10 Spirits You're Definitely Mispronouncing

One of the rewards of diving into the world of cocktails and spirits—besides delicious booze-laden drinks, of course—is dipping into different cultures. It's hard to drink Campari without jonesing for an Italian cafe, and taking a long draw of cognac is at least a halfway decent substitute for wandering the vineyards of southern France.

Transporting as drinking can be, it can be head-bangingly frustrating to learn all those foreign brand and bottle names. It's one thing to remember how to pronounce Jägermeister. (Thanks, college!) But what about these 10 tongue-twisting tipples?

Curaçao

SAY IT RIGHT: kyoor-uh-sow

Next time you take a Caribbean vacation, nail this one. Best known for being an ingredient 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. That "ç" always sounds like an "s."

Becherovka

SAY IT RIGHT: bek-kur-OHV-kuh

This bitter, herbal digestif is a staple in much of the Czech Republic. Impress the locals—or your friends—by accurately saying it using this tip: The "h" is silent.

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