirits to extract from it the lemon oil (an essential oil). The extraction is then diluted with simple syrup. Different varieties of lemon are used to produce different flavors. The variety of lemon used is usually dictated by region. Various alcohols can be used to give distinct flavors. A higher proof alcohol maximizes extraction of the lemon flavor, whereas darker alcohols add complexity of flavor. Many commercial brands of lemon liqueur are produced in Italy, in several styles (see Italian liqueur). In Italy, especially in Campania, lemon liqueur is consumed as a chaser ("ammazzacaffè") to coffee. Lemon liqueur