Licor 43 Cuarenta y Tres

Licor 43, or Cuarenta Y (i) Tres (Spanish and Papiamentu for "43"), is a bright yellow Spanish liqueur. It is made from citrus and fruit juices, flavored with vanilla and other aromatic herbs and spices, in total 43 different ingredients (hence the name).

The story behind Licor 43 dates back to the time of the Romans. After having conquered the city of Quart Hadas, they discovered liquor made from a combination of citrus fruits and aromatic plants. This drink’s popularity soon traversed the leadership hierarchy of the Roman Empire. This popularity has continued to present day culture. Made of a mix of citrus and orange blossom flavors with a subtle vanilla tone, a sip of Licor 43 is marketed as “conjuring a feeling of a summer”.

In liqueur terms Licor 43 is Spain's bestselling export, so it's a shame that its distinctive vanilla character and eminent mixability are so little known outside bars over here.