Liquor vs. Liqueur: What’s the Difference?

Ever found yourself pouring Baileys into a spiked hot chocolate or shaking up a couple of mai tais for a tiki party and wondering, what’s the different between liquor and liqueur?

It’s a common question, and we’ll break it down so you’ll never mix the two up again—unless you’re making cocktails, of course.

There are a few key differences when it comes to liquor vs. liqueur. First, liquor and spirits are one and the same. Another quick tip to fall back on is to look at the alcohol percentages. Liquors are boozier than liqueurs. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves! Let’s dive into the basics.

What Is Liquor?

Liquors are spirits, those strong distilled alcohols made with grains, sugar cane, grapes and so on. In other words, liquors are vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila and rum, all perfect for when it’s time to break out the cocktail shaker.

Spirits range in alcohol content. The minimum is 20% alcohol by volume (ABV) on the low end of the spectrum, with most bottled around 40%. Some liquors boast higher ABV levels, like navy strength gin and overproof rum.

In short, if you plan to make a martini, sip on a G&T or say cheers with an Old-Fashioned, you’re going to need liquor.

What Is Liqueur?

While liqueurs contain spirits (i.e., liquor), they’re also blended with other ingredients. Think spices, herbs, flowers and fruits, along with other flavorings, and most notably, sugar. Yes, liqueurs are delightfully sweet tipples enjoyed not only in cocktails (where they’re usually mixed with liquor) but also as after-dinner drinks, whether neat, over ice or splashed into a cup of coffee. Common liqueurs include amaretto, kahlua, sambuca and Irish cream.

Liqueurs have a lower alcohol content compared to spirits, usually between 15 and 30%, though there are some exceptions. In the past, the ancestors of many of our modern liqueurs were used as herbal tonics and medicines, and some, like Chartreuse, remain with us today. You’ll find many types of liqueurs: chocolate, flower, fruit, nut, cream, coffee and several more to boot.

From your classic Godfather made with amaretto to the Kahlua and Baileys-infused mudslide (aka a grown-up milkshake), liqueur transforms cocktails from good to great. Keep a couple of bottles of liqueur in your home bar—right next to your liquor.

Easy Mixed Drinks Anyone Can Master

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Red Sangria This sangria is perfect for relaxed get-togethers and it’s even better if you make it the night before and let the flavors steep. But watch out—it goes down easy. Directions: In a pitcher, stir together 1 (750 ml) bottle of merlot, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of orange liqueur and ½-1 cup of brandy until the sugar has dissolved. Top with 3 cups of cold lemon-lime soda or sparkling water and your choice of sliced fruit. Serve over ice. Yield: about 10 servings. Get Recipe The other sangrias featured in the video above are our Quick White Sangria and Salty Dog Sangria.

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French 75 French 75 was a drink created at Harry's New York Bar, which is located in Paris France, during WWI. The original version of the drink had a powerful kick, like French 75 mm artillery gun. The version here uses less gin. Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add 3/4 of an ounce of gin, 1 tablespoon of confectioners' sugar or simple syrup and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice; cover and shake 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into a flute glass and top with champagne. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe Also check out what are bitters and how do you use them in cocktails?

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Moscow MuleOriginally developed in the 1940s, the Moscow Mule has made a big comeback is now one of the most popular mixed drinks. Could be it's refreshing taste or that pretty copper mug (or both!). Directions: Combine 4 cups ginger beer, 2/3 cup lime juice and 1-1/4 cups vodka in a pitcher. Serve over ice. If desired, serve with lime slices. Yield: 6 servings.

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Chocolate MartiniIs it a beverage or a dessert? Don't let its looks fool you: This chocolate martini is potent but good! Directions: If desired, give your martini glass a chocolate rim and drizzle chocolate syrup in the glass. Then, fill a tumbler or mixing glass three-fourths full with ice. Add 2-1/2 ounces of half-and-half cream, 1-1/2 ounces of vodka, 1-1/2 ounces of chocolate liqueur and 1-1/2 ounces creme de cacao; stir until condensation forms on the outside of the tumbler. Strain into the martini glass.Yield: 1 serving.

