We asked a Birmingham bartender to share his secrets.

But with so many bottles to choose from, how are you to know whats what?

Theyre typically much lower in alcohol by volume.

Fully Set Bar Cart

Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Lydia Pursell

Can You Taste the Difference Between Liquor and Liqueur?

Typically liquor, to the taste, isnt sweet, Lapierre says.

That sugar is what youre going to get from liqueurs pretty much across the board.

Parkside Bar in Birmingham, AL

Parkside On Fifth, located in the historic Avondale neighborhood just minutes from downtown Birmingham.Credit:Tim Burt

But far from mere sweetness, liqueurs are loaded with flavorings that set them apart.

But thats just the tip of the liqueur iceberg.

St-Germain is one of our favorites at Parkside, Lapierre says.

Bartenders at Parkside in Birmingham

Cameron and his hospitable team at Parkside will guide you on your liqueur journey.Credit:Tim Burt

Its bright, floral, and not super sweetit adds a nice complexity to any cocktail.

How Do You Know Which Liqueurs Youll Like?

The best way to get to know a liqueur is to ask your bartender for a taste.

Never be afraid to ask what something is or what it tastes like.