Kiwi Liqueur
A liqueur flavored with kiwifruit, adding tart-sweet tropical flavor.
Origin
A modern fruit liqueur category, developed as kiwi fruit became a globally popular commercial crop from the late 20th century onward.
History
Kiwi liqueur followed the same general path as other modern fruit liqueurs, developed once kiwi fruit itself became widely available and popular enough globally (thanks largely to New Zealand's export marketing push starting in the mid-20th century) to justify its own dedicated liqueur category. It's a relatively niche modern bottle compared to older, more established fruit liqueurs like creme de cassis or triple sec, used mainly in fruity, colorful modern cocktails.
Flavor profile
Sweet, tropical kiwi flavor, often bright green in color to match the fruit.
Tasting notes
A clean, sweet approximation of fresh kiwi's tart-tropical flavor, useful for adding both that specific fruit character and a vivid green color to a cocktail without fresh fruit to muddle.
Substitutes
- Midori (melon liqueur), for a different but similarly bright green, tropical-fruit-flavored substitute.
- Fresh muddled kiwi with a splash of vodka, as a homemade approximation.
- A different tropical fruit liqueur, if kiwi's specific flavor isn't essential to the drink.
Common cocktails