10 Spirits You’re Definitely Mispronouncing

liquor bottles illustration — Liquor.com / Laura Sant

One of the rewards of diving into the world of cocktails and spirits—besides all the delicious drinks, of course—is the opportunity to dip into different cultures. It’s hard to drink Campari without jonesing for an Italian cafe, and taking a long draw of cognac allows your mind to wander the vineyards of southern France.

As transporting as drinking can be, it can also be frustrating to learn all those hard-to-pronounce brand and bottle names. It’s one thing to learn to say “Jägermeister” (thanks, college!), but what about these 10 tongue-twisting spirits?

Still got your tongue in a knot? Watch our video to learn how to pronounce all these intriguing drink names now.

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Watch Now: 10 Spirits You're Definitely Mispronouncing

Becherovka

Liquor.com / Laura Sant

Pronunciation: bek-kur-OHV-kuh

This bitter, herbal digestif is a staple throughout the Czech Republic, and it’s become popular behind American bars in recent years. Impress the locals—or your friends—by accurately saying it. Remember, the “h” is silent.
Cocchi Americano

Liquor.com / Laura Sant

Pronunciation: KOH-kee uh-meh-ree-KAH-noh

Called the “missing link in the cocktail-world” in the book “Boozehound,” Cocchi Americano has been steadily taking over American rocks glasses since its American release in 2010. This aperitif is great in many cocktails, especially in a Negroni as a substitute for sweet vermouth. Just make sure to drop the “h” when you order. Saying “coachy americano” to your bartender guarantees blank stares in return.
Cointreau

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Pronunciation: KWAN-troh

It’s no secret: If you want a delicious Margarita or Sidecar, you’ll need a quality triple sec. Cointreau is well-regarded for its balanced orange flavor. Though popular, a lot of people have trouble pronouncing its name. Luckily, it’s not a hard one to straighten out.
Curaçao

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Pronunciation: kyoor-uh-sow

Next time you take a Caribbean vacation, you’ll want to nail this one. Best known for its use in the classic Mai Tai, this orange-flavored liqueur has its origins in the Dutch island colony that shares its name and is made from a special variety of bitter orange. Helpful tip: That “ç” always sounds like an “s.”

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Cynar

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Pronunciation: chee-NAHR

If there’s any liqueur that has been plagued by its name, it’s this artichoke-accented spirit. While it doesn’t help that this Italian aperitif shares many letters with the never-appetizing (and deadly) cyanide, it may surprise you that Cynar isn’t pronounced the way you might think. Start out with a heavy “ch” sound, and you’re on the right track.
Falernum

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Pronunciation: fah-LEHR-num

When falernum is mentioned to most people, even cocktail enthusiasts, they’re more likely to ask what it is than how to pronounce it. However, if you’re a fan of Tiki cocktails, you may have tasted this spiced syrup (also available as a low-proof liqueur) without knowing it. The sweet, gingery mixture isn’t the most-used ingredient behind the bar, but knowing how to pronounce this niche sweetener may grant you instant cred during your next Tiki bar visit.
Grand Marnier Cuvée du Cent Cinquantenaire

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Pronunciation: grahn mar-NYAY kyoo-VAY doo san sin-khan-ten-air

Want to impress everyone in the room with your superb liquor-related pronunciation skills? Reciting the name of this special edition orange liqueur should do it. With a tagline of “Hard to find, impossible to pronounce, and prohibitively expensive,” Grand Mariner’s 150-year anniversary edition of its classic liqueur is a luxury bottle that comes with a $225 price tag. Practice that name before throwing down two-and-a-quarter Benjamins at the liquor store.
Laphroaig

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Pronunciation: lah-FROYG

Scotch names can be daunting. In a crowded bar, good luck telling your bartender that you would like a Bunnahabhain with a splash of water. However, there’s one whisky that seems to confound drinkers everywhere outside of Scotland. Made on the island of Islay (pronounced EYE-luh, by the way), Laphroaig is a peaty, delicious single malt despite all those consecutive vowels. For extra help, listen to a Scotsman say it.

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Lillet

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Pronunciation: lee-LAY

Lillet is still pronounced incorrectly despite being name-dropped in a James Bond movie. This French aperitif is something like Cocchi Americano but with a lighter taste. In fact, Cocchi is considered the closest modern-day substitute for the original Lillet formula, Kina Lillet (today’s version is called Lillet Blanc). If you ever find yourself reciting the ingredients to a Vesper or Corpse Reviver No. 2—both of which feature Lillet—remember your high-school French: The “t” is silent.
Punt e Mes

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Pronunciation: POONT eh MESS

Italian for “point and a half,” Punt e Mes was rumored to have started when a stock broker ordered his vermouth mixed with a half dose of bitter liqueur. The result was a sweet vermouth with a bitter bite that goes well with Campari drinks like the Negroni and Boulevardier. If you want to try this in your next Americano, throw away the football terms. Here, “Punt” is pronounced with a long “u.”