Crossword clues for ratafia
ratafia
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ratafia \Rat`a*fi"a\ (r[a^]t`[.a]*f[=e]"[.a]), n. [F., fr. Malay arak arrack + t[=a]f[=i]a a spirit distilled from molasses.] A spirituous liquor flavored with the kernels of cherries, apricots, peaches, or other fruit, spiced, and sweetened with sugar; -- a term applied to the liqueurs called noyau, cura[,c]ao, etc. [Written also ratifia and ratafee.]
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
liqueur flavored with kernels of cherries, apricots, etc., 1690s, from French ratafia (17c.), of unknown origin; perhaps ultimately from the same source as arrack.
Wiktionary
n. A liqueur or cordial flavored with peach or cherry kernels, bitter almonds, or other fruits.
WordNet
n. sweet liqueur made from wine and brandy flavored with plum or peach or apricot kernels and bitter almonds [syn: ratafee]
macaroon flavored with ratafia liqueur [syn: ratafia biscuit]
Wikipedia
Ratafia is a term used for two types of sweet alcoholic beverage, either a fortified wine or a fruit-based beverage. The latter type is a liqueur or cordial flavoured with lemon peel, herbs in various amounts ( nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, mint, rosemary, anise, etc.) typically combined with sugar. It may also be prepared with peach or cherry kernels, bitter almonds, or other fruits, as many different varieties are made. The same name is given to a flavouring essence resembling bitter almonds, and also to a light biscuit. The former type is a type of mistelle, a mixture of marc brandy and the unfermented juice of the grape, and it is the type of Ratafia produced in France.
The flavorings can potentially make this liqueur toxic, as peach and cherry kernels contain high levels of a common cyanogenic glucoside, called amygdalin, (about 1.7 mg per gram of kernel), as do bitter almonds (2.5 mg/g).
In the south-central region of Italy (specifically Molise and Abruzzo) Ratafià is made exclusively with fresh cherries and Montepulciano Di Abruzzo wines.
Other less toxic flavorings can also be used, such as in-season fruit, vegetables, and fresh herbs. A basic recipe includes a bottle of red or white wine, 1/4 cup vodka (to prevent fermentation), 1 cup cut-up fruits, vegetables, or herbs, 1/4 cup sugar. Combine all ingredients in a large jar and refrigerate 3 to 4 weeks; strain into a clean wine bottle and cork or cap tightly. Keep refrigerated.
The liqueur is typical of the Mediterranean areas of Spain, Italy, and north-east of France (Champagne and Burgundy).
Usage examples of "ratafia".
In the evening I called on Don Diego, where I was regaled with the excellent ratafia I had given the mother, and the whole family began to speak of the obligations Spain owed to the Count of Aranda.
The king, after he had drunk a small glass, fancied a second one, and said that he had never tasted such delicious ratafia in his life.
That was enough to give the ratafia of the good man of Neuilly the reputation of being the best in Europe: the king had said so.
That made his lordship laugh, but he told her that he could not permit her to be everlastingly maudling her inside with such stuff as ratafia, and bade her drink it up like a good girl.
In the evening I called on Don Diego, where I was regaled with the excellent ratafia I had given the mother, and the whole family began to speak of the obligations Spain owed to the Count of Aranda.
The king, after he had drunk a small glass, fancied a second one, and said that he had never tasted such delicious ratafia in his life.
He gave us all the bits and pieces: ratafia biscuits with the sweet, halva with the coffee.
Nibbling a ratafia biscuit, she stole a glance at her uncle's profile.
Gate, at the large carding-mill, who, having high connexions frequently visiting her, might be expected to have a large consumption of ratafias and macaroons.