An amber herb-and-seed liqueur drunk chilled or in cocktails, made in Lousã since the 1920s from a nineteenth-century apothecary elixir. Its slogan calls it the liqueur of Portugal, and few Portuguese would argue.
The formula is a closely held trade secret, and the base is a distilled spirit that cannot legally be made at home.
What goes into it
- a neutral spirit
- seeds and herbs including aniseed, cardamom, lavender and eucalyptus
- sugar
- water
How it is made
The seeds and herbs are macerated and then double-distilled, and the aromatic distillate blended with sugar syrup and water and rested before bottling. Around a dozen plants go into it, sourced from several continents, and the exact bill has stayed inside the Redondo family since they bought the recipe.
How long it takes: maceration and distillation, then resting
How it is eaten
Chilled and neat, over ice with lemon and tonic, or in a caipirinha-style Caipirão.
History
Made in Lousã since the 1920s from a 19th-century apothecary elixir of seeds and herbs; its slogan calls it the liqueur of Portugal.
Frequently asked questions
What is Licor Beirão?
Licor Beirão is a wine & spirit from Portugal: amber herb-and-seed liqueur drunk chilled or in cocktails. Made in Lousã since the 1920s from a 19th-century apothecary elixir of seeds and herbs; its slogan calls it the liqueur of Portugal.
How is Licor Beirão made?
The seeds and herbs are macerated and then double-distilled, and the aromatic distillate blended with sugar syrup and water and rested before bottling. Around a dozen plants go into it, sourced from several continents, and the exact bill has stayed inside the Redondo family since they bought the recipe. It takes maceration and distillation, then resting.
Can I make Licor Beirão at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. The formula is a closely held trade secret, and the base is a distilled spirit that cannot legally be made at home.
What goes into Licor Beirão?
A neutral spirit, seeds and herbs including aniseed, cardamom, lavender and eucalyptus, sugar, water.
How is Licor Beirão eaten?
Chilled and neat, over ice with lemon and tonic, or in a caipirinha-style Caipirão.
