Historical records that mention the use of beer and wine date back some 5,000 years. The distillation of liquor began about 2,000 years ago. Most types of liquor known today were developed between the 12th and 19th centuries. Modern glass packaging and brand names began to emerge around the middle of the 19th century.The origin of "liquor" and its close relative "liquid" was the Latin verb liquere, meaning "to be fluid." According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an early use of the word in the English language, meaning simply "a liquid," can be dated to 1225. The first use that the OED mentions in reference to a "liquid for drinking" occurred in the early- to mid-14th century.
The origin of "spirit" in reference to alcohol stems from Middle Eastern alchemy. These alchemists were more involved in medical elixirs than in creating gold from lead. The vapors given off and collected during some of their alchemical processes were described as being the spirits of the original object. When processes akin to distillation were carried out by accident alcohol was produced and the result known as a spirit.Simple Definition of LIQUEUR
a sweet, strong alcoholic drink that is usually flavored with fruits or spices and drunk in small glasses after a meal