Best Inexpensive Liquor

Rich dark garnet color. Aromas of black cassis, hints of peppermint, toast, and citronella with a bright, sweet fat body and a sleek, massive, medium-long smoked peppercorns and fine syrah finish. An intense, complex and generous Creme de Cassis with bold, pure flavors; the go-to choice for a Kir Royale, an El Diablo, and many other classic cocktails.

Clear color. Aroma of funky cane with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, complex, medium-long key lime, apricot, grilled fruits and vegetables, coconut, lychee, and guanabana finish. A delicious, perfectly funky caipirinha in a can.

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.

Tasted as a Moscow Mule cocktail. Golden straw color. Attractive, spicy aromas and flavors of fresh sliced ginger, freshly ground nutmeg, galangal, and hint of egg nog with a supple, racy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, endless finish that shows notes of honeyed ginger root, ginger tea with lemon, and white peppercorn finish. A fabulously fresh and commanding ginger-forward Moscow Mule that warmly stimulates the senses.

Clear color. Pure aromas and flavors of freshly sliced cucumber and hints of basil with a round, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a smooth, appealing, medium-length finish with nuances of lime and melon. A stellar Flavored Vodka that sings with pure, natural cucumber flavor and an easy-to-mix dry palate.

Awards: 2021 Best Flavored Vodka

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of roasted coconut with mar, cherries in vanilla extract, magic marker, and carob almond bar with a supple, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-long finish with nuances of minerals, copper, peppered figs, and egg nog finish. A lightly funky, cane-y, pot still influenced rum that will be great for tiki cocktails and daiquiris.

Clear color. Aromas of sweet tea, gunpowder, grilled green apple, rubber, bacon, orange peel, and pineapple chutney with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a warming, interesting, long latex and spiced parsnips finish. A curious and concentrated Blanco Mezcal for celebrating and cocktailing.

Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of ginger, lime rind, horseradish, and marjoram with a supple, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy finish revealing nuances of pickled cucumber, chalk, and white pepper finish. This ginger beer makes a spicy, balanced Moscow Mule with silky texture.

Creamy taupe color. Aromas of chocolate milk, cocoa powder, and graham crackers with a creamy, crisp, sweet fat body and a smooth, delightful, medium-length hot fudge on chocolate gelato and chocolate mousse finish. Giant chocolate flavors for your inner child; luxuriate with this over ice.

Creamy almond white color. Spicy aromas and flavors of spice egg nog with nutmeg with a creamy, vibrant, sweet medium-full body and an even, appealing, long finish evoking notes of egg nog gelato, horchata, and white chocolate toffee. A richly spiced, creamy and balanced egg nog liqueur that is a delight to drink.

Awards: 2021 Chicago Indie Spirits Awards - Best Liqueur