curaçao

noun

cu·​ra·​çao ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌsō 

-ˌsau̇,

ˈku̇r-;

ˌk(y)u̇r-ə-ˈsō,

-ˈsau̇

variants or less commonly curaçoa

ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌsō 

-ˌsau̇,

ˈku̇r-;

ˌk(y)u̇r-ə-ˈsō,

-ˈsau̇,

 or  ˌkyu̇r-ə-ˈsō-ə

: a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the sour orange

Examples of curaçao in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That said, the brandy influence from a curacao, like Grand Marnier or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, brought a welcome oak and vanilla influence alongside the orange, and makes the cocktail richer and fuller, with more meat on the bones. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2024

Just as good, though very different, was to use a curacao, which is oranges on a base of brandy or Cognac, so it’s got orange of course but also Cognac flavor—oak, vanilla, and stone fruit. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2023

From Tapestry in New York City The Bluebonnet Ingredients 1.5 oz tequila blanco 1.5 oz fresh lime juice .75 oz Cointreau 1.5 oz simple syrup A few drops blue curacao A few drops grenadine Instructions Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. —Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 9 June 2023

Orange Liqueur: Many reputable people call for a curacao here, like Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao or Grand Marnier. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 3 June 2023

Customers can customize their margarita by adding a Meltdown, which is extra tequila, or other liqueurs like blue curacao or sour apple. —Audrey Eads, Dallas News, 21 Feb. 2021

Be sure to get a good-quality curacao like this one to ensure that bright blue hue. —Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2020

The liquid takes on various hues — blue, yellow, red and clear — depending on whether curacao, spiced pear or wild strawberry liqueur has been added. —Lori Rackl, chicagotribune.com, 6 Nov. 2019

Stop by the bar to order The Pride Tai cocktail made with cranberry and pineapple juices, rum and blue curacao ($10) or a virgin version using the juices and lemonade ($5) and the theater will donate the proceeds to Howard Brown Health. —Samantha Nelson, chicagotribune.com, 20 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Dutch curaçao, from Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Geographical Definition

Curaçao

geographical name

Cu·​ra·​çao ˌku̇r-ə-ˈsau̇ 

ˌkyu̇r-,

-ˈsō,

-ˈsä-ˌō

internally self-governing Dutch island in the southern Caribbean; chief town Willemstad area 182 square miles (471 square kilometers), population 150,563

Note: Curaçao was formerly part of Netherlands Antilles.