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

See Examples For:

ratafia

Damson tart made with bottled fruit, ratafia pudding.

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

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

From Parson Kelly by Andrew Lang

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 J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans

Half a pound of ratafia, half a pint of boiling milk, more if required, stir it with a fork; three eggs, leaving out one white.

From The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory; In Which will Be Found a Large Collection of Original Receipts. 3rd ed. by Lady Charlotte Campbell Bury

Yorkshire, 136. suet, 137. bread, 135. rice, 130. custard, 135. batter, 135. cherry batter, 131. ratafia, 132. college, 131.

From The Jewish Manual Practical Information in Jewish and Modern Cookery with a Collection of Valuable Recipes & Hints Relating to the Toilette by Lady Judith Cohen Montefiore