No cocktail tools or fancy mixers required – just pour and enjoy.
It’s no secret that we love a cocktail around these parts – we have hundreds of recipes to prove it. And while we’re all about prepping fancy garnishes, showing off with layered cocktails and shaking like a pro, we don’t always want to spend on a big shopping list or work so hard. For those times, there are cocktails with three ingredients or perhaps two ingredients in equal parts so you don’t even have to keep checking the recipe. But if you like things easier still, many spirits and liqueurs are incredible to sip exactly as they come.
If you’re not used to sipping spirits neat, it’s safe to say that some 30mL pours – or 60mL for a double – are more enjoyable than others. Plenty of cultures enjoy a slug of spirits that can be a little more polarising for the uninitiated – neat vodka and aniseed liqueur are just two examples. For some more crowd-pleasing ideas, we’ve rounded up eight of our favourite pour-over spirits and liqueurs – the type you can really sip and savour. The added bonus is that a bottle served up like this will go a long way.
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1. Glen Moray Classic Single Malt Scotch Whisky
When it comes to Scotch whisky, those from Speyside in the north of Scotland tend to be pretty approachable, often with a smoother, lighter and fruitier profile. Whisky fanatics all have their own preference, but the easy-drinking Glen Moray is an excellent place to start. Considered the distillery’s classic whisky, this is a great intro for anyone newer to Scotch – or the wider world of whisk(e)y, too. Despite being so accessible, this whisky still has layers of flavours that make it extremely enjoyable to sip, especially alongside a plate of good cheese.
How to serve: A drop or two of water in the glass can help bring out its flavours and pull back on the impact of each sip.
2. Hennessy V.S Cognac
Cognac has become a bit of a flex in recent times – rappers are particularly fond of this classic French brandy. But for everyone else who enjoys rich, complex spirits, Cognac absolutely delivers. Hennessy V.S is bold and aromatic, with floral, fruity and vanilla notes shining through. From the heart of Cognac in France, Hennessy has been distilling since the 1700s, but don’t think that makes them old-fashioned – they sponsored Bad Bunny’s recent tour. Pair some of your favourite chocolate with a glass of this Cognac for an indulgent match.
How to serve: A tulip-shaped glass is key here. Alternatively, choose your wine glass with the widest bowl – it will help to release all those flavours.
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3. Espolon Añejo Tequila
Many would argue that blanco tequila is excellent for sipping neat, and we definitely agree. But if you’re after something more complex – the whisky of tequilas, perhaps – then it has to be añejo. This style is aged in oak for a minimum of one year, which helps to develop complexity. When it comes to Espolon Añejo, expect caramel, vanilla, dried fruit and even chocolate notes in the rich mix. This is just as good served alongside some roasted nuts before dinner as it is with crème brulee or a traditional caramel flan for dessert.
How to serve: We know this is all about keeping things easy, but for the simplest twist, add agave syrup and bitters for a tequila Old Fashioned.
4. Monte Alban Mezcal
For an agave spirit with a difference, mezcal is a uniquely smoky sipper. That signature flavour comes from the way mezcal is made, by roasting agave plant hearts in an underground pit for days at a time. This enriches the final spirit, and the Monte Alban delivers all that, along with hints of grilled fruit, prunes and light mineral notes. It’s a big, bold style compared to some mezcals, making it perfect for sipping in a large rocks glass to capture all those characters. Put it next to pulled pork tacos and thank us later.
How to serve: After a few sips, add a slice of orange or grapefruit in the glass and see how it enhances the mezcal’s flavours.
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5. Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
There are many ways to appreciate bourbon, but purists will tell you that nothing beats sipping it neat. Maker’s Mark is a prime candidate as it’s made to be smoother than some other styles. This is done through the use of winter wheat in the mash – the yeast, water and crushed grains that form the ferment – as opposed to using traditional distiller’s rye, which comes with a sharper, spiced hit. Sweet, smooth and almost creamy, Maker’s Mark is a brilliant pick for sipping straight, and a charcuterie plate will slot right in with it.
How to serve: Like Scotch, bourbon can benefit from a few drops of water. A large ice cube can also be a great addition if you’re not afraid of a little dilution.
6. Ratu 8 YO Signature Blend
Dark rum is one of the great sipping spirits, despite its many excellent cocktails (we especially love it in a simple Dark ‘n’ Stormy). That’s because it has a real depth of rich, sweet flavour, as seen in this Fijian rum. It’s made with hand-cut sugarcane and filtered through coconut shell carbon, delivering zesty orange, dark chocolate and coffee aromas, and flavours of coconut, spiced oak and fresh citrus. The beauty of such a complex spirit is that it works as a drink on arrival, pairs with all kinds of dishes – barbecued meat included – and it also serves as a great digestif. Take your pick.
How to serve: You can add a drop of water or ice to your rum, but if you’re newer to sipping dark spirits neat, try a splash of soda water to lighten it up.
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7. Averna Amaro Siciliano Liqueur
It’s true that amaro isn’t for everyone – this Italian bitter liqueur, which comes in a whole spectrum of styles, can be a little confronting if you’re not used to bittersweet, herbal flavours. But we think Averna is an excellent sipper, showcasing everything we love about these liqueurs. It’s chocked full of rich caramel, vanilla and citrus flavours, along with earthy, herbal and spiced notes. It’s big and syrupy, and it demands slow sipping. Designed as a digestif, it’s pitch-perfect when served after a big, hearty meal.
How to serve: An orange is essential here. Twist some orange peel over the glass to release some oils into the drink, and drop a slice into the glass, too.
8. Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
There are loads of great coffee liqueurs to choose from these days, but Tia Maria is a standout. It’s made from Jamaican rum and Madagascar vanilla, and it’s loaded with rich coffee flavour thanks to arabica beans. While this is definitely a sweet liqueur, it’s not overly so, which makes it a top choice for sipping neat after dinner. It works a treat next to coffee desserts – think tiramisu or affogato – but when served in a good short glass all on its own, we think this is as good as dessert.
How to serve: A couple of ice cubes will lift this liqueur, but there’s nothing wrong with a splash of milk in there, either.
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