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Spiked LemonadeRum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. Directions: Stir 1 cup of light rum into 2 quarts of homemade lemonade. For each serving, place ¾-1 cup of ice in a Collins or highball glass. Pour lemonade mixture into glass and garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Yield: about 8 servings.

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Bloody MaryHorseradish makes this the best Bloody Mary recipe we've tasted. Without the horseradish, you'll have a more traditional Bloody Mary, and without the alcohol, you'll have a Virgin Mary. Serve with a stalk of celery, dill pickle spear or olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Horseradish makes this one of the best Bloody Mary recipes in the world.</p> <p><strong>Directions:</strong> Garnish rim of tall glass with celery salt. Place remaining ice in prepared glass. Add 2 oz. vodka, 1 cup tomato juice, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 1-1/2 tsp. lime juice, 3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp. horseradish,  1/8 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp celery salt and 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce to shaker; cover and shake. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish as desired. <strong>Yield:</strong> 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]

Fresh Lime MargaritasThis basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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This basic margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Directions: In a pitcher, combine 1/2 cup tequila, 1/2 cup Triple Sec, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons superfine sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved. Moisten rims of four margarita or cocktail glasses with lime wedges. Sprinkle salt on a plate; dip rims in salt. Serve in prepared glasses over crushed ice. Yield: 4 servings.[/rms_recipe]

Brandy Old-Fashioned SweetThe concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s. This version is extremely popular in Wisconsin. (Psst! You'll love these other brandy cocktails.) Directions: In a rocks glass, muddle 1 orange slice, 1 maraschino cherry,  1-1/2 oz. maraschino cherry juice and 1 teaspoon bitters. Add 1/4 cup ice. Pour in 1-1/2 oz. brandy, 2 teaspoons water, 1 teaspoon orange juice and 3 oz. lemon-lime soda. Yield: 1 serving.

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White RussianThis creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. Directions: Add a few ice cubes to a rock glass and stir in 1-1/2 ounces vodka and 1-1/2 ounces Kahlua. Then top with 3 ounces heavy whipping cream or milk. Yield: 1 serving.

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MojitoTraditional mojitos are made with rum, which is both pleasant and mildly sweet. Directions: Squeeze and drop a lime wedge into a highball glass. Then, add 2 teaspoons of sugar and muddle together. Gently press or slap 2 sprigs of mint and add to glass along with some ice. Pour 2 ounces of white rum and top with club soda. Garnish with a lime slice and additional mint, if desired. Yield: 1 serving.

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Passion Fruit HurricanesThis is a version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. Directions: In a pitcher, combine 2 cups of passion fruit juice, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar, 3/4 cup of lime juice, 3/4 cup of light rum, 3/4 cup of dark rum and 3 tablespoons of grenadine; stir until sugar is dissolved. Then, add ice to 6 hurricane or highball glasses and evenly divide the cocktail between the glasses. Yield: 6 servings.

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PalomaThis summer-perfect cocktail is refreshing without being too sweet. Directions: In a highball glass filled with ice, combine a dash of salt, 1-1/2 ounces of tequila and 1/2 an ounce of lime juice. Top with grapefruit soda or sparkling peach citrus soda and garnish with a lime wedge. Yield: 1 serving.

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Also check out how to use bitters in more than just cocktails.

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Americano Cocktail Recipe

The cocktail contains the bittersweet taste of Campari paired with sweet vermouth and club soda. Directions: Pour 1-1/2 oz Campari and 1-1/2 oz sweet vermouth into an ice-filled glass. Then, pour in 3 oz. club soda, and stir well. Yield: 1 serving.

