Alcohols for the aperitif

Curaçao is an alcohol obtained by the double distillation of sweet and bitter oranges. Orange curaçao is widely used for the composition of cocktails to which it brings a much appreciated tangy note.

Colorless, triple sec curaçao is mainly distinguished from other curaçaos by the absence of coloring and by its more lively flavors. Thus it can be used in the composition of cocktails that must not be colored or in the production of desserts without the risk of confusing the consumer. Resulting from the double distillation of sweet and bitter oranges, curaçao triple sec has a slight touch of bitterness that is also appreciated served as is on crushed ice.

Blue curaçao is a classic used in the composition of many cocktails. Produced through the double distillation of sweet and bitter oranges, its taste is both round and tangy. Aesthetic and surprising, the characteristic color of blue curaçao is of the most beautiful effect, it is available according to the mixtures made. It is obtained by adding methylene blue.

Here is a bottle of Madeira from the DOB brand (75 cl, 17% ABV), an iconic fortified wine produced in the demarcated region of the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. This wine is made from partially fermented grape must (traditional grape varieties: Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia, Tinta Negra) fortified with alcohol. Its distinctive feature lies in its unique production process, which includes a three-month heating phase (estufagem) at between 48°C and 50°C, followed by ageing in oak barrels. It has a reddish-brown colour turning to amber, with roasted, tart, powerful and fairly full-bodied notes. Professional culinary uses: Madeira is a versatile classic, essential both in the dining room and in the kitchen: ► Cooking (sauces): Madeira is a key ingredient in cooking, particularly in Madeira sauces accompanying red meats, game, pan-fried foie gras or truffles. Its richness and acidity give it great aromatic depth. ► Pastry: Used to soak cakes (such as Madeira cake) or to flavour creams. ► Aperitif/Digestif: Traditionally drunk neat as an aperitif or digestif, offering a rich and complex alternative to other fortified wines. ► Storage: Unlike a classic wine, it keeps very well after opening, making it an economical product to use. Very stable product, with no best-before date. Best stored in a cool place after opening to preserve its organoleptic qualities.

Noilly Prat Original Dry is a French dry vermouth, packaged in 75cl bottles. It has an alcohol content of 18%. Noilly Prat is famous for its unique production process, which includes ageing in oak barrels outdoors. It is a fortified wine (vermouth) made from white wines (Picpoul de Pinet and Clairette) macerated with a secret blend of over 20 herbs and spices. It is distinguished by its dry, floral and slightly spicy character, with subtle notes of oxidation and garrigue. Professional culinary uses: Noilly Prat is a fundamental ingredient for bars and professional kitchens: ► Cocktails: Essential for preparing classic cocktails, including the Dry Martini (where it replaces sweet vermouth), the Episcopal, and the Vesper. ► Cooking: Used in cooking to deglaze fish and seafood sauces (particularly monkfish and scallops), or to add an aromatic and complex note to broths and marinades. ► Aperitif: Traditionally enjoyed on its own, over ice, or with a twist of lemon. Storage advice: ► Storage: Like all fortified wines, Noilly Prat should be kept cool once opened to preserve its aromas. It is advisable to store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few weeks of opening.

An iconic Greek spirit, Vantana Ouzo is a traditional aniseed-flavoured drink that embodies the Mediterranean way of life. Selected by Le Delas for its balance and finesse, this spirit is the result of a meticulous distillation process using aniseed and carefully selected aromatic herbs. Its crystal-clear profile and lingering freshness make it an essential staple for bars and restaurants, whether served as an aperitif or to accompany Greek specialities. Sensory profile, serving and storage: ► Sensory experience: On tasting, this Ouzo reveals an intense bouquet of star anise complemented by herbaceous notes. On the palate, the attack is clean and refreshing, offering a smooth texture despite its alcohol content, with a long finish marked by the sweetness of the spices. ► Serving and mixology: Traditionally served with cold water and ice cubes, it then produces its characteristic milky cloudiness (the Ouzo effect). It also makes an original base for mixology, adding a hint of aniseed to cocktails featuring cucumber, mint or citrus juice. ► Food pairings: It is the perfect companion for Greek meze. It enhances fried squid, grilled octopus, marinated anchovies and salads with feta and Kalamata olives. Its thirst-quenching qualities help balance the briny, salty flavours of seafood appetisers. ► Storage: The bottle should be stored upright in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Close the bottle tightly after each use to preserve the potency of the aniseed essential oils.

Mavromati Ouzo is an exceptional spirit that embodies the very essence of Greek distilling tradition. With an alcohol content of 40%, this vintage stands out for its superior aromatic intensity and a more assertive palate than is usually found. Selected by Le Delas for the purity of its distillation, this Ouzo is crafted from a complex blend of star anise, fennel and aromatic roots, offering a profound and authentic sensory experience. Sensory profile, serving and storage: ► Sensory experience: This spirit has a perfectly crystalline colour. On the nose, it releases a remarkable aniseed intensity, nuanced by hints of liquorice and a touch of herbaceousness. On the palate, the 40% ABV brings a lovely fullness and warmth that sustain the aniseed aromas for a long time, offering a clean and refreshing finish. ► Serving and tasting: To fully appreciate its nobility, it is customary to serve it in a tall, slender glass. First add the Ouzo, then the chilled water to observe its immediate opalescence, and finish with the ice cubes so as not to ‘dampen' the aromas. Its fuller-bodied character also makes it a prime ingredient for signature cocktails seeking a structured aniseed base. ► Food pairings: Its strength allows it to stand up to bold flavours. It is ideal with marinated fish, flambéed prawns or fried Mediterranean specialities. It also pairs particularly well with distinctive Greek cheeses or firm-fleshed olives. ► Storage: Store upright at room temperature and away from light. Ensure the bottle is tightly closed after each use to preserve the concentration of essential oils that define Ouzo Mavromati.

