The world of liqueurs has been described as “tantalizing” and “where flavors come alive”. October 16 is designated this year as National Liqueur Day which is a good day to try a liqueur in a cocktail or served neat at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa (GV).
Liqueurs (sometimes called cordials) differ from liquor because of the higher sugar content and the flavors infused in the liqueurs. Plus, liqueurs are most often consumed after dinner or as part of a dessert.
Liqueur producers often add flavors from fruits, herbs, nuts, or spices. Shae Pridemore distills liqueurs at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa (GV). He said GV’s liqueurs are popular for many reasons including Gervasi’s use of fresh ingredients.
Shae said, “Liqueurs are a type of distilled spirit. The difference comes in the finishing of the liqueurs. Typically, a flavor is infused and legally to be called a liqueur a percentage of sugar is added. Our use of local and fresh ingredients gives our spirits an elevated flavor profile. From the locally-sourced blueberries, the freshly roasted coffee beans, or when we peel the citrus by hand. We don’t take shortcuts and that makes us proud of our liqueurs.”
Guests’ Favorite Pairings
Gervasi offers three popular liqueurs:
- BLU — Gervasi’s BLU is fashioned by a maceration of farm fresh blueberries and fine grain spirits crafting a liqueur with summery blueberry notes. The blueberries hail from Blossom Creek Farm situated in Northeast Ohio’s beautiful rolling hills. The liqueur is crafted with excellence in Gervasi’s boutique distillery. Enjoy BLU’s sunny delights as you wish – even with delectable desserts.
- Citro — Gervasi’s Citro liqueur represents the juncture of a lemon-lime-orange trio producing a poised and zestfully delightful experience of tart citrus and velvety sweetness. Enjoy it chilled, in cocktails or even drizzled on desserts. Experience the sunshine of Citro.
- Giava — Gervasi’s Giava liqueur is an exquisite composition emanating from tailor-roasted coffee delivering rich coffee flavors and aromas augmented by alluring sweetness. Experience the lush rush of Giava.
“Our first liqueur and best seller is BLU, our blueberry liqueur. We use locally grown blueberries that macerate for three months. The bright blueberry flavor really feels like summer,” Shae said. “BLU goes nicely over a bowl full of lemon sorbet. We have paired Giava, our coffee liqueur, with vanilla bean ice cream, either on the side or poured right over top for our more adventurous guests. My personal favorite is a glass of our Citro with a slice of dark chocolate cake.”
Never Too Fancy to Try
Some people think that liqueurs might be too fancy for them to try, but Shae has a different take for those coming to GV.
“Our most labor-intensive product we create here is actually one of our liqueurs. The Citro, which is similar to a limoncello, except we use lemons, limes and oranges, is by far the most intense project we have. It took a team working around a table of old-school apple peelers a week to peel 10,000 individual citrus fruits. But in the end, it was absolutely worth it, it is one of my personal favorites at Gervasi. Our liqueurs are meant to be enjoyed neat, mixed into cocktails, or served over ice cream for a fun dessert. I make these bright and fun spirits for a cozy night in or a fun party with friends. No matter the occasion, relaxed and casual or fancy they are meant to be enjoyed and bring a little bit of joy to your day.”
Guests can try any of the GV liqueurs in craft cocktails when dining at The Bistro, The Crush House, The Still House, and The Piazza or purchase them for their home bar at the Marketplace gift shop.
