There’s a chill in the air and many people’s thoughts are now turning to Thanksgiving and the December holidays. It’s nice to know about spirit and liqueur choices that are sure to please and great to offer guests. We have rounded up some choices from around the globe. Travel with every sip of these fine brands. Keep them on hand in your home bar for gatherings, to mix that special cocktail, and for gifting. Cheers!
Loca Loka Tequila (Mexico) Loca Loka Blanco Tequila, made from 100% agave has the blend of the rounder fruity flavors of cooked agave along with the earthier floral flavors of the Highland agaves. The overall experience starts with the cooked agave showing up in the aroma, when sipped you get the fruity flavors and then the finish is subtle with the floral tones. Loca Loka Reposado Tequila is aged in French and American oak barrels for 4-6 months. The aging imparts a richer aroma and flavors of the Highland blends i.e. a continuation of the Blanco maturation journey. More than just a tequila, Loca Loka celebrates a cultural tapestry woven from the rich heritage of India and Mexico. The tequila name, combining the Spanish “LOCA” (crazy) and the Sanskrit “LOKA” (world), captures the spirit that transcends borders, offering a unique blend of traditions, tastes, and communal joy. Loca Loka is backed by internationally acclaimed actor Rana Daggubati and music composer Anirudh. Together with entrepreneur Harsha Vadlamudi’s business acumen, their knack for transcending borders will enrich the Loca Loka journey with creative storytelling, inviting consumers on a unique cultural exploration.
Visit: Localoka
Middle West Spirits (Columbus, Ohio) Right here in the United States, Middle West Spirits crafts a distinctive range of whiskies that highlight both local ingredients and innovative aging techniques. Their portfolio includes cask strength straight rye, wheat, and bourbon whiskeys, each made from scratch using grains sourced from the Ohio River Valley. Notable expressions like the Dark Pumpernickel Straight Rye is America’s first. This signature spirit is distilled from dark pumpernickel rye, non-GMO open-pollinated yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, and 2-row barley to create a unique four grain rye. With a commitment to quality and a reputation for pushing boundaries, Middle West Spirits offers whiskies that are both approachable and memorable, making them standout choices.
Visit: Middle West Spirits | Ohio Craft Distillery | Whiskey, Vodka, Gin
Disaronno Liqueur (Italy) It’s no surprise that the Italian liqueur brand is celebrating 500 years of success. Amber in color, with a distinctive taste and aroma, Disaronno is the world’s favorite Italian Liqueur. The original tasted is from a sacred recipe handed down for generations. Enjoy it on the rocks and in mixed drinks. And be sure to enjoy the brand’s Disaronno Velvet, a smooth delicious version of the liqueur. As Disaronno wraps up a monumental year marking 500 years of Italian craftsmanship, the brand unveils its grand finale: a striking Limited-Edition 500th Anniversary Collection. Featuring five collectible bottle designs that embody Dolcevita, Passione, Bellezza, Stile, and Eleganza, the release honors five centuries of Italian artistry and craftsmanship, arriving just in time for the holiday season.
Visit: Disaronno
Chambord Liqueur (France) The beloved raspberry liqueur is ideal for sipping before the fire or making unique cocktails such as the Chambord Royale or the Chambord Bramble. Encased inside an elegant orb shaped bottle, Chambord bursts with the luscious flavors of black raspberry, citrus, vanilla, honey, and a splash of charisma. Prepare your senses to indulge in the taste of this velvety smooth black raspberry liqueur that is just right for the season ahead.
Visit: Chambord Liqueur
Balcones Distilling Whisky (Waco, Texas) Every bottle of Balcones is crafted in conversation with the natural world and the uniquely intense climate in Waco, Texas. Its scorching highs, frigid lows and unpredictable temperature swings produce deep and bright whiskey, intentionally crafted with the rhythms of Texas. The Lineage Texas Single Malt Whisky is the distillation of centuries-old traditions and the distillery’s modern take on American Single Malt Whisky. Featuring Texas-grown and malted barley aged in new and used oak barrels alongside Scottish Golden Promise malted barley, Balcones Distilling honors the lessons of single malt’s past and moves them forward into new territory.
Visit: Balcones Distillery American Single Malt Whisky
SPYRT Vodkas (Ukraine) Building on its successful launch in the Washington, D.C. metro area, SPYRT’s award-winning vodka brands—Ukrainian Freedom, Ukrainian Spirit, and Hetman Elite—are now being distributed across eight new U.S. states, in addition to existing availability in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. SPYRT vodkas are now available in California, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia. This marks a significant step in SPYRT’s mission to introduce American consumers to premium spirits rooted in Ukraine’s deep cultural heritage and world-class craftsmanship.
Visit: spyrtworldwide.com
Gunpowder Irish Gin (Ireland) Founded in 2014 by PJ Rigney, The Shed Distillery is known for creating exceptional, award-winning products including their Gunpowder Irish Gin. Crafted in small batches using a bespoke pot still, Drunshanbo Gin exemplifies innovation and artistry in modern gin-making. Each bottle is infused with a unique blend of botanicals sourced from around the world, delivering a complex, aromatic, and smooth flavor profile. The distillery has quickly earned a prominent reputation for quality and creativity, standing out in the international spirits scene for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and small-batch excellence. Drumshanbo Gin is celebrated by bartenders, connoisseurs, and competitions alike, making it a standout in any premium spirits portfolio. The Drunshambo Gunpowder Irish Gin with California Orange Citrus has a delightful flavor profile, perfect for mixing your next cocktail.
Visit: Drumshanbo Irish Gin & Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey | The Shed Distillery
Kraken Rum (The Caribbean) When spiced cocktails take center stage, Kraken Rum is the spirit of choice. The rum is distilled from molasses made from sugar cane. With its bold Black Spiced and smooth Gold Spiced expressions, Kraken Rum delivers warmth, depth and spice. It is ideal for stirring into a fall-inspired Old Fashioned, a rich Manhattan, or a seasonal twist with a dark and moody edge, Kraken is the ultimate sip for the cool, crisp weather.
Visit: Home | Kraken Rum
Top photo: Shutterstock by Mariyana M.
