Brands of Vanilla Liqueur

Vanilla liqueur is a combination of a spirit and vanilla flavoring. Different types of alcohol are used in different brands of vanilla liqueur. These various alcohols combine with the vanilla flavoring in a variety of ways. Choose the brand that tastes best to you.

Brandy is made from wine, and it is typically served with ice or water. A number of dessert recipes call for the use of brandy due to its rich flavor. A type of vanilla liqueur cognac (a member of the brandy family) is Navan Natural Vanilla Liqueur. It is manufactured by Grand Marnier, a high-end manufacturer of cognac. Grand Marnier uses natural vanilla beans, not extract, giving Navan a smooth and spicy vanilla flavor.

Vanille Royale is a combination of French vanilla creme and cognac. The cognac provides richness, the French vanilla creme brings smoothness. The combination creates a rich, creamy, almost buttery taste, with a semblance of thickness. This liqueur feels more heavy and dense as opposed to liqueur similar to Navan. The density of the liqueur subdues the vanilla taste, making it subtle when mixed.

Kajmir Vanilla Liqueur is a combination of vanilla flavoring, brandy and vodka. This liqueur combines the sweet vanilla flavor, the rich brandy taste and the bitterness of vodka. Kajmir is a lighter, more airy liqueur, with the vanilla flavor up front and a mildly bitter aftertaste.

Kahlua is widely noted for its liqueurs. Kahlua French Vanilla liqueur provides a thick French vanilla taste with notes of coffee flavoring. Kahlua is made with vodka, so there is some bitterness, but it is easily masked when mixing this thick liqueur with a non-alcoholic beverage. It works well with coffee and coffee-related drink recipes.