Your ultimate guide to spirits online

What are spirits?

Alcoholic spirits can be consumed by themselves or used as ingredients in cocktails and other mixed drinks. Spirits are created through the distillation from other fermented ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, various grains or even cactus juice.

Unlike wine and beer, which are only fermented, it’s the distillation that fortifies the spirits. The fortifying of wine, for example, can create port or brandy. The word spirits itself refers to all distilled beverages that have at least 20% ABV (15% ABV in Germany) and are low in sugar.

The distillation of spirits has a long history and is filled with many cultural references. While the production of many spirits is often related to the making of medicinal remedies, the process has been refined to create a variety of distinct flavour profiles over the centuries.

To learn more about different spirits, you will gain a deeper appreciation of their history, traditions and tastes. Whether it’s gin, sherry or brandy - all are distinctly unique.

What kind of spirits are there?

Spirits

The world of distillation offers a wide variety of available spirits with unique tastes. Check out our spirits to discover refined and high-quality products. Here is a selected spirits overview:

• Brandy – This spirit is a popular after-dinner digestif, but is also used in cocktails and other long drinks as well as to flavour desserts. Brandy can be made from fermented fruit juice or grape wine and has typically a rich caramel-like colour. The term brandy generally refers to distilled wine.
• Gin – The gin we know today has its origins in the Dutch and Belgium Jenever, which was originally created as medicine. Most gins are made with juniper berries and are distilled with a variety of fruits and botanicals to add subtle but distinct differences. The various flavours of gin are also popular ingredients in modern cocktail making. Perhaps one of the most popular drinks is the Gin & Tonic, which is typically served with a lime wedge.
• Rum – This popular spirit is created through the fermentation and distillation of sugarcane juice or sugarcane molasses. It’s clear in colour and produced in a variety of alcoholic strengths. While stronger and darker rums are generally consumed by itself, lighter rums are prefered in cocktails.

3 spirits you should try

Whether you are just starting to learn about spirits or are already a passionate connoisseur, the world of spirits is expanding with each different flavour and distillation offering a unique experience. Here are a few highlights that we think you should sample.

Williamine

This high-quality brandy has 43% ABV and is made from hand-picked and selected Williams pears that come from the Valais region in Switzerland. Besides a great pear aroma, this spirit has hints of sweet spices and nuts. Its pure palate has a sense of sweetness but still remains dry.

Abricotine

The Abricotine is one of our all-time favourites and is perfect as a digestif. You can enjoy it chilled on a summer day and at room temperature - the fruity flavour will be consistent. In combination with tonic or fresh juice, the Abricotine is also a refreshing long drink.

Alata - Le Gin Valaisan

The plant-based gin has both traditional and modern influences. It’s made with an original recipe that combines eight different high-quality plants. These are then infused with glacier water, Valais pears and alcohol before it is distilled. The result brings together the sweetness of the pears and the distinct notes of the juniper.

Our favourite cocktails

If you want to use our spirits to create exciting and tasty cocktails, then take a look at a few of our favourite recipes. These are simple and classic cocktail recipes that never fail.

Fitzgerald

Ingredients :

• 1 lemon wedge, for garnish
• 45 ml gin
• 30 ml sugar syrup
• 20 ml fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 or 3 dashes of bitters
• Ice

Method : Combine the gin, syrup, lemon juice and bitters in a mixing glass with ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks or lowball glass and garnish with the lemon wedge. Tip: Chill the glass when serving on warm summer days.

Sours

Ingredients :

• 1 cherry, for garnish
• 1 orange or lemon slice, for garnish
• 45 ml liquor of your choice
• 30 ml sugar syrup
• 20 ml fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 10 ml egg white
• Ice

Method : Combine the liquor with syrup, egg white and lemon juice in the mixing glass with ice and shake well. Strain the mix into an old-fashioned glass and garnish it with the cherry and the orange slice.

Brandy Milk Punch

Ingredients :

• Nutmeg, for garnish
• 60 ml brandy
• 120 ml whole milk
• 30 ml sugar syrup
• 1 trait d’extrait de vanille pure

Method : Combine the brandy, milk, syrup and vanilla extract in a mixing glass with ice and shake well. Strain into a large highball glass and sprinkle the nutmeg on top.

About Morand spirits

Tradition

At Morand, we are a family-run business in its fourth generation. Founded in Martigny in 1889, we have over 130 years of experience in producing high-quality syrups and spirits that are loved beyond the stunning Valais region. It’s our mission to consistently create the best products we can while preserving the natural environment of our home.

Quality

Our Luizet apricots and Williamine pears are grown in the heart of the alps, in the beautiful Valais region. All the pears we use to produce our spirits are handpicked and carefully selected to ensure freshness and high quality in each ingredient. In fact, each bottle of Williamine is made with 12kg of our flavourful Williamine pears.

Ready to discover spirits and their flavours ?

If we have kindled your interest and you’re ready to dive into the rich world of spirits, then head over to our spirits page and start your journey.