Pina ColadaVelvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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A velvety-smooth texture and taste of the tropics are what this pina colada delivers. Directions: In a 2-qt. pitcher, combine 2-1/4 cups pineapple juice, 1 can cream of coconut and 1-1/2 cups rum. Chill. For each serving, place a generous cup of rum mixture and 1 cup ice in a blender. Cover and process until smooth. Pour into a chilled hurricane glass. Garnish each with a pineapple wedge. Yield: 6 servings. [/rms_recipe]

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MartiniMartinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Martinis can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. Directions: Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add 3 oz. gin or vodka and 1/2 oz. dry vermouth; cover and shake until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with olives. Yield: 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]

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Gin and Tonic

This iconic drink is super easy to make. Directions: Pour 3 oz. gin, 4 oz. tonic water and 1 tablespoon lime juice over ice in a chilled glass. Stir well. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

Irish CoffeeThis Irish coffee lives up to its reputation as a relaxing after-dinner drink. Creme de menthe adds a colorful touch to the cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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My maternal grandma was never a drinker, beyond a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist Bailey's Irish Coffee. Directions: Divide 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 ounces of Irish whiskey between 2 mugs; then top with coffee. If desired, beat together 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon of green creme de menthe until a whipped cream forms and top the coffees. Yield: 2 servings.[/rms_recipe]

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MicheladaTry this kicked-up beer cocktail that’s a zesty mix of Mexican lager, lime juice and hot sauce. There are many variations, but this easy recipe is perfect for rookie mixologists. Directions: If desired, give your glass a salt rim. Then, fill a large glass with ice. In the glass, combine 6 dashes of hot sauce, 3 dashes of Maggi seasoning or soy sauce, 1-3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, ¼-⅓ cup of lime juice and 1 bottle (12 ounces) of Corona, Modelo or Tecate. Garnish with lime wedges. Yield: 1 serving.

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Mudslide

Creamy in texture and rich in taste, the mudslide is basically the equivalent of an adult milkshake. Directions: In a blender, combine 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream, 1 oz. Kahlua, 1 oz. vodka, 1 oz. cream and ice. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. Pour into a chilled glass. Yield: 1 serving.

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Whiskey Sour Don't let the name fool you. Even though cocktail does contain lip-puckering lemon, the simple syrup and bourbon add extra sweetness. Directions: In a shaker, combine 1-1/2 oz. bourbon, 3/4 oz. simple syrup, 3/4 oz. lemon juice and ice. Shake well, and pour into glass. Garnish with a cherry. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

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Sidecar Welcome summer with this tart citrus delight. Treat yourself to this sunny drink. Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add 1 ounce of brandy, 2/3 of an ounce of triple sec and 3 teaspoons of lemon juice. Cover and shake for 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

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Zombie Cocktail

This tropical drink will be a sure crowd-pleaser at any beach themed parties or tiki bars. Directions: Combine 1-1/2 oz. golden rum,  1/2 oz. white rum, 1 oz. dark rum,  1 teaspoon papaya juice, 1 teaspoon pineapple juice, 1 teaspoon superfine sugar and 1 oz. lime juice over ice in a glass. Stir well. Pour 1/2 oz. 151-proof rum into the mixture, stirring it in. Yield: 1 serving.

Champagne CocktailThis amber champagne cocktail is a bubbly twist on the traditional old-fashioned. Try it with extra dry champagne. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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This amber drink is a champagne twist on the traditional old-fashioned. Directions: Place 1 sugar cube in a champagne flute or cocktail glass; sprinkle with 6 dashes of bitters. Add 1/2 oz. brandy; top with 1/2 cup chilled champagne. If desired, top with rosemary and cranberries. Yield: 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]

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Sazerac Hailing from the busy streets of New Orleans, the Sazerac cocktail is ideal for whiskey lovers. Directions: Rinse out a glass using absinthe. In a separate glass, stir 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 3 dashes of Peychaud's bitters. Pour in 2 oz. rye whiskey, then fill the glass with ice. Stir the mixture, then strain into the rinsed out, prepared glass. Place the lemon peel over the top of the drink, and discard once oils have been extracted. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe Take a trip to the Big Easy with this sophisticated Sazerac recipe, the official cocktail of New Orleans.

