These words refer to alcoholic beverages, but a liqueur is a sweet, strong, highly flavored alcoholic drink such as crème de menthe (literally,"cream of mint") or chartreuse. Another name for liqueur is cordial. A liquor is a distilled or spirituous beverage, such as brandy or whiskey, which is distinguished from fermented beverages like beer and wine. The broth from meats or vegetables is also called liquor."The partygoers had several drinks of liquor before dinner and turned to liqueurs after dessert." "His favorite liqueur is Drambuie; his favorite liquor is bourbon." "The liquor from these greens is rich in vitamins."
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.