Ratafia is a liqueur originally made from something that would impart almond flavour, such as the kernels of Morello cherries, peach or apricot kernels or bitter almonds or a combination of these.
The liqueur come have been distilled or infused.
Sometimes angelica or anise-flavoured cordials were also referred to as Ratafia, but but generally, people assumed Ratafia equalled almond flavour.
Some homemade versions of Ratafia may draw on not only cherries, but also red currants, raspberries, and mulberries.
Language Notes
Some people assert that the name comes from “ratify”, in that the drink might be served to statesmen as they were ratifying treaties, but this was patently concocted by some wag trying to fish fresh-eyed foodies in,