Definition: Elixir

Originally a liquid medicine, composed of one or more substances dissolved in alcohol. With connotations of a magic potion, elixirs have disappeared from the range of alcoholic beverages and are now nothing more than an anecdotal memory. However, we should mention the Grande-Chartreuse herbal elixir (see chartreuse), the Glaris elixir, flavoured with vanilla and saffron, and the Antwerp elixir, made from macerated herbs.