Fior Di Pistacchio

Fior Di Pistacchio is a pistachio liqueur sold under the Esplanda label. The name suggests a cream-style or nut-forward bottling, though the listing gives no ABV, origin or production details, so what follows describes how pistachio liqueurs usually taste and behave. Expect a soft green-nut aroma, a rounded, lightly toasty pistachio flavor with a marzipan-like edge, and a sweet, smooth body. Many liqueurs in this style have a creamy mouthfeel and a gentle bitter-almond note that keeps the sweetness from turning flat. Because pistachio liqueurs are sweet and dense, they work best in small pours. Served neat, a measure of about 30 to 45 ml in a small cordial or rocks glass makes a dessert-style sipper. Chilling the bottle in the fridge or freezer first thickens the texture and tones down the sweetness. Over a large ice cube it opens up gradually and stays rich without becoming syrupy. A splash of soda or tonic stretches it into a lighter long drink, and a twist of orange or lemon peel adds the acidity it needs. As a cocktail modifier, it fits wherever you would use amaretto or hazelnut liqueur. Try it in an Espresso Martini variation, where it adds a nutty sweetness to coffee and vodka. A pistachio Alexander, with brandy or cognac and cream, makes a good dessert drink. It also works in a nutty White Russian, or in a small measure with bourbon, rye or aged rum for an Old Fashioned twist. A bar spoon of it in a Negroni-style drink softens the bitterness. For food, drizzle it over vanilla gelato or ricotta, or add it to tiramisu and cannoli cream. It pairs with dark chocolate, citrus cakes, and coffee after dinner.