What is ginger liqueur made of?

It is very easy to make and requires very few ingredients: ginger root obviously, alcohol, water and sugar . Like with any good liquor, a lengthy maceration and resting time is necessary, so that all the flavors are absorbed and for it to become nice and golden in color.

What is a good substitute for ginger liqueur?

For an organic alternative, FruitLab Ginger Liqueur is sure to please. Ginger brandies are similar, though most are likely a little sweeter. Ginger syrup is a good substitute, and since it's nonalcoholic, using it will lower the drink's strength.

What is the difference between King's ginger and Domaine de Canton?

Another spirit, The King's Ginger, has evolved from a 1903 recipe created for King Edward VII of England. It's made from a neutral-based grain spirit, ginger, lemon oil, sugar and Scotch. Whereas Domaine de Canton, which launched in 2007 and is made in France, uses baby ginger, combined with vanilla beans and honey.

How long does ginger liqueur last?

Most liqueur should be used within 6 months to a year after opening.

Does ginger turn into alcohol?

Brewers would boil ginger, add sugar to the liquid, and then allow the resulting liquid to ferment, resulting in a beverage (ginger beer) with about an 11 percent alcohol content . That's high! Today's ginger beer is rarely fermented, however, so you'll note on the label that it is completely alcohol free.

Is there a ginger flavored liqueur?

While Domaine De Canton prides itself on being the original and is the most widely known ginger liqueur, it isn't the only on worth trying.

What are the health benefits of ginger liqueur?

Ginger Liqueur helps to improve blood circulation and expel “coldness” from the body . It is especially beneficial towards conditions such as cold hands and feet.

What can you substitute for liqueur in a recipe?

No orange liqueur? Orange juice to the rescue. Joachim says bourbon flavors are primarily caramel and vanilla, so you can instead caramelize some sugar and mix that with water. Or pivot to a nonalcoholic vanilla extract or flavor, which also works for almond flavors when a recipe calls for something like amaretto.

What is the best tasting ginger in the world?

Buderim Ginger - The World's Finest Ginger.

What is the best quality ginger in the world?

Cochin Ginger is widely considered to be one of the Finest in the world, commanding a Premium Price, because of its Lemon-Like Flavor, Low Fiber Content and High Moisture Content. The principal Markets of Cochin Quality Dried Ginger are the Middle East (particularly Saudi Arabia), USA, UK and The Netherlands.

What does ginger liqueur taste like?

The liqueur has a strong ginger aroma similar to ginger beer and is virtually colorless. At 24% ABV it's the heavier of the two in its sugar content, but it makes up for it with an intense bite of ginger flavor especially at the back end.

What is the origin of ginger liqueur?

In 1903, the royal physician became concerned about the monarch's health. So he turned to Berry Bros. and Rudd for a solution: a liqueur that would warm and invigorate His Majesty. Made from ginger (known for centuries for its medicinal properties), The King's Ginger was born .

What is ginger liqueur used for?

Ginger liqueur brings a semi-sweet, slightly spicy flavor to co*cktails. It can be used in various recipes, featuring everything from whiskey to gin and vodka to rum .

DIY Ginger Liqueur Recipe (2024)

Ginger

This homemade ginger liqueur can compete with Domaine de Canton on flavor—for less than half the cost and only 20 minutes of work.

Marcia Simmons

Contributor

Marcia Simmons is the author of DIY co*cktails: A Simple Guide to Creating Your Own Signature Drinks (2010).

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Updated December 02, 2022

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Why It Works

This homemade ginger liqueur can compete with Domaine de Canton on flavor—for less than half the cost and only 20 minutes of work.
Steeping time is very short, so this is a perfect DIY holiday gift.
Unleash your creativity by experimenting with different flavor combinations in small batches to make something you won't find on a liquor store shelf.

Ginger liqueur offers an exciting blend of sweet and spicy flavors. It can turn a basic drink into an intricately layered co*cktail experience. Sure, you can use ginger liqueur all year (it's great with sparkling wine, especially when muddled with peaches in the summer) but this potion especially calls to us in winter, when it's just the thing to spice up our drinks.

What's Available to Buy?

Domaine de Cantonis the most common ginger liqueur on the market. The ginger kick in Canton is balanced with vanilla, honey, and Cognac—it's elegant, but a bit sweet.Snapis a bolder ginger liqueur featuring nutmeg, cinnamon, and Rooibos tea in its mix of spices. It reminds me of a hearty gingerbread. Both cost about $30 a bottle—though I think Domaine de Canton is a more flexible co*cktail ingredient. TheKing's Gingeris a slightly more expensive high-proof ginger liqueur with an intense bite—smooth but barely sweet.

Stirrings also offers a less complex ginger liqueur for half the price. Though it has a lovely flavor, I find that it doesn't add any more dimension to mixed drinks than a well-made ginger simple syrup would.

Why DIY?

As easy as it is to buy a bottle of Canton, my recipe for DIY ginger liqueur takes only 30 minutes of work and tastes just as delicious and refined. The steeping time is very short, so this is a perfect homemade holiday gift. (Hear that, procrastinators?)

It's also fun to play with different flavor combinations in small batches. Add some cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom for an earthier liqueur that's a good match for ciders and warm holiday drinks. A little lemon zest and lemongrass will give you a bright, Asian-inspired flavor. The beauty of homemade liqueur is unleashing your creativity to make something you won't see on the shelf at some liquor store.

Use It!

Your homemade liqueur is perfect for jazzing up all sorts of co*cktails. The simpleTom Collinssuddenly tastes exotic with a bit of ginger, but you can also get more complicated than that. Add a little to a hot toddy on a cold night. And yes, it's goodin eggnog, or shaken up withrosemary and pears.

Ginger pairs well with so many flavors—think about food recipes that you like that include ginger, and then use those flavors in a co*cktail. Carrots, oranges, lemons, apples, pumpkin, green tea—these things are natural partners for ginger and could be the basis for a great new drink. If you give your liqueur as a gift, you can include some handwritten recipe cards featuring your favorite ginger liqueur co*cktails. That is, if you can bear to part with some of it.

December 2011

Recipe Details