Curaçao liqueur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Curaçao | |
|---|---|
| Type | Liqueur |
| Manufacturer | (various) |
| Country of Origin | Curaçao |
| Introduced | 19th century |
| Colour | clear, blue, green, orange, red |
| Flavour | Bitter orange |
Curaçao is a liqueur flavoured with the dried peels of Larahas, a type of bitter orange grown on the island of Curaçao. A non-native plant, Larahas developed from Valencia oranges transplanted by Spanish explorers. While Valencias are sweet, the nutrient-poor soil and arid climate of Curaçao changed the fruit's taste, creating the Laraha.
Initially discovered by accident, the drink was first developed and marketed by the Senior family (a Jewish family from Curaçao) in the 19th century. To create the liqueur, the peels of the Laraha are dried, bringing out their sweetly fragranced oils. After soaking in a still with alcohol and water for several days, the peels are removed and other spices are added. As of 2002, most Curaçao liqueur is produced synthetically elsewhere.
The liqueur has an orange flavour with varying degrees of bitterness. It is produced clear, and can have blue, green, orange or red colouring added. The most common blue Curaçao is primarily used as an exotic colouring agent in cocktails and other mixed drinks.
[edit] See also
- Orange Curacao
- Laraha
- Island of Curaçao
- List of liqueurs
- Triple sec
[edit] References
- Benjamin, Alan Fredric (2002). Jews of the Dutch Caribbean. Routledge. ISBN 0415274397.
