Licor 43 Cuarenta Y Tres 750ML

Licor 43 Cuarenta Y Tres 750ML is a Spanish vanilla-citrus liqueur bottled at 31% ABV and made from a proprietary blend of 43 ingredients. A Platinum winner at the Spirits International Prestige Awards and Gold medalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it stands as one of Spain's most internationally recognized liqueurs, distinguished by a closely guarded family recipe and a specialized cold-filtration production process.

Quick Facts: ABV: 31%  |  Origin: Cartagena, Murcia, Spain  |  Style: Vanilla-Citrus Herbal Liqueur  |  Producer: Diego Zamora S.A.

Production & Heritage

Licor 43 is produced by Diego Zamora S.A. at their distillery in Cartagena, located in Spain's southeastern Murcia region. The recipe calls for 43 distinct ingredients — the full list is a family secret, though five are publicly known: orange, vanilla, lemon, coriander, and tea. Production begins with maceration to extract flavor from the botanicals, after which the infusion rests in stainless steel tanks for up to nine months. The matured liquid then undergoes a cold treatment at minus five degrees Celsius for five days before being micro-filtered — a step that contributes to the liqueur's signature clarity and smooth texture. Notably, the secret formula is prepared exclusively by a member of the Zamora family, ensuring generational continuity and strict quality control.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vanilla leads immediately, rich and creamy, followed by bright citrus — orange peel and lemon zest. Behind that initial sweetness, subtle notes of cinnamon, anise, dried herbs, and a caramel-butterscotch warmth develop as the glass opens up.

Taste: The entry is smooth and syrupy, with vanilla hitting the palate first in a wave of sweetness. Mid-palate, citrus notes sharpen the profile — orange and lemon zest cut through the richness — while hints of tropical fruit and soft spice round out the center. A faint suggestion of chocolate surfaces toward the peak, adding depth beneath the dominant vanilla and fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with a silky, mouth-coating texture. Lingering vanilla and warm spice fade gradually, leaving behind gentle citrus and herbal warmth.

How to Drink Licor 43

Licor 43 is enjoyable chilled and served neat or over ice, where the cold temperature sharpens the citrus and tempers the sweetness. It also works exceptionally well as a cocktail ingredient. A Carajillo — Licor 43 shaken with espresso over ice — is its most iconic serve, with the vanilla and citrus complementing coffee's bitterness. A Cuarenta y Tres con Leche (Licor 43 topped with milk) plays on the liqueur's creamy vanilla character for a dessert-style drink. In a Spanish Gold Rush (Licor 43, bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup), the liqueur's herbal complexity adds a botanical twist to a classic template.

Best For

• After-dinner sipping as a standalone digestif
• Building a home cocktail bar with a versatile, mixable liqueur
• Gifting to someone who enjoys vanilla-driven or dessert-style spirits
• Hosting a brunch where espresso-based cocktails are on the menu

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Licor 43 taste like? Licor 43 is dominated by rich vanilla sweetness, balanced by bright citrus notes of orange and lemon, with underlying layers of warm cinnamon, anise, and dried herbs. The texture is smooth and syrupy with a medium-length finish.

How does Licor 43 compare to Tuaca? Tuaca, an Italian liqueur, is widely considered the closest substitute for Licor 43, sharing a strong vanilla profile and comparable sweetness. However, Licor 43's 43-ingredient botanical complexity and distinct citrus-forward character give it a more layered, herbal depth that Tuaca does not replicate exactly.

Is Licor 43 good for cocktails? Licor 43 is one of the most versatile liqueurs behind a bar, earning a Gold medal and Supreme Champion trophy at the Drinks International Cocktail Challenge. Its balanced vanilla-citrus profile integrates seamlessly into coffee drinks, creamy serves, and spirit-forward cocktails alike.

Where is Licor 43 made? Licor 43 is produced by Diego Zamora S.A. at their distillery in Cartagena, a port city in the Murcia region of southeastern Spain. The secret formula is prepared on-site by a member of the Zamora family.

What foods pair well with Licor 43? Its vanilla richness pairs well with flan or crème brûlée, where the flavors echo each other. Dark chocolate truffles contrast nicely with the citrus notes. Fresh fruit tarts, especially those featuring orange or lemon, create a natural match. Almond-based pastries complement the liqueur's subtle spice, and mild blue cheese offers an unexpected savory counterpoint to the sweetness.

What sizes does Licor 43 come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle, though Licor 43 is also commonly found in 375ml and 1-liter sizes depending on the market.

Is Licor 43 worth the price? Licor 43 positions as a mid-range liqueur with premium credentials — its multiple international awards, proprietary 43-ingredient recipe, and specialized cold-filtration process justify its standing above most mainstream competitors in the vanilla liqueur category.

Why Licor 43?

What separates Licor 43 from other vanilla liqueurs is the sheer complexity behind its seemingly simple profile — 43 botanicals, macerated and rested for up to nine months, then cold-treated and micro-filtered for clarity. That production rigor has translated into consistent critical recognition: Platinum at the Spirits International Prestige Awards, Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Supreme Champion at the Drinks International Cocktail Challenge. At 31% ABV, it sits at a lower proof point than many spirits, making it approachable yet still structured enough to anchor serious cocktails. Few liqueurs in this category can claim both the heritage of a family-guarded recipe and the international competition pedigree that Licor 43 has accumulated over the years.