Aperitifs & Night Caps
Liqueurs are making a serious comeback. From exciting new expressions of fruit, spice and herbs to rediscovered classics, these scintillating spirits set the tone for the cocktail hour and raise the bar after dinner, too.
Before Dinner: The Amuse Bouche
Call it what you want — an aperitivo, aperitif or an “amuse-bouche”— the best pre-dinner drinks are refreshing, light in alcohol and pair well with savoury snacks. These cheeky little bittersweet, fresh and fruit-forward liqueurs are the perfect appetizer hack, since they’ll prime the palate for more adventures in food and drink.
FRUIT FORWARD
Patrón Citronge Extra Fine Mango Liqueur
Made from fresh ataulfo fruit blended with the legendary Patrón tequila, it’s juicy and bright — a true crowd-pleaser, whether served straight-up or on the rocks.
Maxime Trijol Orange Liqueur
A fresh take on an old-school French classic, Maxime Trijol is made with plenty of rich orange flavour layered onto the liqueur’s backbone — the Trijol House’s award-winning Cognac.
FRESH
Giffard Lichi-Li
Pink drinks never get old, but the aromatic and complex Giffard’s Lichi-Li is especially playful, thanks to added passion fruit and a touch of bitter tonic that cuts the sweet.
Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
This French ginger liqueur features tastes of ginseng and other herbs and spices inspired by the spicy-sweet flavour combinations of southern Chinese cuisine.
After Dinner: The Nightcap
When dinner’s done, these bold, herbal, spicy and, of course, creamy liqueurs are what’s for dessert — simple to plan and easy to serve, so nothing gets in the way of catching up with good company.
HERBAL ESSENCES
Chartreuse Green
This rich and complex liqueur is made by Carthusian monks in the French Alps, according to a 400-year-old recipe of secret herbs and spices.
Strega Alberti Benevento
Invented 150 years ago as a saffron-tinged herbal remedy for stomach problems, a.k.a. a “digestivo,” Strega is great for sipping straight.
CREAM LIQUEURS
RumChata Cream Liqueur
Another bartender favourite, RumChata is a tropical twist on the old standard cream liqueur, inspired by a traditional Mexican cinnamon rice-milk drink.
Five Farms Single Batch Irish Cream
An indulgent, rich whiskey cream with butterscotch and vanilla notes, this Irish Cream comes in an adorable ceramic milk bottle.
MODERN CLASSICS
Ancho Reyes Liqueur
The impossibly cool Ancho Reyes is better-known as a must-have Margarita ingredient, but to fully appreciate the sweet heat of this ancho chili liqueur, sip it neat.
Kavi Reserve Coffee Blended Canadian Whisky
An expertly blended mix of bold coffee and high-quality whisky made right here in Ontario, it’s easily one of the best coffee liqueurs around.
