ratafia
/ʁatafja/
FR
a sweet liqueur or cordial made by steeping fruit, especially apricots or cherries, and sugar in brandy or other spirits; also refers to a small biscuit or cookie flavored with almond, typically served alongside this drink
Nous avons servi du ratafia aux cerises avec des biscuits à la fin du dîner.
We served cherry ratafia with cookies at the end of dinner.
Etymology
First recorded in English in the 17th century, ratafia derives from the French word of the same spelling, which likely originates from the phrase rata fiat, meaning 'let the deal be ratified' – a reference to the tradition of drinking to seal an agreement or bargain.
Memory Aid
Rata sounds like 'rat' and fia like 'fiesta' – picture a party rat enjoying a sweet fruity drink after a deal is sealed.
Collocations
ratafia biscuitscherry ratafiaapricot ratafiaalmond ratafia
Synonyms
fruit liqueurcordial
Related Words
liqueurcordialbrandyalmond biscuitapricotcherry