Note: Like all of the spirits I review, this was tasted at room temperature for maximum taste and detection of any faults if any in a product. If you chill benzene cold enough you could drink that too (NOT RECOMMENDED !), which is why I try them at room temperature.

Daucourt, makers of Jean Marc XO Vodka and X-Rated Vodka, have come out with this new product. I become wary when I see something that tries to play up a sex angle or inference. That, and/or some unnatural color usually tell me to stay away! Experience has shown me these products are trying to overcome something nasty. This, on the other hand, turned out to be drinkable.

This liqueur is a mixture of the organic juices of blood oranges from Provence, mango and passionfruit from Brazil, and their X-rated vodka.

First Impression: First whiff was like grapefruit, but quickly changed to mango, blood orange and hints of passionfruit (kind of like Kiwi fruit). Sweetness and acidity, like a spiced marmalade with the other fruits thrown in.

Appearance: Pink! Quite pink, like pink grapefruit juice in appearance (though in the frosted bottle it’s a little darker coral). A little hazy and opalescent. On swirling, it leaves droplets on the glass.

Taste: Medium, slightly thick body, not overly sweet (for a liqueur). Nice balance of fruit juices and very pure alcohol. Very smooth and easy to drink- not sticky sweet- this stuff could be real trouble for an inexperienced drinker or on a hot day.

Drinks: They have a number of drinks on their website they have developed for this liqueur, all of which worked well if you like that kind of thing (so called “girlie drinks”). Other ideas we explored were using it as a substitute for fruit juices and various orange based liqueurs in things like Papa Dobles (forgive us, Ernest), Mai Tai’s, Sunrises, etc.,etc. In short, most rum and tequila drinks. It is simpler to use, as you can dispense with the triple sec, countrieu, Gran Marnier, etc. and don’t need to have juices made or on hand. Makes for a great alternative ingredient for a number of ingredients in one bottle, and gives new life or spin to any number of cocktails.

Bottle: Cylindrical frosted glass with square shoulder,thin neck,cork closure and pink top. Large white X silk screened on label. Unfortunate that color aside, the bottle looks like many others.The color of the liqueur however is rather distinctive.

Final Thoughts:I think this type of liqueur straddles or blurs the boundary of liqueurs and mixers such as juices or preprepared drinks mixes (margarita, daiquiri,sours,etc.,).The advantage to this liqueur is that it is premade, stable, needs no refrigeration, and in a recloseable bottle – which is more than I can say about many others, so it is damned convenient. Fruity, well made, not overly sweet. Only downside for men is being identified as the “girlie drink guy” forever after (as Frank Kelly Rich warns in Modern Drunkard) or worse- depending on the bar you order it in. Not suggested for Biker or Marsailles waterfront bars unless you are armed or enjoy the idea of what will happen next…

Website: http://www.xratedfusion.com/

Quick loading webpage with attractive graphics, drinks recipes, and information.