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. Aromas and flavors of vanilla wafer cookie and fresh grain with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish with overtones of sweet cream, lemon zest, and honeysuckle. A round, exceptionally smooth Vodka for cocktails, sipping neat or on the rocks.

Brilliant light amber color. Attractive, inviting aromas and flavors of waffle iron, bananas foster in a copper pot, and fresh praline with a satiny, bright, off-dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, very long finish with notes of cane stalk and leaves, tres leche cake with a drizzle of molasses, butter pecan sundae with real maraschino cherries, and tobacco ash and rubber sap. A fantastic, flavor-packed pot still Rum that instantly teleports you to a tiki bar on an exotic island; pack your bags with this one and stay a while.

Clear color. Aromas of plantain pepper bread, roasted nuts, wet grass and straw, and saltines with a supple, medium-full body and a hot, long polenta with caramelized tropical fruits, cane stalk, and charcoal and minerals finish. A rich and flavorful overproof Rum that opens up beautifully with dilution.

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.

Clear color. Aromas of freshly sliced cucumber, Mizeria salad, and white melon with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-length cucumber and pepper, hints of lime zest, and kiwi finish. A fresh, easy-drinking cucumber Vodka that won’t let you down.

Clear amber color. Creamy, fruity, jammy aromas and flavors of marzipan, pear, nutmeg, and banana with a syrupy, soft, moderately sweet medium body and a warming, stimulating, medium-long finish with accents of chocolate cherries, baking spices and vanilla. A great Rum to sip on while having enough spice and complexity to stand up in a cocktail.

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.

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.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of cream and christmas baking spices, banana malted milkshake, and pineapple marzipan with a thick, full body and a long finish with notes of egg nog, caramel flan, and graham cracker. Christmas cheer in a bottle any time of year.