Curaçao liqueur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Curaçao | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Liqueur |
| Alcohol by volume | 21% |
| 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 orange grown on the island of Curaçao. A non-native plant, Larahas developed from the sweet Valencia orange transplanted by Spanish explorers; 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 of Spanish descent) in the 19th century[1]. 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.
The liqueur has an orange flavour with varying degrees of bitterness. It is produced clear, but can have blue, green, orange, or red colouring added. The most common coloured variety is blue Curaçao, which is primarily used as an exotic colouring agent in cocktails and other mixed drinks.
Some other liquors are also sold as Curaçaos with different flavours added, such as Coffee, Chocolate and Rum Raisin.
[edit] See also
- Laraha
- Island of Curaçao
- List of liqueurs
- Triple sec
[edit] References
- ^ Benjamin, Alan Fredric (2002). Jews of the Dutch Caribbean. Routledge. ISBN 0415274397.
