Home Brew Spirits
Which Liqueur Base Do I Need?
A liqueur base supplies the sweetness, body and texture that flavouring alone does not provide. The safest rule is simple: start with the base named on the flavouring bottle, then use a listed liquid equivalent only when you want a multi-batch alternative.
Quick answer
- Base A, B and C are recipe matches, not quality grades. The different quantities provide the sweetness and body required by different liqueur recipes.
- Use Schnapps Base when the schnapps flavouring calls for it.
- Use a cream base only with a compatible cream liqueur flavouring. Ordinary liqueur base and cream base are not interchangeable.
- Essencia EziBase is a convenient liquid replacement for powdered Base A, B or C and can make several batches.
- Pure Distilling’s liquid bases use their own mixing directions. Choose Sweetened for a conventional sweet liqueur or Thickener for a fuller non-cream texture.
Still Spirits powdered bases
| Base | Use it when | Finished quantity and useful equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Top Shelf Base A, 220g | The flavouring bottle specifically says Base A | Makes 1.125L. Essencia EziBase equivalent: 200ml |
| Top Shelf Base B, 260g | The flavouring bottle specifically says Base B | Makes 1.125L. Essencia EziBase equivalent: 250ml |
| Top Shelf Base C, 320g | The flavouring bottle specifically says Base C | Makes 1.125L. Essencia EziBase equivalent: 300ml |
| Top Shelf Schnapps Base, 300g | A compatible Top Shelf schnapps recipe calls for Schnapps Base | Makes 1.125L. Use the neutral spirit quantity stated on the flavouring |
| Top Shelf Cream Liqueur Base, 400g | A compatible Top Shelf cream liqueur flavouring calls for it | Makes 1.125L and supplies the creamy body as well as sweetness |
| Icon Cream Liqueur Base, 215g | A compatible Still Spirits Icon cream pouch calls for this particular base | Makes 1L using the Icon method; do not substitute the Top Shelf cream recipe |
For powdered bases, whisk the powder in gradually so it dissolves smoothly. Follow the flavouring bottle for the alcohol quantity, then make up the stated final volume. The recipe on the flavouring takes priority over a general guide.
Multi-batch liquid alternatives
| Liquid base | Best use | Current mixing direction |
|---|---|---|
| Essencia EziBase Liqueur & Schnapps Mix, 1L | Replacing powdered Base A, B or C while keeping the original flavour recipe | Use 200ml for A, 250ml for B or 300ml for C, then add flavouring and neutral spirit as directed and make the batch up to 1.125L |
| Pure Distilling Sweetened Liqueur Base, 1L | A smooth, conventionally sweet non-cream liqueur | Shake well; combine 330ml base with 630ml of 40% spirit and the compatible essence as directed |
| Pure Distilling Thickener Liqueur Base, 1L | A fuller, more velvety non-cream liqueur texture | Shake well; combine 330ml base with 630ml of 40% spirit and the compatible essence as directed |
One-litre liquid bases can cover several batches. Close the bottle promptly after measuring and follow the label’s storage directions.
What else do you need?
- A compatible liqueur, cream liqueur or schnapps flavouring
- Neutral spirit or vodka at the strength and quantity stated by the recipe
- Clean water
- A sanitised mixing jug or bowl with enough room for whisking
- A whisk, accurate measuring jug and clean bottles
A reliable mixing order
- Read the flavouring label and identify the exact base and alcohol quantity before opening anything.
- Measure the neutral spirit or vodka into a large clean vessel, unless the base instructions specify a different first step.
- For a powdered base, add it slowly while whisking. For a liquid base, shake the base bottle first and measure accurately.
- Add the flavouring, then add water only until the completed batch reaches the stated final volume.
- Mix thoroughly, bottle cleanly and follow any settling or storage directions on the flavouring and base.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating A, B and C as light, medium and premium grades. They are different recipes.
- Adding 1.125L of water instead of topping the whole mixture up to a final volume of 1.125L.
- Using a standard sweetened base for a cream liqueur, or using cream base for an ordinary liqueur.
- Combining instructions from two brands. When using an equivalent, follow the equivalent quantity stated for that product and keep the original flavouring recipe in view.
- Guessing the finished alcohol strength. The flavouring recipe’s alcohol quantity and final volume determine the result.
Choosing the flavour
Once you know the required base, use the spirit commercial comparisons guide to find a flavour direction, or browse the full liqueur base range. The guide to flavouring neutral alcohol explains the wider process from neutral spirit to finished bottle.