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

From their replies, the Emperor suspected that it was ratafia; but he would not have sworn to it.

From The Fête At Coqueville 1907 by Meyer, L. G.

When it is nearly cold, add three table-spoonfuls of ratafia; stir till cold, otherwise it will turn.

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 Bury, Charlotte Campbell, Lady

Place them in a dish, with or without milk, cream or custard: if the latter, there should be no ratafia.

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 Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

A table spoonful of ratafia, will make it ratifia cream.

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

"Stop that there infernal screeching!" said a couple of ladies, who were sipping ratafia in company with two pretty fellows.

From Catherine: a Story by Thackeray, William Makepeace