Liqueurs, also known as cordials, are flavoured spirits containing no less than 2.5% sugar by weight and prepared by mixing or redistilling any type of spirit with fruit, plants, or other natural substances. All liqueurs require the same four steps in production: base spirit selection, flavour source, extraction method, and sweetener. Origin: Liqueurs have been available for centuries dating back to the Middle Ages. Produced mainly with a spirit base of brandy, they were primarily flavoured with plants, herbs and spices for use as a digestive aid. In the early 19th century, certain countries became famous for their liqueur styles: Holland for orange-flavoured liqueurs, Germany for its herbal products, and Scotland for liqueurs made from whisky.