Spirits On The Rise: What Sells!

Cordially Yours - Sweet Spirits Fuel Hot Cocktail Trend

Cordials play a significant role in almost every popular cocktail these days from the classic Margarita to the trendy flavored martinis. Cordial cocktails are hot right now and playing a major role in the revival of the cocktail culture.

Cordials and Liqueurs are the third leading category in the U. S. spirits market representing 12.5% of all spirits consumed in the U.S. Revenue grew 12.1% last year with premium and high end premium products driving the growth at 15.2% and 20.7% respectively.

“The flavor profiles are so vast that mixologists rely on them when they look to create something new and fresh for their customers.” said Shawn Kelley, Public Relations Director for the Distilled Spirits Council. “With cordials, the cocktail possibilities are endless.”

Cordials and Liqueurs are defined as spirits flavored with a minimum of 2.5% sweetener which can include herbs, roots, fruits, nuts and spices. The flavoring can be added using a distillation, infusion, maceration or percolation technique.

Flavoring Techniques

Distillation is the process of blending alcohol and flavoring agents together before distilling them.

Infusion is the steeping of mashed fruits or herbs in water or alcohol often with the application of heat, then filtering the liquid and mixing it with neutral grain spirits and sugar.

Maceration is the steeping of the herbs or fruits in alcohol then filtering the liquid and mixing it with neutral spirits and sugar.

Percolation is like the process inside a coffee pot, circulating the alcohol through a container holding the materials from which the flavor is extracted over and over.

Excerpted from The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff.

Are they popular?

Yes, cordials and liqueurs are the 3rd largest category by consumption after vodka and rum. In 2005, it represented 12.5% of the total distilled spirits consumed in the U.S. Both domestic and imported cordials have been increasing for the past 7 years.

Some popular flavor profiles:
Nut: almond and hazelnut
Bean: chocolate and coffee
Fruit: orange, lemon, cherry, apple
Herbal: licorice, vanilla
Creams: coffee, chocolate
Bitters: orange, artichoke

Click here for “How To” taste liqueurs.