Likörelle – a recipe for success in Lindenberg style
7 October 2025A glass tips over, the eggnog spills – and suddenly a drawing blossoms in vibrant colors. So goes the myth surrounding the invention of the "Likörelle" ( a type of eggnog painting ). The legendary setting: the bar of Hamburg's Hotel Atlantic , Lindenberg's second home. Others place its origin on the island of Sylt. What matters is not where it happened – but that Udo turned a chance encounter into his trademark: the " Likörell ," a portmanteau of "Likör" (liqueur) and " Aquarelle" (watercolor ).
Liqueur-based paintings can now be admired in their original form in our current exhibition, Udo Lindenberg . Comet-like Panic – Liqueur-based paintings, Udograms, nudes & much more. The whole Udo universe is coming to the Ruhr area! These works , along with many other paintings in acrylic and watercolor paints or with markers, can now be admired in our current exhibition, Udo Lindenberg. Comet-like Panic – Liqueur-based paintings, Udograms, nudes & much more. The whole Udo universe is coming to the Ruhr area!
But how exactly do the liqueur paintings come about, if not by chance, and what do the works tell us in this unique painting technique?
With his new self-image, now also working as a visual artist, Lindenberg intensified his drawing and painting in the 1990s, and was immediately captivated by the astonishingly beautiful color effects of the liqueurs. In addition to eggnog, which provides the yellow of sand and sun, he uses Blue Curaçao for blue, Batida de Coco for white, peppermint liqueur for green, and grenadine for red. Another alcoholic substance is also used: coffee liqueur contributes the brown tones. Lindenberg applies the spirit with his bare finger, creating a flowing, boundary-dissolving effect. The colors, he rarely uses more than two or three per picture, direct the eye, highlight body parts and clothing, and bring the drawings to life. The figurative and actual alcohol foams, fizzes, and splashes from champagne glasses, and the movement of dancing people takes on a unique dynamic through the intermingling colors.
The works are preserved using fixative and protected behind UV glass. In 1997, Lindenberg trademarked the name "Likörell ." "Another unique selling point with high recognition value, which also secures him a place in art history," writes Dr. Christine Vogt in the exhibition catalog.
Thematic
His liqueur-based paintings are teeming with curious figures in typical Udo style. But thoughtful and ironic themes ( Reality is just an illusion created by a lack of alcohol I ) and, of course, the artist himself – always instantly recognizable by his hat, long hair, and sunglasses – also become subjects.
Self-portrait I and Little Red Riding Hood I, 1995 © Udo Lindenberg Archive
Example Red
Red is a real eye-catcher in works like Self-Portrait I, Little Red Riding Hood I (both from 1995) and What's Gonna Happen? (2000). The self-portrait depicts Lindenberg's likeness in shades of brown and beige – only the bright red sunglasses stand out and draw attention to this trademark. Even without additional information, it's immediately clear to viewers: That's Udo!
Little Red Riding Hood is a profile portrait of a woman in which only red is used as a color, with the exception of the black eye. Besides the lips, the hair of the determined-looking figure is also rendered in red. Although the title refers to the red headdress of the little girl from the fairy tale, it actually depicts long, flowing red hair. This evokes associations with a wild, self-assured punk, in contrast to the naive fairy-tale character.
In "What's gonna happen?", a Udo Lindenberg, plagued by alcohol excesses, turns his back on the Atlantic Hotel bar. The red-tinted patches of skin draw the eye to his face – and to the despair etched upon it. The color red thus not only accentuates certain parts of the image but also conveys emotion and seemingly offers a glimpse into Lindenberg's psyche. The text ( "What's gonna happen? ") also plays an important role in this work – but more on that next time.
What's gonna happen? , 2000 © Udo Lindenberg Archive
Many more liqueur paintings could be listed here: the Babelsberg painting with the oversized champagne glass, or the "Alcohol Girl I" drowning in Blue Curaçao blue , the encounter between Mr. Cock and Mr. Tail . But I won't give too much away: Until November 23rd , you can explore and study the appearance and effect of the liqueur paintings in detail at the LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen . Which is your favorite liqueur painting?
Lena Elster
General