[7][3] Ratafia may be flavoured with kernels (almond, peach, apricot, or cherry),[3] lemon peel and spices in various amounts (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, mint, rosemary, anise, etc.

In the south-central region of Italy, (specifically Molise and Abruzzo) ratafià is made exclusively with fresh cherries and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines.

[8] The liqueur form of ratafia is mentioned humorously in the lyrics of the song "The Unfortunate Miss Bailey", written by Lou Gottlieb and released by the Kingston Trio in 1959 on their album Here We Go Again!.

D.H. Lescombes, in New Mexico, uses Moscato grapes fortified with brandy to stop the fermentation early, which keeps the residual sugar high.

[20][21][22] Ratafia essence was suggested in a BBC recipe in their 1940 publication Food Facts For The Kitchen Front, for making mock marzipan, along with soya flour, margarine and sugar.