Anise

Anise must be one of the most widely used single flavouring for liqueurs and eaux de vie. It is popular in so many countries in Europe and the Middle East.

Anise flavour is from the seed of the flowering anise plant which is grown around the Mediterranean. This is not to be confused with star anise which is from the Far East. Anise has a distinctive liquorice flavour that people tend to either love or hate.

It was originally used for medicinal purposes. According to Pliny the Elder (born 24AD), anise is a cure for sleeplessness, among other things.

Anise liqueurs have the distinctive feature of turning from clear to a milky cloudiness when mixed with water, which it usually is, to cut the alcohol and the flavour intensity.

France - Pastis (e.g., Ricard) & Absinthe
Greece - Ouzo
Italy - Sambuca
Spain - Anísado & Anís del Mono
Turkey - Raki
Bulgaria - Mastika 
Egypt - Arak
Israel - Arak
Jordan - Arak
Lebanon - Arak

It is also found in the Americas:
Colombia - Aguardiente
Mexico -Xtabentún

I have tried Ouzo, Sambuca and also Arak from Jordan. I prefer the latter because it was the driest.


Source: Wikipedia

Crème de Menthe

A popular liqueur, crème de menthe is used in cocktails or straight as an aperitif. Made by a variety of manufacturers around the world.

From Wikipedia:
Crème de menthe is an ingredient in several cocktails, such as the Grasshopper and the Stinger. It is also served as a digestif and used in cooking as a flavoring (see Mint chocolate). It is also a primary component of the popular South African shooter known as the Springbokkie.

The traditional formula steeps dried peppermint or Corsican mint leaves in grain alcohol for several weeks (creating a naturally green color), followed by filtration and addition of sugar.

Grand Marnier

After Cointreau, Grand Marnier is the most popular orange based liqueur in the world. Popular as an ingredient in cocktails and straight as an aperitif.

From Wikipedia:
Grand Marnier [is] an orange-flavored liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar.