Unlocking the full potential of your home bar relies not on amassing a vast selection of spirits, though that certainly helps, but stocking up on some choice liqueurs. No matter how many bottles of gin, bourbon, or tequila your collection boasts, you can say goodbye to most of the world’s most iconic cocktails without these relevant supporting actors.
Still, the range of different styles of liqueurs runs intimidatingly long. And, if we’re being honest, there is no occasion or cocktail that justifies a place for Peanut Butter Cream liqueur on your bar cart. On the other hand, pick up a bottle of, say, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, and a list of iconic, historical cocktails awaits.
In this roundup, we’ve broken down the broad style into three sub-categories: the classics, contemporary (or future) classics, and regional favorites. The first comprises the famous bottles that are essential for notable cocktails. The second includes modern variations on those liqueurs as well as brands we think may become popular in the future. And the final section highlights lesser-known bottles that are more specific to individual regions.
From an easygoing intro to amaro to monk-produced medicinal elixirs, the following 40 liqueurs are worthy of a place on your bar cart.