Beyond the Basics

When it comes to cocktails, most people stick to the classic base spirits — vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey and brandy. But the world of spirits goes far beyond these usual suspects. Whether you’re looking to expand your palate, impress guests or simply shake up your usual routine, exploring unique spirits can open up a whole new world of flavor. Here are some distinctive options to try that will add intrigue and depth to your next cocktail.

Mezcal: The Smoky Cousin of Tequila

While tequila gets most of the attention, mezcal offers a bold, smoky complexity that can transform your cocktails. Made from the heart of the agave plant, or the piña, and traditionally roasted in underground pits, mezcal delivers earthy, herbal and smoky notes. Try swapping mezcal for tequila in a margarita or mixing it with ginger and citrus for a refreshing highball.

Absinthe: The Infamous Spirit that Deserves a Second Look

You’ve probably tried absinthe before — or maybe avoided it like the plague. With its reputation for being overpowering and its long history of myths and controversy, absinthe can be intimidating. But in the right application, it’s a beautifully complex and aromatic addition to cocktails.

One of my favorite ways to incorporate absinthe into a drink is by using a spray bottle to mist the inside of a glass before pouring in the cocktail. This technique adds just a touch of absinthe’s herbal, anise-forward character without overwhelming the drink. It works wonderfully in classics like a Sazerac or a Death in the Afternoon (absinthe with sparkling wine), and it can add an intriguing layer to modern creations.

Träkál: A Spirit of Patagonia

Träkál is a lesser known but fascinating spirit hailing from Patagonia. Made from apples and pears, then infused with native herbs and botanicals, it offers a flavor profile that falls somewhere between gin, brandy and herbal liqueurs. Its versatility makes it an excellent base for cocktails, especially those that lean into herbal, citrus or floral notes. Whether sipped neat or mixed into a unique twist on a classic cocktail, Träkál brings a taste of the rugged landscapes of South America into your glass.

Shochu: Japan’s Versatile Hidden Gem

Shochu is Japan’s lesser-known distilled spirit, often overshadowed by sake and whiskey. It comes in various styles, made from barley, sweet potatoes, rice or even buckwheat, resulting in a wide range of flavors — from nutty and earthy to floral and fruity. Unlike sake, shochu is distilled rather than brewed, and it typically has a lower ABV (25-30%), making it lighter and more delicate than many other spirits.

Shochu can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, diluted with water or even mixed into cocktails. A barley-based shochu (mugi shochu) can be a smooth alternative to whiskey, while a sweet potato-based variety (imo shochu) offers rich, umami depth. Try substituting shochu for gin or vodka in cocktails for a subtle, refined twist.

Aquavit: Scandinavia’s Spiced Wonder

If you love gin but want something a little different, aquavit is a fantastic alternative. This Scandinavian spirit is flavored with caraway, dill and other botanicals, making it a savory and herbaceous option for cocktails. It works beautifully in a negroni-style drink or simply with tonic and a twist of citrus. You can find a Nordic-inspired aquavit cocktail, Viking Sword, in my book, “The Flower-Infused Cocktail.” It features lingonberry jam and lime juice.

Cachaça: Brazil’s Funky Sugarcane Spirit

While often mistaken for rum, cachaça has a distinct grassy, funky quality due to its production from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. It’s the key ingredient in the caipirinha, but it also works well in tropical cocktails and tiki-inspired drinks. Alternatively, make a tasty Brazilian mulled wine using cachaça!

Pisco: The Floral Brandy of South America

Hailing from Peru and Chile, pisco is a grape-based brandy known for its floral and fruity character. It’s the star of the classic pisco sour, but it also shines in simple spritzes or stirred cocktails with vermouth. Pisco’s versatility makes it an excellent addition to your bar cart.

Genepy: The Alpine Herbal Liqueur

Often compared to chartreuse but lighter and more floral, genepy is a lesser-known herbal liqueur from the French and Italian Alps. Made from mountain botanicals, it offers delicate notes of chamomile, mint and alpine flowers. With the ongoing chartreuse shortage, genepy has become a great alternative for cocktails that call for the beloved green or yellow liqueur. Enjoy it in a spritz, as a substitute for chartreuse in a Last Word or bijou, or simply over ice.

How to Find These Unique Spirits at a Liquor Store

If you’re eager to explore new spirits but aren’t sure where to start, asking the right questions can lead to some fantastic discoveries. I met up with Allison Cogen, the owner operator of Bend South Liquor, and asked her to weigh in on some unique spirits that you can find at the store:

“I love the idea of a dessert or aperitif for after meals. Kleos is a unique spirit from Greece that is delicious! I also really love Träkál, a Patagonian spirit. Turkish raki is also fun — when you add water it turns milky in color. The other category I love is amaros — there are so many to choose from and they all have their own unique flavor profile. I drink them straight, or sometimes with a splash of soda water for a low-ABV cocktail.”

And when I asked her to recommend something unusual yet approachable, she said: “I’m currently into trying funky mezcals. Part of them for me is the cultural origins and their stories, and I find that when that is tied to a spirit, I enjoy it all the more.”

Expand Your Cocktail Repertoire

Exploring these unique spirits can breathe new life into your home bartending. Whether you’re drawn to the smoky allure of mezcal, the herbal punch of aquavit or the floral elegance of pisco, there’s a world of flavors beyond the standard base spirits. Experiment, mix and sip your way to discovering your next favorite drink.

—Alyson Brown is a beverage photographer and drink stylist with an appreciation for a well-built cocktail. Her passion for cocktails led to her first book, “The Flower-Infused Cocktail: Flowers With A Twist.” Presently, Brown resides in The Stacks Art Studios & Gallery in the Old Mill District, situated right in the heart of Bend.

This article appears in The Source Weekly March 20, 2025.