Ginger beer: Ginger beer is a carbonated beverage that is made from ginger, sugar, and water. It has a strong, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness. The ginger flavor is often intense and can be described as a combination of ginger spice and ginger root. The sweetness in ginger beer varies depending on the brand, but it is generally not as sweet as traditional soda. The carbonation adds a slight effervescence to the drink, making it a popular mixer in cocktails. Some ginger beers might have a slight hint of citrus, and some other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. When used in cocktails, ginger beer adds a unique, spicy kick to the drink, and can balance out the sweetness of other ingredients. The carbonation also adds a refreshing quality to the drink. When used in a Dark 'n' Stormy or Moscow Mule, the ginger beer helps to complement the flavors of the rum or vodka and lime juice. When used in a Gin-Gin Mule or Penicillin, it helps to balance the flavors of gin and honey.
Licor 43: Licor 43, or Cuarenta y Tres (Spanish for '43'), is a Spanish liqueur, made in Cartagena, Spain.
History
Licor 43 was invented in 1946 by the siblings Diego, Angel, and Josefina Zamora, along with Emilio Restoy, Josefina's husband. The Licor 43 website states they based their recipe on the Liqvor Mirabilis (marvellous liquid), a golden, aromatic elixir produced and infused from local fruits and herbs in Carthago Nova during the 3rd century. Liqvor Mirabilis was encountered by the Romans, when they conquered the region in 209 BC; despite the Romans banning its production and consumption, the Carthaginians continued producing in secret. This legend served as the inspiration for the Zamoras' invention of Licor 43.
The name of the modern-day liqueur originates from its use of 43 different ingredients; while its recipe is a closely guarded secret by the Zamora family, it is known to contain citrus and fruit juices, and to be flavoured with vanilla, among other aromatic herbs and spices.