Rum or liqueur (optional)

Description

Rum or liqueur are alcoholic ingredients with various colors and consistencies: rum can be clear or amber with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spices, while liqueurs are usually sweeter, thicker, and often intensely colored and flavored with fruits, herbs, or cream. The taste can range from subtly spicy to intensely fruity, making them easily recognizable in dishes and drinks. Nutritionally, they are a source of calories primarily from alcohol and sugars; liqueurs typically contain more sugar than rum. In small amounts, they can aid digestion and enhance the aromatic profile of dishes, but excess alcohol and sugar have negative health effects. In the kitchen, they are used in desserts, sauces, marinades, cakes, flambé, and cocktails, where they add depth of flavor. They should be stored in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed; high-proof rum retains its quality longer, while cream liqueurs or those with fresh ingredients should be consumed sooner and stored according to the label after opening.