St. Germain
Often called the "Bartender's Ketchup" as it goes with just about anything, cocktail lovers continue to sing the praises for this French elderflower liqueur. Its subtle floral notes and delicate sweetness are most famously paired with Hendrick's gin (we recommend adding a squeeze of lemon), or Champagne (even better: try gin, lemon and Champagne.) This liqueur is a fun to experiment in various applications, but keep in mind the flavor profile is best designed to use it as a modifying spirit, so try it out with various base spirits. If you are unsure of measurements, it can help to start with 1 part modifying spirit to 3 parts base spirit, but if your palate enjoys stronger and less sweet drinks, try it first with a 1:4 ratio. Similar to many liqueurs, keep the sweetness factor in mind when creating flavor combinations with other ingredients. And make sure to display this liqueur proudly, as it is not only a delicious product, but also one of the most beautifully packaged spirits you will find.
(MSRP: $39.99/ 1 L)
Carpano Antica
If you enjoy vermouth on the rocks or tend to gravitate toward Negronis or Manhattans at the bar, then you may already be familiar with this delicious Italian sweet vermouth that comes from the brand created by the inventor of vermouth himself, Antonio Benedetto Carpano. While pricey, the difference in your cocktails when using Carpano Antica for your sweet vermouth is notable, and makes the cost well worth it. If you are new to the vermouth world, be sure to take a sip of the Antica before adding it to a cocktail. The richness of the flavor profile- and the drinkability- of this vermouth may surprise you.
(MSRP: $32.99/ 1L)
Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Don't be fooled by its name- the Italian Luxardo Marschino liqueur tastes vastly different than the syrupy and faux flavored maraschino cherries that have adorned tropical and frou frou drinks since the 1980's. Luxardo Maraschino liqueur has been around since the early 1800's, and is a staple in many classic cocktails, including the Hemingway Daquiri, the Last Word, and the Aviation. The dry, nutty and complex palate is sophisticated but can be used in a wide variety of cocktails, plus gives you the ability to create some of the most delicious and often forgotten classic cocktails of the past (ahem...The Last Word).
(MSRP: $33.99/ 1L)
Green Chartreuse
This intensely herbal liqueur deserves a space on your bar almost just for its story alone. Created by Carthusian monks in France, the recipe dates back to the 1700's and contains 130 various herbs and spices. Chartreuse is available in several varieties, two of the most popular being Green and Yellow. The Yellow Chartreuse is a bit sweeter and more subtle than the Green, however the Green has become a popular digestif as well as mixing component in a variety of cocktails. Chartreuse has even become a shot of choice at bars across the country, but a warning should be offered to those sipping or slamming Chartreuse for the first time. Love it or hate it, this is a potent liqueur. And if you think you dislike it, just wait. Give it a few months, and suddenly the piercing flavors are immensely enjoyable. You will even find yourself trying to remember how you could ever not like Chartreuse. Just one more reason to add it to your own bar: pouring it for your friends that are first timers. And you will be so proud when you find out they bought a bottle of their own. And don't forget to try out Chartreuse in some of your favorite cocktails (whiskey sours, Manhattans), as these potent herbal liqueurs are surprisingly mixable.
Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka
Shocked to see a flavored vodka on the list? Yeah, me too. As much as I abused the plethora of flavors of vodka available in my very early 20's, I am now a bit burnt out when I see the millionth flavor of vodka that will likely disappear in a few weeks time. But every now and then, a rare gem will stand out and showcase exactly what a flavored vodka should be: mixable, drinkable, and delicious. Cathead Honeysuckle vodka, hailing from Mississippi, nails all three, with its lightly floral, balanced and surprisingly not-to-sweet flavor profile. In a year and a half of working with the product, I am continuously amazed at how many recipes can be created with Cathead Honeysuckle vodka as the base. And I'm not talking about "girly", easy-to-drink fruity bomb cocktails. I'm talking serious, complex and lingering cocktails that make you wonder what the heck is in that incredibly delicious cocktail. So try it out at home, and don't be shy. Try it with Aperol, Yellow or Green Chartreuse, different flavors of bitters, wheat beer- the sky's the limit. And that is the true beauty of neutral grain spirits: versatility. Even better when it's a flavored vodka that offers a layer to the flavor profile without overwhelming it. And if someone's in the mood for a fruity cocktail? Try a Honeysuckle vodka Cosmo- it's delicious.
(MSRP: $19.99/ 750 ML)
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