Easy Classic Italian Licorice Liqueur

Name: Easy Classic Italian Licorice Liqueur
Total time: 46 min
Yield: 10 people
Ingredients: Pure Licorice, 100 grams; Water, 120 ml; Sugar, 600 grams; Pure alcohol, 1L

Total time: 45 mins. + resting time (1 week)

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 10 people

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By Ilaria Canevara

Licorice Liqueur is a homemade liqueur perfect to serve as a digestive at the end of a meal or as a gift idea for Christmas or for a special occasion. It is prepared with a few ingredients, easily available: pure licorice in pieces, water, sugar and pure alcohol, furthermore the resting times are short, only a week. Once ready, it is important to keep it in the fridge or freezer and serve it very cold after having shaken it well.

What is Licorice Liqueur

Licorice liqueur, a distinctive and aromatic spirit, traces its origins back to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, where the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been valued for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The practice of infusing alcohol with licorice roots likely began with ancient civilizations that utilized the plant's unique sweet and slightly bitter flavor for both health remedies and culinary purposes. Over time, as distillation techniques evolved, the combination of licorice root and alcohol led to the creation of liqueurs that captured its characteristic taste. In Italy, particularly in the Calabria region, licorice liqueur gained popularity and became a traditional beverage, enjoyed both as a digestif and a flavoring agent in various culinary applications. The 19th and 20th centuries saw its spread across Europe, with each culture adding its own twist to the recipe. Today, licorice liqueur is appreciated worldwide, not only for its rich history but also for its unique and versatile flavor profile that continues to intrigue and delight palates.

Tips for The Best Licorice Liqueur

Cut the licorice into small, uniform pieces to help it dissolve more efficiently in water. You can also gently heat the water to expedite the dissolution process, but avoid boiling to prevent altering the flavor.
Ensure that the licorice liquid is well mixed with the cooled sugar syrup before adding the alcohol. This helps in achieving a consistent flavor throughout the liqueur.
After bottling, let the liqueur rest for at least a week, but preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and mature. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place to preserve the flavor and quality.
Before bottling, consider straining the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove any undissolved licorice particles, ensuring a smooth final product.
For the preparation it is advisable to use an old saucepan, as the licorice tends to stain.

Can I Use Licorice Powder to Make This, Instead?

Yes, you can! The important thing is that it is pure. In this case, however, the powdered licorice will be dissolved in boiling water with sugar. You must then let it cool and add the pure alcohol. The mixture will then be poured into bottles and will have to rest for 1 week.

What Can You Use Licorice Liqueur For?

Once ready, licorice liqueur can be used in a variety of ways to enhance both beverages and culinary creations. Its distinct, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor makes it an excellent ingredient for cocktails, adding depth and complexity to drinks like martinis and spritzers. It can also be enjoyed neat or over ice as a digestif after meals. In the kitchen, licorice liqueur can be incorporated into desserts such as cakes, cookies, and ice creams, providing a unique twist to traditional recipes. Additionally, it can be used to flavor sauces and glazes for meats, offering an intriguing contrast to savory dishes.