Liqueurs for Winter
Invigorating modifiers can transform your go-to cocktail into a luxurious warming sipper or a tropical respite from the bleak New York winter. Standalone digestifs might be just what’s missing at the end of your comforting meal.
Giffard Caribbean Pineapple Liqueur $29.99
If cold weather’s got you down and you can’t get somewhere warm, try this incredibly versatile liqueur. Infused with both fresh and candied pineapple and reinforced with 7-year-old Caribbean rum and spices, it makes incredible piña coladas and pineapple sours, and adds a lovely pineapple snap to a habanero margarita. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur $34.96
This Cognac-based liqueur exhibits intense spicy ginger backed by subtle hints of fresh vanilla. Rich, creamy, lusciously sweet, and still sip-worthy on its own. Try this in a gin fizz or add it to your hot toddy for an extra-invigorating experience. – Bernice Guan, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur $34.99
The creative possibilities for this spiced pear liqueur are endless. Full of ripe juicy pears, cinnamon, and cloves, this would complement any number of spirits: whiskey, rum, vodka, or even sparkling wine. One of my favorites is a riff on a sidecar with Cognac, simple syrup, and lemon juice. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Jacoulot Crème de Mûre Liqueur $39.96
A wildly seductive blackberry liqueur made from an artisanal producer in Burgundy. The perfume is layered with gentiane, anise, lilies, and musk. Dark fruits on the palate with a texture that’s pure velvet. In a word, intoxicating. – Teddy Daly, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Italicus Bergamot Liqueur $44.96
Combining the beauty of coastal Calabrian bergamot and yellow rose, this liqueur is the quintessential example of a citrus lover’s dream. Beautifully aromatic with an oily palate, this begs for some prosecco for the best spritz you never knew existed! – Alex Malecki, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Faccia Brutto Amaro Alpino $49.96
Fourteen alpine botanicals are used to create this amaro. Rhubarb and eucalyptus are, in my opinion, the most prominent. A blend of organic honey and organic sugar is used to sweeten this delicious drink. Amaro Alpino is then aged in used whiskey barrels. For its strong personality, I would sip it by itself with one ice cube or use it to create a Manhattan! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Emilio Borsi China Calisija Elixir $59.96
Amari are a great way to finish off a big, hearty winter meal. Emilio Borsi conceived China Calisaja in 1886 as a medicinal tincture to aid with digestive ailments. Aromas and flavors of bitter bark, orange zest, herbs, maple, and chocolate are packed into each sip. Try neat or with a cube of ice. Your belly will thank you. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Guillon Painturaud Pineau Exception, White 1989 $139.96
Pineau des Charentes is one of my favorite little secrets: a tiny corner of the spirits world where the grandeur and rarity of France’s Cognacs meets the pure pleasures of after-dinner liqueurs. This family-owned house makes this bottle by combining their Grande Champagne Cognac with the unfermented juice from the same grapes, then aging them together in barrel for a staggering 30 years. It tastes of tarte tatin, ripe mango, roasted almonds, and marries the beauty of brandy with the freshness of great wine. – Jon Miner, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant