We have talked about a number of perfect pairings for cigars this past year in Stogie Press from Scotch, Bourbon, and Rum to Chocolate and Port Wine. Now I want to bring up one that is not discussed much – Liqueurs. They can be bitter or sweet and include such popular ones as Drambuie, Chartreuse, Grand Marnier, Irish Mist, Kahlua, Frangelico, Irish Cream, Sambuca, and Jagermeister. Yea I am not sure if I would pair Jagermeister with a cigar unless it was one that was real medicinal or maybe an Acid Blue.
Liqueurs are alcoholic beverages that are made from a distilled spirit and then flavored with fruit, cream, herbs, spices, flowers or nuts. Sugar is then added when they bottle it to add sweetness. Though not normally aged like hard liquors such as whiskey, rum, and tequila, liqueurs have short resting periods to allow the flavors to marry. Another distinction is that liqueurs are usually lower in alcohol ranging from 15-30% Alcohol by Volume (ABV).
While hard spirits like whisky and rum have subtle flavors, liqueurs have a more dominate flavor that enhances the subtle cigar notes on the palate.
Take for instance Kahlua, a liqueur made from coffee and rum. When paired with many cigars it coats your palate with coffee, more than just plain coffee or espresso, and each puff is even more delightful.
Sambuca is a licorice/anise flavored liqueur from Italy and I would say it would pair well with a few cigars like Padilla San Andrés or the Warped Futuro.
Grand Marnier is an orange-flavored cognac and it certainly pairs well with the many cigars that have that citrus note such as the Recluse Amadeus Habano, Room 101 Uncle Lee, R.P. Duran Neya F8 Ligero Typhoon, and DBL Derrame.
Of course if you like the nut nut in your smoke then you may want to try some Amaretto with its sweet almond flavor or Frangelico, a hazelnut 
liqueur . These will bring out that nut especially on cigar like the Leaf by Oscar, The Rake, La Hoja Clasica 1962, or my favorite nutty smoke the CAO Columbia.
Like those creamy smoking sensations such as the Villiger Cuellar Connecticut Kreme, Swag Puro Dominicana, or Kafie 1901 Connecticut? Then pour yourself some Bailey’s Irish Cream, an Irish whiskey and cream based liqueur, and enjoy the experience.
Speaking of Ireland, let’s not forget Irish Mist, it is an Irish whiskey flavored with honey and complex spice notes. It would go well with those exotic spice cigars like the Viaje Exclusivo or the Crux du Connoisseur.
Of course if you like whisky with your cigars, try some Drambuie. It is a sweet, golden colored 40% ABV liqueur made from scotch whisky, honey, herbs and spices. If that don’t sound like some of the cigars you have smoked then I don’t think you like cigars. Whatever cigar you pair with a fine Scotch I suggest trying it with some of this tasty elixir.
I think you get the picture. Liqueurs are tasty compliments to your smoking experience. So next time you order up a beverage to pair with your favorite smoke try something different and order a flavorful liqueur to pair with it. If you want an exhaustive list of the many different Liqueurs out there check out this list.