Cordials and liqueurs are made by combining spirits with fruits, plants, or herbs and then adding sugar. They were originally created by physicians and monks as medicines, love potions and aphrodisiacs. In fact many of the seeds, herbs and fruits used in liqueurs are found in today's pharmacies.Liqueurs are made all over the world, and most are very sweet. Several are made from highly guarded secret recipes and processes. An example of this is Benedictine. It is claimed that only three people at any one time have the recipe.

Because most liqueurs are natural digestifs, they are often served as after dinner drinks. Although, because of the intense flavors they are rarely consumed in quantity.  With such a variety of flavors they are very popular as cocktail ingredients, sometimes combining up to three or four brands to a drink.  Liqueurs are even used for cooking, naturally adding a special touch to exquisite deserts and sauces.