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Top 10 Licor 43 substitutes

Licor 43 was created in Cartagena, Spain and is a very popular Spanish liqueur. It was created by Diego Zamora and his siblings in 1946. The Zamora’s were inspired by the Liqvor Mirabillis which is an ancient take on the liqueur that was once prohibited by the Romans. Licor 43’s blend of not only natural fruits and herbals but, also pure vanilla, makes it a one-of-a-kind liqueur that has led to its popularity around the world for decades. The Zamora’s

This Spanish liqueur is unique in the fact that it is made from all local fruits and herbs and includes a sweet vanilla that truly compliments the robust citrus flavors in a delicious way. When poured, the Licor 43 has a gold appearance and has a sweet, yet citrus scent when opened, a smell that is notable and relatable to only that of Licor 43.  Find out more about this delicious Licor 43 Spanish liqueur and possible cocktail recipes and substitutes for this brand as well.

Licor 43

What is Licor 43?

Known as Cuarenta y Tres in Spain, is the most popular brand sold in the country. Licor 43 is now sold in over sixty countries throughout the world and continues to be one of the best sellers among all liquor brands worldwide. Licor 43’s main sales come from Spain, Netherlands, Mexico, Germany and the United States.

Licor 43 is a gold liqueur that is blended with fruits, herbs and spices that are all grown locally in Spain. The 43, or cuarenta y tres, stands for the amount of different ingredients that it takes to make the liqueur and gives it the distinct taste it has.

Licor 43 can be enjoyed simply by itself or even as a sweet addition to a cup of coffee as it was enjoyed when it first hit the market. There are many cocktail recipes that utilize the robust flavors of Licor 43 today, making it a liqueur that is something for everyone.

Besides the original Licor 43 blend, there are other blends of the Spanish liqueur that have been developed throughout the years that are now on the market and being enjoyed by consumers who enjoy the brand.

Licor 43 used in recipes

There are many ways to enjoy Licor 43 whether straight or in a cocktail, depending if you enjoy something coffee based and sweet or a bit more citrus. There are a few cocktail recipes that will fulfill a few different palettes and tastes.

Spiked Cold Brew

Making a coffee-based cocktail is one of the most popular ways to enjoy Licor 43. With a Spiked Cold Brew, simply pour one and a half ounces of Licor 43 into a glass filled with ice.

Fill the rest of the glass with your favorite brand of refrigerated cold brew. Stir to combine all ingredients and perhaps even top with some delicious whipped cream.

Carajillo Chocolate 43

A Carajillo Chocolate 43 is another coffee-based Licor 43 cocktail that would make the perfect after dinner beverage. In a medium size cocktail glass, fill nearly the entire glass with ice.

Then pour one and a half ounces of Licor 43 over the ice. As you are about to enjoy the cocktail, brew a fresh cup of espresso. When it comes time to enjoy the cocktail, pour the hot espresso into the glass and enjoy!

Sangria Cava 43

If you are interested in trying a Licor 43 that has a fruit base instead of a coffee base, then the Sangria Cava 43 could be it. To make this delicious fruit drink, you will need a big pitcher as this recipe makes enough to share with friends or family.

Fill the pitcher about one third of the way with ice. Pour eight ounces of Cava and eight ounces of your favorite lemon flavored soda into the pitcher. Then add four and a half ounces of Licor 43 and one and one-third ounces of Elderflower Liqueur.

Stir all the ingredients long enough to combine in the pitcher. Pour into individual glasses and then, as an option, garnish with a lemon or other piece of fruit.

Hot Apple Pie 43

The Hot Apple Pie 43 may not be the best drink for a summer afternoon, but perhaps a cool fall night when the temperature starts to take a dip. For an individual serving, take five ounces of your favorite brand of apple juice and a cinnamon stick in a sauce pan and heat up.

Pour in one ounce of Licor 43 until all ingredients are warm. Remove the remainder of the cinnamon stick and pour into a coffee mug or another type of glass that can sustain heat. If you wish, top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

Cortado Condensada 

A very popular drink throughout the Caribbean islands, the Cortado Condensada is one of the more popular ways to enjoy Licor 43 in this region of the world. Combine equal parts of brewed espresso and warm sweet condensed milk.

Then added one and a half ounces of Licor 43. A drink that will give you the kick of caffeine and a kick of alcohol at once.

Licor 43 Substitutes

Tuaca

Finding a substitute for Licor 43 is extremely difficult  considering the unique blending process. Tuaca is considered to be the closest substitution for the Spanish liqueur. This Italian liqueur is made from Tuaca, has more vanilla than citrus as compared to Licor 43 and does have a base made from Brandy.

Where the Licor 43 brings in more of a tangy, fruit flavor, the Tuaca is for sure sweeter and reflects the robust flair of vanilla that it is made with. Tuaca can be found at most liquor stores for about $25 per bottle on average.

