Can you use cheap alcohol for homemade liqueur, or does quality matter?

Expanded Explanation

You can use affordable alcohol for homemade liqueur, but quality still matters. The base spirit does not need to be premium, especially when strong fruit, spice, coffee, or herbal flavors will dominate. What matters most is that it tastes clean, without sharp solvent notes, strange sweetness, or an unpleasant finish.

Very cheap alcohol can leave rough edges that remain noticeable even after infusion, sugar, and resting. Off-notes often become more obvious after the first bright flavors settle, especially in simpler recipes with only a few ingredients. That is why the cheapest option is not always the best value if it weakens the final bottle.

A good rule is to choose a mid-range spirit you would tolerate drinking on its own. For neutral bases, a clean vodka is usually enough. For character bases like rum, brandy, or whiskey, pick one with a pleasant flavor profile but avoid paying for complexity that will disappear behind sugar and botanicals.