www.cheersonline.com
12
• October 2016
I
n cocktails, cordials and liqueurs play the
supporting role of wingman to the base
spirit. "They are the Robin to Batman," says
James Camp, beverage manager at Burlock
Coast Seafare and Spirits in the Ritz Carlton
Fort Lauderdale in Florida. "Cocktailians feel
they must continue to push the envelope
and need great-tasting and exotic-sounding
ingredients—and cordials fi t that bill."
Indeed, liqueurs play a crucial role in the
modern bar scene, both in cocktails and on
their own. While some venerable elixirs boast
centuries of history, the bourgeoning craft
scene is also busy conjuring contemporary
cordial fl avors. These provide bartenders with
a dazzling range for creativity.
"Centuries ago, liqueurs were originally
compounded as medicines," points out
October 2016
How cordials and liqueurs
bring depth and complexity
to the cocktail party
By Thomas Henry Strenk