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Gimlet For the light drinker, suggest a Gimlet. The blend of slightly sweet and tart flavors is appealing, but not overwhelming. You can also use vodka if gin isn't your favorite. Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of confectioners' sugar; cover and shake for 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a lime slice. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

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Black Russian Here are no-fuss black Russians that are smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. Directions: Place ice in a rocks glass and top with 1 ounce of vodka and 1 ounce of Kahlua. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

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Screwdriver With just two simple ingredients, you'll have a classic drink that's a real crowd-pleaser. Directions: Place ice in a rocks glass. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 3 ounces of orange juice and garnish with an orange slice. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

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Boulevardier The boulevardier cocktail is a great option for serving at a formal dinner party or more elegant event. Directions: Stir 1 oz. sweet vermouth, 1 oz. Campari and 1-1/2 oz. bourbon whiskey in a glass filled with ice. Strain, then pour into a chilled glass. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

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Vesper

One thing is for sure: The Vesper is not for the faint of heart. The simple cocktail is created using three types of liquor, making the drink a very potent one. Directions: Stir 1 oz. vodka, 3 oz. gin and 1/2 oz. Lillet Blanc in a glass filled with ice. Strain, then pour into a chilled glass. Rub lemon peel along the rim of the glass, and drop it in. Yield: 1 serving.

Pineapple Rum PunchIf you want a taste of the tropics, this is the drink for you. Directions: In a pitcher, combine 3-1/2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice, 1-1/2 cups orange juice, 1 cup coconut water, 1 cup orange-peach-mango juice, 1 cup coconut rum, 1 cup dark rum, 1/4 cup key lime juice (regular limes are OK, too) and 3 tablespoons of grenadine. Just stir and serve over ice! Yield: 12 servings—this one's for a party!

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Mint Julep It wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without mint juleps! But, really, this cocktail is good anytime. Directions: Make mint simple syrup. Cover and refrigerate syrup for at least 2 hours or until chilled. For each serving, place ice in a metal julep cup or rocks glass. Pour 1/4 cup mint syrup and 1 oz. bourbon into the glass; stir until mixture is well chilled. Garnish with mint sprig. Yield: 10 servings. Go to Recipe

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Tequila Sunrise When you really want to relax and enjoy the evening try one of these mild orange-flavored Tequila Sunrises. Directions: Place ice in a Collins or highball glass. Add 1-1/2 ounces of tequila and 4-1/2 ounces of orange juice to the glass, then slowly pour 1-1/2 teaspoons of grenadine over a bar spoon into the center of the drink. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

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Negroni Bitter and sweet flavors coexist peacefully in the Negroni cocktail. Directions: Pour 1-1/2 oz. sweet vermouth, 1-1/2oz. Campari and 1-1/2 oz. gin in a glass filled with ice. Stir well. Yield: 1 serving. Get Recipe

MimosaA standard offering at brunches, mimosas are as pretty as they are tasty. In this recipe, the champagne doesn't overpower the orange juice—especially if the champagne is extra dry. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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A standard offering at brunches, Mimosas are as pretty as they are tasty. Directions: Pour 2 oz. champagne into a champagne flute or wine glass. Pour 1/2 oz. Triple Sec and 2 oz. orange juice into the glass. Garnish as desired. Yield: 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]

Mai TaiThis party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. For a splash of color, garnish with strawberries and lime.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

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This party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. Directions: Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Place additional ice in a rocks glass; set aside. Add 2 oz. light rum, 3/4 oz. triple sec, 1/2 oz lemon juice, 1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice and 1-1/2 teaspoons amaretto to shaker; cover and shake for 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish as desired. Yield: 1 serving.[/rms_recipe] Next, check out these 15 types of cocktail glasses that serious mixologists recommend.