Quick & Easy Southern Spirits For the Holiday Season

Waterloo Gin: Barrel-Aged Gin Old Fashioned and Prickly Pear and Rose Gin and Tonic

Georgetown, Texas

Barrel-aged gin is becoming a thing, and if you have no idea what to do with it, as I did not, it’s perfect in an old fashioned. (I got this idea from Jennifer Brian, the Cocktail Evangelist, in her new book, Classic Cocktail Revival (University of Kentucky Press, 2025). I’ve also been enjoying their prickly pear and rose gin so much in an effortless G&T—it’s strong enough to stand up to the tonic and the layered flavors make it seem like a much more complex cocktail.

Other ways to enjoy:
3 Herb Gracious Grapefruit Gimlet

Recipe adapted from Classic Cocktail Revival by Jennifer Brian

2 ounces barrel-aged gin (it’s also delicious with the prickly pear and rose)
¾ ounce Make & Muddle 3 Herb Gracious Grapefruit Syrup
½ ounce grapefruit juice
½ ounce lime juice

To a cocktail tin filled with ice, add all ingredients. Shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds, and strain into a chilled coupe.

Trovador Silver Rum:
Classic Daiquiri

Nashville

I haven’t enjoyed a daiquiri this much in a while. The Gatsby-esque bottle will make you want to dress up for this cocktail, but this Cuban-style rum is too good to overcomplicate, with a nice blend of smooth and bold.

Other ways to enjoy:

Cuban Mojito from Julio Cabrera

Corn n’ Oil riff by Christian Favier

Tulum, I See You rum punch by José Medina Camacho

Murrell’s Row Mignonette Gin: Classic Martini 

Decatur, Georgia

I first had the pleasure of trying this gin at The Archer; it speaks to the quality of their cocktail program that they use this boutique gin in their house martini—it’ll make you fall in love with a classic martini all over again. It’s also delicious in a dirty martini or gibson, but take a light hand to let the subtle flavors of Vidalia onion shine through.

Other ways to enjoy:

Cure Martini from Neil Bodenheimer

Salty Dog from Murrell’s Row Spirits

High Wire Peach Brandy:
On the Rocks

Charleston

This brandy is just too delicious all by itself. It drinks like bourbon, at 100 proof aged 4 years in Jimmy Red bourbon barrels, but finishes with a subtle peach infusion that tastes like all the best things about the South.

Other ways to enjoy:

Katie Daniel, bar manager at High Wire Distilling, says this brandy makes a great old fashioned (use orange bitters instead of Angostura) or a mint julep. Or try this recipe:

Princess Peach

1 ounce Peach Brandy Bottled in Bond
¾ ounce Cocchi Americano
¾ ounce Dolin Génépy
½ ounce lemon juice

To a cocktail tin filled with ice, add all ingredients. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds, and strain into a coupe or martini glass. Express lemon peel and place on the side of the glass.

Delta Dirt Distillery Sweet Roots Sweet Blend Vodka: As a Gift

Helena, Arkansas

When I found out about this vodka (and bourbon) being distilled from sweet potato, I knew I had to try these unique spirits. As with white potato vodka, their award-winning sweet potato vodka is smooth, but with just a hint of sweetness to distinguish it. These make a one-of-a-kind gift for any spirit lover.

Other ways to enjoy:

Ruby Slipper from The Southern Foodways Alliance’s Guide to Cocktails by Sara Camp Milam and Jerry Slater

Espresso Martini from Pulito Osteria