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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ratafia

Then, after closing it, he came back and plunged into his armchair, saying to Nanon,— "Get me some black-currant ratafia."

From Eugenie Grandet by Katharine Prescott Wormeley

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 William Congreve

A ratafia drop may be added to each cup; and if intended to keep, the cream must be previously scalded.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Mary Eaton

"Here," said Grandet to Nanon, seeing that she looked quite pale, "as it is Eugenie's birthday, and you came near falling, take a little glass of ratafia to set you right."

From Eugenie Grandet by Katharine Prescott Wormeley

Upon this lay sponge finger biscuits and ratafia cakes, and pour over just enough new milk to make them soft.

From Nelson's Home Comforts Thirteenth Edition by Mary Hooper

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