Vodka is about clarity of spirit and neutrality of taste, but that hasn’t stopped brands from going overboard when it comes to branding and packaging. In a fiercely competitive market, distilleries push the limits of design and backstory. From sci-fi inspirations to luxury objets d’art, here are 10 of the more unusual vodkas you can…

Move over Sake and Soju. Asia’s newest obsession is juniper-based, botanically bold, and unapologetically local. Craft gin, once a niche import enjoyed only by expats or cocktail connoisseurs, is becoming one of the darlings of Asia’s distilling scene. From Tokyo to Mumbai, a new cohort of small-batch producers is taking on the spirit world, infusing…

Cachaça is Brazil in a bottle. For centuries, this spirit has been the backbone of rural life, the lubricant of festivals, and the foundation of the world-famous Caipirinha. Behind its easygoing image lies a carefully regulated product, shaped by centuries of improvisation and, more recently, by law and scientific precision. Unlike rum, which it often…

Moutai is not just China’s most iconic liquor, it is a cultural artifact. Its production methods are rooted in tradition, its flavor shaped by geography and time, and its consumption tightly woven into social fabric and political symbolism.For outsiders, Moutai can be mystifying at first sip. Pungent, bold, and utterly unlike Western spirits. But for…

Changing social habits, a focus on health, and the rise of the “Sober Curious” movement have turned zero-alcohol spirits into an evolving bar drinks category. These products are not to be confused with Mocktails, because they mimic the aroma, flavor complexity, and ritual of spirits, but without the intoxication.They’re not soft drinks in disguise, instead…

For centuries, monastic communities have produced herbal liqueurs and spirits, originally as medicinal remedies rooted in cloistered knowledge of plants, fermentation, and distillation. These liqueurs often carry not only religious significance but also cultural and historical weight, representing some of the oldest continuously crafted beverages in the world. While most are associated with European Catholic…

Gin is the most permissive of the major spirits. As long as juniper is present, nearly any botanical, herb, or aromatic is fair game. This encouraged experimentation across the globe, from fine dining chefs to rural distillers, each interpreting gin through the lens of their local flora or their at times excentric imagination. What once…

Pisco is a bold grape brandy that has long captured the hearts of South Americans. With a rich colonial history, a longstanding rivalry between two countries over its origins, and it’s starring role in cocktails like the Pisco Sour, this versatile spirit offers far more than just a kick.Origins and HistoryPisco traces its roots back…

That smooth, cloud-like foam on a classic Whiskey Sour or Gin Fizz has always been one of cocktail culture’s visual and textural signatures. Bartenders have relied on egg whites to create it, but today are moving away from it, not just for convenience, but for safety, consistency, and broader appeal.Why Skip the Egg?Raw egg whites…

The Whisky Sour is a classic expression of a “sour”, a cocktail category defined by a spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The formula is ancient in concept, dating back to the days when sailors were given spirits mixed with lemon or lime to prevent scurvy and mask the rough flavors of ship-stored alcohol.These eventually…

For connoisseurs of sherry, rum, and lately whisky, the term “Solera” signals a method of aging that goes beyond the typical cask-year arithmetic.

Campari, with its unmistakable ruby red hue and bold, bittersweet flavor, is one of Italy’s most iconic aperitifs.

The Cuba Libre is one of the simplest yet most iconic cocktails in the world, combining rum, cola, and lime.

Tequila, the iconic Mexican spirit, has earned a place in global culture as a go-to drink for celebrations and social gatherings.

The Mojito is one of the world’s most beloved cocktails, celebrated for its refreshing blend of mint, lime, sugar, and rum.

Absinthe and Pastis are two of the world’s most iconic anise-flavored spirits, both celebrated for their cloudy appearance when mixed with water and their place in European drinking culture.

Kirsch, short for kirschwasser (German for “cherry water”), is a clear, dry cherry brandy that has been distilled for centuries.

Vodka is deeply ingrained in Eastern European culture, and Ukraine stands as one of the most historically significant producers.

Calvados is famous apple-based brandy from Normandy that carries centuries of tradition in each bottle.

Scotland is home to some of the world’s finest whisky, with each region offering a unique flavor profile and heritage.

Armagnac is France’s oldest brandy, a spirit that has remained somewhat under the radar compared to its more famous cousin, Cognac.

Nothing encapsulates the spirit of Mexico’s drinking culture as authentically as Tequila, Mezcal, and Pulque.

Vodka, Aquavit, and German Korn are distilled spirits that reflect the cultural and culinary traditions of their regions.

Limoncello is a liqueur that carries the essence of the Mediterranean, offering a vibrant taste of sunshine in every sip.

When it comes to rum, the choices can seem a bit overwhelming.

Grappa is a quintessential Italian spirit, renowned for its bold flavor and unique production process.

Thailand’s tropical climate and sugarcane-rich agriculture provide the perfect foundation for crafting exceptional rum.

Absinthe is a potent, emerald-hued spirit with a rich history steeped in mystery and controversy.

Aperol, with its vibrant orange hue and bittersweet taste, has become synonymous with Italian aperitivo culture.

Jägermeister, the iconic herbal liqueur, has a storied history rooted in German tradition.

“Shaken, not stirred” is one of the most iconic cocktail orders in cinematic history, thanks to Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

The Margarita, with its vibrant flavors and refreshing appeal, is one of the most celebrated cocktails worldwide.

The Martini, with its sleek glass and storied past, is more than just a cocktail—it’s a cultural symbol of elegance and refinement.

The daiquiri, a cocktail synonymous with tropical getaways and warm breezes, is a timeless classic with a rich history.

The Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, is a vibrant reflection of the country’s culture and spirit.

Irish whiskey stands apart in the world of spirits, offering a distinct flavor profile and a rich cultural heritage.

Bourbon and Rye whiskey, two iconic American spirits, have deep historical roots and distinct profiles that set them apart.