Flower Liqueurs

Liqueurs are alcoholic beverages that are prepared by blending several components together. These components can be quite varied, ranging from coffee and fruits to flowers and herbs. Liqueurs also have an added sugar component in them, which give them their characteristic sweet taste. Most liqueurs have low alcohol content, around 15%. But there are exceptions to this rule. Liqueur names usually are an indication of the type of flavoring imparted to the liqueur. Flower liqueurs are liqueurs distilled with flowers. Consequently, they have the characteristic flavor of the flower imparted to them.

Preparation

Most of the flower liqueurs have an alcoholic base such as brandy or vodka. The flower that you want to use as a flavor is added to the base. You then perform one of the following for the flavor to seep into the base:

1. Distillation: Distillation helps the flavor to properly enter the base and at the same time helps increase the alcohol content.
   
   
2. Maceration: You macerate the flowers in the base and then store it for some time. After a few weeks, the flavor seeps into the alcohol
   
   
3. Percolation: This method is commonly used in homes to prepare liqueurs. The flowers are just stored in the alcohol for a long period of time. The flavor percolates into the liqueur.
   
   

After the alcohol has taken the flavor, the desired amount of sugar is added to the liqueur. This is then dissolved and the liqueur is then stored away.

Common Flower-liqueurs

Roses are among the most commonly used flowers for making Flower-liqueurs. Roses have a very pleasing fragrance. This coupled with their easy availability make them an ideal candidate for flower-liqueurs. Some very well-known rose liqueurs are the Bulgrian Rose liqueur, Crème de Rose, Liqueur de Rose etc. The Crème de Violette, which is flavored with Violet flowers, is a very famous liqueur and is in great demand all over the world. Other flowers such as lavender, lotus, and hibiscus are also used to make a variety of liqueurs.

The flower liqueur which however is in the most demand at the moment is made from elderberry flowers plucked in spring. Called as St. Germain liqueur, the flavor of the liqueur consists of a mixture of peach, orange, grapefruit and pear. It is made in the artisanal French style and is usually had with white wine or champagne and consequently is used in many cocktails such as the Bramble Bar Cocktail, containing whisky, apple juice and the liqueur.