Looking for something beyond the usual shelf? Our speciality spirits collection brings together fruit liqueurs, sake, soju, exotic flavours and unusual bottles. These add unexpected depth to cocktails and make good conversation pieces at the dinner table.
Finding Your Speciality Spirit
Start with what you are making or sipping. For tropical cocktails, Real Cream of Coconut 500ml is the classic base for a pina colada. Want something rich for an after-dinner serve? Edinburgh Gin Plum & Vanilla Liqueur works beautifully over ice. Sake drinkers should look at Hakutsuru Awayuki Sparkling Sake, served chilled. For Korean favourites, Chum Churum Original is a classic soju. Anise fans will enjoy Pastis 51, topped with cold water, and Tianchao Shangpin V Baijiu offers a taste of Chinese grain spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a speciality spirit?
Speciality spirits are drinks that sit outside the main categories of whisky, gin, vodka, rum and tequila. They include soju, sake, baijiu, pastis, moonshine, fruit and cream liqueurs and cocktail ingredients, often tied to a particular country or tradition and used to add something different to a drink.
What's the shelf life of fruit liqueurs?
Most fruit liqueurs keep well for one to two years once opened if stored sealed in a cool, dark place. Higher-sugar and cream-based liqueurs can lose freshness sooner, so check the label. Unopened bottles last much longer, though bright fruit flavours slowly fade over time.
What is the difference between sake and soju?
Sake is a Japanese brewed rice drink, usually about 15% ABV, made by fermenting polished rice. Soju is a Korean distilled spirit made from rice, grains or starches, then diluted. Flavoured soju sits at 12 to 13% and is served chilled, neat or mixed.
How do you drink pastis?
Pastis is traditionally mixed with cold water, about five parts water to one part pastis, which turns the drink cloudy as the anise oils come out of solution. Add ice after the water. It is a classic French aperitif, especially popular in the south of France.