Tsipouro is a grape marc spirit that is emblematic of Greek heritage, produced using centuries-old distillation methods. Unlike ouzo, this ‘pure' version contains no aniseed, thereby highlighting the authentic character of the terroir and the quality of the selected grape varieties. Selected by Le Delas from the Vantana distillery, this 40% ABV spirit stands out for its finesse and clarity, offering an elegant and structured alternative to traditional spirits for catering professionals. Sensory profile, serving and storage: ► Sensory experience: This spirit has a crystal-clear, limpid colour. On the nose, it reveals delicate aromas of ripe grapes and white flowers, with subtle hints of nuts. On the palate, the attack is clean yet balanced, revealing a silky texture that highlights the purity of the distillation, leading to a clean and pleasantly lingering finish. ► Serving and tasting: It is best enjoyed very chilled, served in small brandy glasses. According to tradition, it can be drunk neat or with a splash of cold water to release its most subtle aromas. Its structure also makes it an interesting base for creating original cocktails, adding a vinous and elegant note. ► Food pairings: An essential companion to distinctive mezze, it pairs perfectly with savoury or smoked dishes: bottarga, marinated herring, spicy charcuterie or mature hard cheeses. It is also enjoyed at the end of a meal as a digestif to conclude a tasting on a fresh note. ► Storage: Store the bottle upright in a dry place away from direct light. Its alcohol content ensures excellent aromatic stability, provided the cap is kept tightly closed after each use.

Tsikoudia, also known as Raki in Crete, is a grape marc spirit that lies at the heart of Cretan hospitality. Selected by Le Delas from the Haraki distillery, this cuvée is produced by the single distillation of local grape marc, with no added aniseed or flavourings. This process preserves the purest expression of the fruit and the terroir. With an alcohol content of 40%, this spirit stands out for its straightforward character and clarity, offering professionals an authentic and robust benchmark. Sensory profile, serving and storage: ► Sensory experience: Beneath its crystalline colour, Tsikoudia Haraki reveals a powerful and aromatic nose, marked by notes of fresh grapes and white-fleshed fruits. On the palate, the attack is vigorous and distinctive, characteristic of artisanal distillations, with well-integrated warmth and a clean finish that leaves a sensation of purity and freshness. ► Serving and tasting: This spirit is traditionally served very chilled, or even on the rocks, in small shot glasses (‘karafaki'). Unlike Ouzo, it does not become cloudy when mixed with water or ice. It is the ultimate welcome drink, but is equally enjoyable as a digestif to round off a meal on an authentic note. ► Food pairings: The ideal companion for social occasions, it pairs well with a wide variety of meze: Kalamata olives, nuts, Cretan cheeses (Graviera), or small bites of grilled meat. In Crete, it is often served with fresh fruit or honey pastries at the end of a meal to aid digestion. ► Storage: Store upright in a dry place, away from light. Thanks to its alcohol content and purity, Tsikoudia Haraki retains its aromatic profile consistently over the long term.

Vantana Tsipouro is a traditional grape marc spirit, the jewel in the crown of Greece's distilling heritage. Unlike ouzo, this tsipouro is produced without aniseed, offering a pure and authentic expression of the terroir and the selected grape varieties. This compact 20cl format is a strategic solution for butchers, delicatessens and fine food shops: it allows them to offer a premium spirit for impulse purchases, ideal to accompany a mezze platter or a selection of distinctive charcuterie. Advantages for retail, service and storage: ► Strategic impulse-buy format: The 20cl bottle is perfectly sized for in-store retail. Less of a commitment than a larger format, it appeals to curious customers wishing to discover this spirit or offer it as an accompanying gift. It fits easily into a gift hamper or alongside Mediterranean specialities. ► Sensory experience: Beneath its crystal-clear appearance, this Tsipouro releases delicate notes of grapes and white flowers. On the palate, its 40% ABV provides a bold yet silky structure, with a clean finish and great aromatic purity. ► Tasting notes: Best served chilled (between 8°C and 10°C). It is the perfect companion for strong, savoury flavours: spicy charcuterie, mature cheeses (Graviera), olives or smoked fish. It can also be enjoyed as a digestif to round off a meal on an elegant note. ► Storage: Store the bottle upright, away from direct light. Its alcohol content ensures the aromas remain perfectly stable over the long term.

Gold Medal at the Concours Général Agricole Paris 2017

La Pontissalienne was made on the occasion of the 11th Absinthiades by the Friends of the Museum of Pontarlier in collaboration with Distrillerie Pierre Guy.

This Limoncello Villa Cardea is the Italian digestive touch! This traditional Italian liqueur is made from an infusion of 10% lemon peel, alcohol, water and sugar. It has a characteristic yellow colour and a cloudy appearance, with an intense lemon peel aroma and flavour. Its alcohol content is 25% by volume. Delas selected this Limoncello to offer professionals a high-quality digestif, ideal for ending a meal on a fresh and tangy note, or as an aromatic base for creative cocktails and pastries. Culinary uses and storage: ► Use: It is traditionally consumed neat, very chilled or on the rocks. It is also perfect as an accompaniment or ingredient in desserts and pastries (such as babas, creams, ice creams, etc.) and for mixology, adding an authentic and aromatic lemony note. ► Storage: This Limoncello does not have an applicable best-before date (spirit drink). It can simply be stored at room temperature in its original packaging.