Top Picks for Specialty Spirits

Straw color. Aromas and flavors of sweet roasted agave, horchata with nutmeg, roasted pineapple, pickled jalapeño, and hints of smoked kiwi with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a peppery, distinctive, very long finish. A spot-on Tequila alternative that thus far, can’t be beat. Make margaritas, palomas and more and delight your guests with this non-alcoholic spirit.

Awards: 2021 Best Non Alcoholic Spirit

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of cracked juniper, black pepper, fresh parsley, fresh coriander seed, and lemon zest with a supple, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a peppery, complex, long finish. This spirit alternative offers the classic London Dry botanical profile and satisfying perceived heat; a raging success for the category, enjoy as liberally as your heart desires.

Neon red color. Aromas and flavors of cherries and pomegranate, cola, and candied lemon and orange zest with saffron with a satiny, vibrant, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a tingling, subtle, very long finish with notes of delicate herbs and coriander and exotic honeycomb. A pitch perfect take on the classic Italian red aperitif; Aperol fans take note.

Golden amber color. Aromas of hints of copper pot still, dry spice blend, and roasted mango with a satiny, lively, dryish medium body and a warming, complex, long hints of espresso bean, leather, spicy ginger, and black pepper finish. An impressive impression of pot still rum; a delight in cocktails for those choosing to abstain.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of fresh cut grass, ylang ylang, fresh sugar snap peas, pink grapefruit, and sage with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long finish with accents of cucumber, melon rind, and hints of coriander. A springy, fresh-from-the-garden styled spirit alternative that’s clean, bright and stylish.

Dark red color. Attractive aromas and flavors of toasted herbs and spices, pomegranate and peppers, and beeswax with a satiny, vibrant, off-dry medium-to-full body and a graceful, nuanced, very long finish evoking notes of candied orange zest, delicate bitter herbal lozenge, and hint of sweet pickle brine. A spot-on interpretation of a classic Italian red bitter liqueur that is a pleasure to drink on its own or in spirit free cocktails.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of artisan licorice, sandalwood incense, dates, and soy with a creamy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a silky, intricate, long finish that shows overtones of shortbread, taffy, and candied aniseed. A concentrated Arak with a transporting, all-natural flavor that happily lingers.

Brilliant golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of marzipan, maraschino cherry, and cola with lime with a velvety, bright, off-dry medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, long finish with notes of spiced cherries and apples. A delicious and well balanced Amaretto NA spirit for all occasions.

Dark amber color. Aromas and flavors of fruitcake, cola, gingerbread, and jell-o with a satiny, vibrant, off-dry medium-to-full body and a smooth, engaging, medium-long finish with shades of honey roasted apple and pear and delicate brown spices. A complex and engaging aperitif that will appeal to Negroni fans.

Slivery straw color. Aromas and flavors of lemon meringue tart, honey cream, almond cookie, and ginger with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, delightful, medium-length finish that shows notes of limoncello cream, starfruit, and peppered jicama and radish. A pure and delicate aperitif that will make a great alternative to vermouth.