Top Picks for Specialty Spirits

Gold color. Aromas of toasted apple cake, ripe honeydew melon, aloe vera, smoked legumes, and crushed pepper with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, complex, medium-length spicy ginger, pear puree, and hints of pineapple finish. An excellent Tequila alternative that offers all the earthiness, creamy fruit, and peppery heat that you desire; try in margaritas, palomas, and more.

Golden yellow color. Aromas of orange peel, violet, honey, vanilla, and hints of sesame with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a tingling, medium-length bitter lemon, cucumber, gentian, bay leaf, chamomile, and candied ginger finish. A floral, herbal, slightly bitter Spirit Alternative that will create balanced spirit-free cocktails; a refreshing offering for the moments you choose to abstain from alcohol.

Medium salmon orange color. Aromas and flavors of gentian, ginger, orange peel, angelica, cinnamon stick, and tonka bean with a round, vibrant, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and an interesting, medium-length finish revealing notes of ripe strawberry, orris root, and jasmine tea finish. A round and highly pleasing non-alcoholic spirit that elevates the no-ABV sipping experience; a round, refreshing, palate-opening beverage for spirit-free aperitivos.

Clear color. Herbal aromas and flavors of black licorice, black pepper, oregano, and tarragon with a velvety, crisp, fruity sweet medium body and an effortless, medium-long finish. A complex arak with subtle herbal nuance and in-check heat.

Crimson red color. Aromas and flavors of marasca cherry, rose hips, fruit punch, watermelon, ginger, spiced honey, and lime peel with a supple, bright, sweet light body and an effortless, captivating, medium-length finish that shows suggestions of rhubarb. A bittersweet, somewhat tropical cocktail ingredient for summer spritzers, and poolside libations; a fun and complex option when you want a break from booze.

Clear color. Rustic aromas of hay, green tea, dried mango, dried lime peel, and tobacco with a velvety, bright, dry-yet-fruity light body and a medium-long marzipan wrapped cherries, icing sugar, dried lemon peel, and bee pollen finish. A terroir-driven grappa; sip after a good meal.

Awards: 2017 Best Grappa

Clear color. Confected aromas of green pear, tutti fruiti candies, banana marshmallow, guayabana, crisp raw asparagus, and sunflower seeds with a velvety, crisp, fruity light body and a warming, intriguing, medium-length dandelion, marjoram, chamomile tea, banana leaf, and ground peppercorns finish. A fruit-forward Grappa with a friendly nose and a palate reminiscent of the summer countryside.

Clear color. Fruity, earthy aromas of green apple, dolmades, dried fig and apricot, and green tea with a satiny, bright, bone-dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, medium-length bitter lemon, herbal jelly, and fresh radish finish. A rustic but silky grappa; hospitality in a glass.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of fresh fennel, peppermint, orris root, and dill with a satiny, dryish light body and a tingling, intriguing, medium-length finish with suggestions of starfruit and anise finish. An approachable aquavit with a pleasant hint of mint; refreshing and great for cocktails.

Gold color. Nutty aromas and flavors of marzipan, fresh almond paste, and hints of candied cherry with a supple, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, medium-length finish evoking overtones of candied lemon peel, cherry cooler, hints of ginger, and orange blossom finish. A tasty, candied Amaretto Substitute that delivers great concentration of flavor.