Curaçao

Definition:

The Caribbean’s zesty little export. This liqueur is born from bitter oranges that got left out in the sun too long, then redeemed as liquid citrus gold. It’s flavored with dried orange peel and has been making cocktails brighter since sailors still wore funny hats.

Why it Matters:

Curaçao is like the paintbrush in a bartender’s hand: it adds color, flavor, and flair to drinks that would otherwise taste like watered-down regret. Without it, classics like the Blue Lagoon or the Mai Tai would lose their citrus kick and, frankly, their personality. Curaçao is the supporting actor who steals the show, bringing brightness and balance without ever demanding top billing.

It also comes in a rainbow of colors: blue, orange, and even clear - proving that sometimes it’s not about what you taste, but what you see. Blue Curaçao, in particular, has tricked many a drinker into believing they were sipping ocean water with alcohol, which, to be fair, is a dream worth chasing.