Rothman and Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur. Let’s revisit “Apricot Brandy.” I recently posted about how apricot brandy can be super confusing as it can refer to two VERY different things: one is a dry (non-sweet) full 40% ABV spirit distilled from fresh apricots, and the other is a sweetened liqueur version that is created from the dry apricot brandy combined with additional juice from the fruit, resulting in a delicious fruity sweet liqueur.

Even though this is not true “brandy” but really a “brandy liqueur,” the terminology is often used synonymously. This bottle falls into the latter category and is absolutely delicious with full ripe apricot flavors that border on floral and is not cloyingly sweet. Apricots have got to be one of the most underrated fruits – the flavors are perfect in tiki drinks, with champagne/bubbles, with light spirits, citrus, fresh herbs, and don’t forget, their pits are used to make amaretto!

So, what sets apart a top quality apricot liqueur (such as this one!) from their cheaper counterparts? Well, if you take note, cheaper apricot brandy is often labeled “apricot flavored brandy,” coyly revealing the fact that they’re not actually distilled from apricots. A true apricot brandy liqueur will be made from fermented and distilled apricot fruit (often requiring 20-30lbs of fruit per 750ml bottle), sweetened only with the juice from the same fruit. Meanwhile, the cheaper versions you’ll find will usually taste cloyingly sweet, as they are often made from a neutral grain spirit (i.e. vodka) or a cheap grape brandy, with apricot flavoring (natural or artificial) and a ton of sugar added to mask the sharp alcohol bite.

My recommendation: skip the DeKuyper/Bols/HiramWalker versions, and invest in a bottle of this Rothman and Winter, Marie Brizard Apry, or Giffard Abricot du Roussilon. A little bit goes a long way, and this is one delicious and versatile liqueur you’ll want to keep around!