Beyond Elderflower: 5 Floral Spirits Worth Sipping

Flavors of elderflower, orange blossom, violet and rose are favorites in the mixology world — and for good reason. Florals have a bittersweet edge that can punch through even the most cloying of cocktails, adding a quiet complexity that works particularly well alongside bright and clean spirits like gin and tequila.

But what of a liquor that tastes like all of the above from the outset? No mixers, bitters or oversized flower garnishes necessary?

There are two ways of going about this question. On the one hand, you’ll find spirits that are macerated, infused or steeped with floral botanicals, adding an unmistakable kick of flavor that tastes just like the real thing. Imagine a gin vapor infused with lavender, or a mezcal distilled alongside freshly harvested marigold flowers (more on that later). On the other end of the spectrum, there are those spirits where “floral” exists more as inspiration than backbone. A citrusy rum that leans full tilt into grapefruit or hibiscus; a bourbon that gives its cherry undertones plenty of breathing room; a tequila grown and distilled in the characteristically sweet highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

Whether you’re looking for a bottle on Valentine’s Day or keeping an eye out year-round, we’ve got five recommendations that answer the call.

Mijenta Blanco

(Photo: Mijenta)

See What Critics Think

Mijenta has quickly established itself as one of the biggest names in the additive-free tequila space, releasing bottle after limited-edition bottle that have sparked interest among terminally online agave fans. There’s a lot of hype surrounding the brand, so much so that it’s easy to forget Mijenta’s flagship Blanco, widely available at a modest $45 and stuffed to the brim with bright and clean floral flavors. Like much else in the brand’s portfolio, it has a classically highland agave profile. Expect hints of lime, white pepper and buttercream alongside a sweet and slightly bitter undertone of orange blossoms and earth. It’s a great example of what additive-free tequila can and should taste like, and one of the best entrypoints for someone looking to explore the options on a budget.

Revivalist Garden Gin

(Photo: Revivalist)

See What Critics Think

No spirit can capture the fragrance, flavor and subtlety of a garden patch quite like gin. There are a ton of fantastic options when it comes to floral gins, personal favorites including Black Button Lilac and the grapefruit-tinged Malfy Rosa. For a delicious, best-of-all-worlds experience that goes the extra mile, we’d opt for Revivalist. Produced by Botanery Barn Distilling in Elberson, Pennsylvania, the spirit incorporates an unusual grab bag of functional and culinary ingredients, including ashwagandha, verbena, rose hips, rose petals and hemp seed. The flavor is every bit as floral as it sounds, incorporating all of the above alongside springy hints of mint, lemon zest and rich gardenia. The gin is bottled at 42% ABV and can be bought online for $39.99.

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

(Photo: Bruichladdich)

See What Critics Think

Much like Mijenta, Bruichladdich is a brand that extends far into the upper echelons of pricy, once-in-a-lifetime bottlings. The single malt Scotch whisky is renowned for its distinctly salty flavor profile, owed to the distillery’s seaside location on the coast of Islay, Scotland. The brand’s Classic Laddie, an unpeated, non-age-stated offering bottled at 50% ABV, elevates that briny flavor to the next level, all while making room for plenty of honeyed fruit and vanilla. Our reviewer once likened this whisky’s aroma to a blast of floral sea breeze, and that’s as apt a description as any for what to expect. Hints of sherry, cloves and cracked sea salt define the palate, followed by a surprisingly easygoing finish that’ll leave you reaching for another glass. Well worth its $50 asking price.

Bozal Cempasuchil

(Photo: Bozal)

See What Critics Think

Bozal Cempasuchil understands the assignment. Released annually in honor of Dia de Los Muertos, the limited-edition mezcal makes use of fresh marigold flowers and mandarin peels added directly to the still between the first and second rounds of distillation. If you’re looking for a spirit that delivers its flavors in gobs, not hints, then Cempasuchil is the way to go. The aroma is a melting pot of everything dark yellow and sweet, leading with hints of orange peel, preserved lemon and pumpkin that almost reminded us of a liqueur. The palate and finish deliver much the same, homing in on a guava, apricot and lavender vibe that plays off classic mezcal smokiness and roasted agave. Each ceramic bottle costs $149.99 (slightly less if you manage to snag it around its release date in late October).

Amaro Montenegro

(Photo: Amaro Montenegro)

See What Critics Think

Originally marketed as a health tonic when it was introduced in 1885, Amaro Montenegro has since taken on a new life as a smash-hit, bartender favorite. Its closely guarded recipe is made from a blend of 40 botanicals sourced from across the globe. Apart from a few guesses (we strongly suspect eucalyptus), the only confirmed ingredients are cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, sweet and bitter oranges, dried oranges, artemisia blend, marjoram, oregano and coriander seeds. Rest assured, however, that this is totally approachable stuff. A great deal less pungent than amari like Cynar or Braulio, the flavor is loaded with a whirlpool of allspice, honey and anise that cling to the back of your throat. Whether you sip it on the rocks or mix it into an M&M (equal parts mezcal and Montenegro), this is a $35 bottle you won’t regret.