Everyone has one. A sticky bottle at the back of the cabinet, bought for a single recipe three winters ago. Before you give it away, here is what is really in it and how to rescue it.

  • Amaretto

    What it is: A sweet Italian liqueur with a marzipan and almond flavor, often from almonds or apricot kernels.

    Rescue it: An Amaretto Sour. Shake 45 ml amaretto, 25 ml lemon juice and a dash of sugar syrup with ice.

    Or just: pour a spoonful over vanilla ice cream.

  • Orange liqueur (Cointreau, triple sec)

    What it is: A clear liqueur made from sweet and bitter orange peel. It is the quiet hero of half the cocktail book.

    Rescue it: A Margarita. Shake 50 ml tequila, 25 ml lime juice and 20 ml orange liqueur with ice.

    Or just: drizzle over pancakes or a plain sponge cake.

  • Green Chartreuse

    What it is: A French herbal liqueur made by monks, from a secret blend of many plants. It is bright green, intense and quite strong.

    Rescue it: A Last Word. Shake equal parts, about 20 ml each, of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice.

    Or just: a teaspoon in a mug of hot chocolate, if you like herbs and chocolate together.

  • Coffee liqueur

    What it is: Sweet, roasted and dark, a liqueur made around coffee and sugar.

    Rescue it: An Espresso Martini. Shake 45 ml vodka, 30 ml coffee liqueur and 30 ml fresh espresso hard with ice.

    Or just: pour it over ice cream and call it an affogato for grown-ups.

  • Irish cream

    What it is: Cream, Irish whiskey and cocoa in one bottle. The most dessert-like of the five.

    Rescue it: Over ice, or in a hot coffee on a cold evening.

    One warning: cream liqueurs do not last as long as clear ones. Check the date and storage advice on the label, and if it smells off or looks lumpy, let it go.

A quick rule for the whole shelf

Clear and sugary liqueurs keep well for a long time if the cap is tight and the bottle is stored away from heat and sunlight. Cream ones are the exception. When in doubt, check the label.

Cocktail proportions are classic starting points. Adjust to taste. Please drink responsibly.