Liqueurs are the secret weapons of great cocktails. They add sweetness, flavor, and complexity that base spirits alone can't deliver. Without Cointreau, there's no Margarita. Without Kahlua, there's no Espresso Martini. Without Aperol, there's no Spritz. At Buffalo House Liquor & Wines, we carry over 75 liqueurs — the largest selection in the Tonawanda area.
What makes a liqueur different from a spirit? Liqueurs are spirits that have been sweetened and flavored with fruits, herbs, spices, cream, or other ingredients. They're lower in alcohol (typically 15-30% ABV vs. 40%+ for spirits) and add flavor and sweetness to cocktails.
The 8 Liqueurs Every Home Bar Needs
If you're building a cocktail-ready home bar, start with these essentials:
- Triple Sec / Cointreau — Orange liqueur. Essential for Margaritas, Cosmopolitans, and Sidecars.
- Amaretto — Almond-flavored Italian liqueur. Great in Amaretto Sours and coffee drinks.
- Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua) — The base of White Russians, Espresso Martinis, and boozy coffee.
- Irish Cream (Baileys) — Cream, whiskey, and cocoa. Perfect on the rocks, in coffee, or in dessert cocktails.
- Aperol — The bitter orange Italian aperitivo. Mixed with Prosecco and soda for the iconic Spritz.
- Campari — Aperol's bitter, bolder sibling. Essential for Negronis and Boulevardiers.
- St-Germain — Elderflower liqueur that adds floral elegance to anything it touches.
- Chambord — Black raspberry liqueur. Makes beautiful French Martinis and Champagne cocktails.
Our Top Liqueur Picks
Aperol Aperitivo
$26.99
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Baileys Chocolate
$34.99
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Amaro Montenegro
$41.99
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Baileys Cinnamon Churros
$34.99
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Trending Liqueur Cocktails
Aperol Spritz
The drink that took over Instagram — and for good reason:
- 3 oz Prosecco + 2 oz Aperol + 1 oz soda water
- Build in a large wine glass filled with ice
- Garnish with an orange slice
- Light, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink
Espresso Martini
The cocktail that bartenders love to hate (because everyone orders it):
- 2 oz vodka + 1 oz coffee liqueur + 1 oz fresh espresso + 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Shake hard with ice, strain into a chilled coupe
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans
Amaretto Sour
Sweet, sour, and nutty perfection:
- 1.5 oz amaretto + 0.75 oz bourbon + 1 oz lemon juice + 0.5 oz simple syrup + egg white (optional)
- Dry shake (no ice) first if using egg white, then shake with ice
- Strain and garnish with a cherry
Budget tip: You don't need to buy all 8 essential liqueurs at once. Start with Aperol and Baileys (the two most versatile), then add others as recipes call for them.
Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Tonawanda, NY has the area's best liqueur selection. Come browse our shelves and let us help you stock your home bar with the right bottles.
