Many drinkers who can't be bothered to brew their own beer or ferment their own wine are fans of homemade liqueur. Even though the processes behind each of the three types of drink are similar, for some folks it's taste that wins out. Hence, even if the principles of mixing, fermenting, storing, and serving are practically identical, there's just something more appealing about apricot brandy or creme de menthe than a stout, pilsner, pinot grigiot, or cabernet sauvignon.

Those who appreciate the variety of beers and wines at their local gourmet market may become converts to homemade liqueur. There are liqueurs that introduce meals (aperitifs or aperitivos, depending on where you may be) and those that are consumed with the meal itself. For the most part, however, liqueurs are known as after-dinner drinks and aren't meant to be downed. Instead, their intent is to cap the meal with a taste or flavor that complements the main course, but to do so subtly, which is why they're sipped.

Your Homemade Liqueur

Those interested in homemade liqueurs may choose to take them "straight," as is done with sherry or port wine. Others prefer to mix their liqueurs in coffee. Mexican coffee, as it's known, is often considered the world's most popular after-dinner drink, largely because of coffee's universality across cultures. If you're looking for a change of pace, though, amaretto, hazelnut, even apricot, can all be mixed in as well for a soothing finish.

If you're searching for homemade liqueur recipes, the Web can be one of your greatest allies. There are entire newsgroups devoted to discussing the best and worst homemade liqueurs, intriguing alternatives to classic recipes, and ideas for special concoctions and party-themed drinks. If your home beer brewing escapades have run their course, it may be time to branch out in a new direction and try the liqueur route instead.