ratafia

American  

[rat-uh-fee-uh] / ˌræt əˈfi ə /

Also ratafee

noun

1. a sweet liqueur made from wine or grape juice combined with brandy or other spirits and often flavored with almonds, fruit, or fruit kernels.

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ratafia British  

/ ˌrætəˈfɪə, ˌrætəˈfiː /

noun

1. any liqueur made from fruit or from brandy with added fruit

2. a flavouring essence made from almonds

3. Also called: ratafia biscuit.  a small macaroon flavoured with almonds

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Etymology

Origin of ratafia

Borrowed into English from French around 1690–1700

Example Sentences

The two gentlemen went to the Cake House, sat down, and called for glasses of ratafia.

From Parson Kelly by Lang, Andrew

Ratafia Sauce.—Add a few drops of essence of ratafia to some sweetened arrowroot or to some butter sauce.

From Cassell's Vegetarian Cookery A Manual of Cheap and Wholesome Diet by Payne, A. G.

These principles once admitted, he succeeded, after numerous experiments, in enjoying silent melodies on his tongue, mute funeral marches, in hearing, in his mouth, solos of mint, duos of ratafia and rum.

From Against the Grain by Huysmans, J.-K. (Joris-Karl)

My Lady Wishfort, I warrant, who publishes her detestation of mankind, and full of the vigour of fifty-five, declares for a friend and ratafia; and let posterity shift for itself, she'll breed no more.

From The Way of the World by Congreve, William

Damson tart made with bottled fruit, ratafia pudding.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)