Galliano

Galliano is another ideal substitute, and also another Italian liqueur as the Tuaca is. Galliano is considered a vanilla liqueur but has  slightly better citrus and herbal flavor than the Tuaca does, making it a better Licor 43 substitute.

As with the Licor 43, the Galliano has a long list of natural citrus and herbs, including 30 of those found in Italy. Galliano is well-known for being a key ingredient in the Golden Cadillac cocktail, but can also be used as a substitute in other Licor 43 based cocktails as well. Galliano isn’t sold everywhere yet, but some of the larger chain liquor stores do stock it. Galliano is typically sold for $30-$35 per bottle.

Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur

The Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur is developed in Italy and features only the best oranges of the Mediterranean. While the Gran Gala is simply a brandy based orange liqueur it will give the same citrus taste that Licor 43 gives.

So, if you aren’t a fan of the herbal flare and spices that the Licor 43 offers, then this may be the substitute you are looking for. The Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur is an affordable option as well and is sold for under $20 per bottle.

Vincenzi Amaro Monte

If it is an herbal flavor in a possible Licor 43 substitute that you are in search of, then the Vincenzi Amaro Monte is an option. Made in Italy, the Vincenzi has bold herbal flavors as well as a hint of peppermint that gives it another depth in terms of overall taste.

Vincenzi Amaro Monte is just about $15 a bottle, so it’s worth a try if you are looking for something different.

Grand Marnier

As mentioned, there aren’t that many substitutes when it comes to Licor 43. But there are brands of liquor that have similar, but not all, of the same ingredients. Grand Marnier, which is an extremely popular orange liqueur from France.

The taste is similar to that of the Tuaca which is one of the best Licor 43 substitutes mentioned above. Adding non-alcoholic syrups that are available in vanilla and other flavors could make the Grand Marnier a good substitute. The Grand Marnier is a bit pricier and depending on the size of bottle, ranges from $20 to over $45 per bottle.

Vanilla Vodka

Vanilla Vodka is another option as a possible substitute for Licor 43, but it will need additional ingredients to truly fulfill the flavor. Adding floral and herbal syrups and even some citrus and a splash of orange juice to the vanilla vodka, although not exactly the same as Licor 43, but will give a familiar flavor.

Vanilla Vodka is available in a few different brands, Absolut and Smirnoff are two brands that are well-known and available throughout the country. The prices of the Vanilla Vodka range at about $20-$25 per bottle.

DeKuyper Orange Curacao Liqueur

Recreating the citrus, spice and herbs can be a tall task when trying to get a similar liqueur for some of Licor 43’s most popular cocktails. The DeKuyper Orange Curacao Liqueur is an American made brand that highlights not only orange but also lemon and curacao fruit flavors, giving a robust taste.

Adding additional ingredients that will make it “spicier” is possible if that is the flavor you are trying to achieve. The DeKuyper Orange Curacao Liqueur costs just about $10 which is by far the cheapest option as a substitution.

 Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

Whiskey is a completely different option that Licor 43 and definitely a lot stronger but, in terms of getting a spicy, cinnamon flavor, it’s on the same scale. Fireball is famous for its spicy, yet almost make you pucker taste, so it does fit the taste but in terms of using it in a mixed drink, it may not be the best substitution. And, as most know quite well, Fireball has quite the kick and is definitely recommended in large quantities.

Alize Liqueur Gold Passion

Licor 43’s gold appearance is one of the aspects of the alcohol that makes it so easy to identify. The Alize Liqueur Gold Passion also has that gold appearance and is a subtle blend of vodka and passionfruit. This French liqueur may not have the “spice” that Licor 43 entails but that can easily be added with syrup.

The Alize sells for nearly $30 a bottle but there are a few ways for this liqueur to be enjoyed in cocktails or even neat.

Goldschlager Cinnamon with Gold Flakes Liqueur

Hailing from Switzerland, this unique liqueur brings the spice of cinnamon to every sip. The Goldschlager liqueur declares that it has 13 milligrams of gold flakes per bottle, giving a fun appearance to any cocktail.

While it lacks the citrus, it can be added with the addition of some sliced fruit. The taste may be a bit different than the Licor 43, but still unique in its own way which makes it a solid option as a substitute. Goldschlager is sold for under $30 per bottle.

Conclusion

The history behind the Licor 43 creation and overall brand show that Diego Zamora and his siblings took a lot of thought and pride into creating the Spanish liqueur. The robust flavors and blending process of 43 different ingredients is what makes Licor 43 one-of-a-kind. Every sip will transport you back hundreds of years to the creation of Liqvor Mirabillis. 

The delicious day and night cocktails or even coffees that are created with Licor 43 are a must try for anyone who is a fan of the Spanish liqueur or who is looking to try it for the first time.

Originally posted 2022-05-11 16:31:25.