Curaçao (liqueur)

Curaçao is an orange-flavoured liqueur traditionally made from dried peel of the laraha, a bitter orange grown on the Caribbean island of Curaçao.

Curaçao is an orange-flavoured liqueur traditionally made from dried peel of the laraha, a bitter orange grown on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. It is commonly used in cocktails and is sold in clear, orange, blue, and other coloured versions. The liqueur is named after the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Origin and naming

The liqueur is named for the island of Curaçao, where the laraha citrus fruit grew and became the traditional flavouring source.

Ingredients and flavour

Traditional curaçao is made from dried bitter-orange peel, producing an orange-flavoured liqueur with a sweet-bitter profile.

Colours and styles

Curaçao is sold in multiple styles, with blue curaçao being the best known modern variant. Some versions are clear or orange-coloured, while others are dyed for visual effect.

Use in cocktails

Curaçao is most often used as a cocktail ingredient because of its orange flavour and, in the case of blue curaçao, its distinctive colour.