Whats the difference between a spirit and a liqueur?

Answer 1

a spirit is one of 7 kinds

Vodka
Gin
Rum
Tequila
Scotch
Whiskey
Bourbon

that's the order you'll find them in almost every speed rack across the country... with exceptions

Liqueur is flavored stuff... anything that isn't the above.

Its all about how its made. Spirits are distilled and then liqueur is made from them. Those 6 are the basic building blocks.

I learned this 7 years ago when I first became a BARTENDER

In addition, liqueurs are usually made from grain or fruit. Gin is made from the juniper berry. Vodka from various grains and potatoes. Rum from sugar cain. Tequila from the blue agave cactus. Whiskey is made from corn and I forget the other ingredient. Bourbon is made in Kentucky... this is why Jack Daniels is called a Bourbon but isn't because they are not licensed to operate in Kentucky.

Liqueurs are various concoctions. But they must have alcohol in them. Alcohol can be made by distillation only.

Scotch, Whiskey, and Bourbon are all made from similar ingredients. Scotch is made in Scotland, Whiskey in various parts of the world, and Bourbon in Kentucky.

The following link should clear up any confusion here.

and you can't say liqueurs are around 35% cause what do you call Southern Comfort??? A honey peach flavored liqueur... Yea that's right. Proof means 0/200. As in 80 proof SoCo is 40%. And pure alcohol is 200 proof. Everclear is 160 proof... as in 80% ouch.
I rest my case :0

ah yes I did forget brandy... oops
Michael is also correct

Answer 2

First of all, the difference has nothing to do with alcohol content. The six basic spirits: Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Gin, and Brandy usually range between 80-100 proof but can still be classified in their respective categories at higher and lower proofs. This being said, some previous answers said liqueurs have lower proofs than spirits. Sciarada (80 proof), Chartreuse (110 proof), and Escorial A (112 proof) are all classified as liqueurs. Liqueurs do not neccesarily have a high sugar content either. Many of them are very bitter and potent. Liqueurs are usually made from a spirit base with various other herbs, spices, and flavorings added. Spirits are a distillation of a few basic ingredients.

Answer 3

A liqueur has a lower alcohol content, generally 20-35% where spirits are around 35%+ Also, liqueurs tend to be sweet, with sugar or other sweeteners added and other flavors from fruit, berries, spices, herbs and such.

Spirits are in general higher in alcohol content and if any flavors are added, they are minimal in their concentration as compared to liqueurs.

There is no distinct line between the two, as you'll occasionally see one or the other that crosses the line one way or another while still being called the other.

Here's how the US federal government breaks it down:
http://www.ttb.gov/spirits/chapter4.pdf

Answer 4

Spirit is to all intents and purposes pure alcohol, whereas a liqueur is modified with sugars and often flavourings. Take Quantro for example this is pure alcohol with water, sugar, orange taste and herbs. Whilst very nice etc. the basics are still that it is just spirit and sugar.

Answer 5

All liqueurs are spirits but not all spirits are liqueurs.

The difference is whether it has sweetness (sugar), liqueurs do!

The word spirits simply implies to any distilled liquid ... not just those for human consumption.

Answer 6

"Spirit" is the antiquated word for anything with alcohol. A liqueur is a distinct name for a cordial, a sweet, syrupy strong alcoholic concoction, usually around 80 proof.

Answer 7

theres noting different about the two. us in the uk call it spirits and in the us they call it liqueur.

Answer 8

....A liqueur is more of a sugary libation, a 'spirits' has more alcohol content. Happy Libations !!!!!

Answer 9

No difference.
Spirit is English /American vocabulary
Liqueur is French or Latin origin

Answer 10

about 20 percent alcohol i should think.