Discover the World's Most Unusual Spirits: Top Bars and Distilleries for Adventurous Travelers
If you're seeking alternatives to familiar cocktails like whisky sours or gin and tonics, explore exotic spirits that offer sophistication and intrigue—from those infused with unique botanicals to insect-derived flavors.
Skip the mainstream whiskey distilleries and gin bars; instead, visit these exceptional spots specializing in rare global spirits. Discover more world-class distilleries and bars in Lonely Planet’s Global Distillery Tour.
Sample Arak at a Stylish Beirut Cocktail Bar
Nestled in Beirut’s vibrant nightlife, Anise is a sophisticated cocktail bar evoking a James Bond film set, where expert bartenders craft Hemingway Martinis. The venue celebrates Lebanon’s national spirit, arak—a clear distillate from wine and green aniseed, aged in stone amphoras. It turns milky white when mixed with water.
While industrial versions exist, Anise focuses on artisanal arak. Owner Hisham Al Housein sources small-batch jars from Lebanese mountain villages, produced by farmers using traditional copper stills inspired by medieval designs. The menu features six village-specific araks, with proprietary grape varieties.
What to try: Arak, served neat—the authentic method to savor its nuances, as practiced by generations.
Taste Singani in Bolivia's Wine Region
Bolivia’s singani, a unique unaged spirit from Muscat of Alexandria grapes, is a national treasure. Casa Real, a leading producer, is located in the temperate Santa Ana Valley along Tarija’s Ruta del Vino.
Oenologist Jorge Furió highlights its singular floral profile, shaped by terroir and single-grape distillation—distinct from Peruvian pisco. Tour Cognac-style alembic stills producing Don Lucho and Singani 63, the latter co-created by director Steven Soderbergh during filming of Che.
What to try: Double-distilled Gran Singani black-label with lime and ginger ale in a Chuflay cocktail.
Enjoy Genièvre in Historic Ghent
’T Dreupelkot, Ghent’s iconic bar on a scenic riverbank, offers a cozy atmosphere with over 215 genièvre (jenever) varieties—Belgium’s precursor to modern gin, distilled from grains and juniper berries.
Legend traces its origins to a 1303 Brussels alchemist. Owner Pol, a 33-year veteran, performs the signature ritual: filling shot glasses for patrons to sip reverently. Options include prized 10-year-aged stone-bottled varieties.
What to try: Pol’s fiery red pepper genièvre for bold palates.
Experience Authentic Moonshine in Tennessee
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, known as ‘The Holler’ in Gatlinburg, serves unaged corn whiskey in mason jars amid live bluegrass music. Tennessee’s first legal distillery post-2009, it honors local traditions.
Founder Joe Baker, from a moonshining lineage predating statehood, offers flavored varieties for $5. Staff may provide tours upon request.
What to try: Joe’s Apple Pie moonshine, a quintessential American flavor.
Sip Tuak Cocktails in Kuching, Borneo
In Sarawak’s rainforests, tuak is fermented rice wine; in Kuching’s The Ranee hotel, mixologist transforms distilled langkau into exotic cocktails like Orang Utan Swing with tropical fruits.
Sample light tuak in the bistro or potent versions at MBar.
What to try: Borneo Black Magic, blending langkau with Guinness.
Savor Insect-Infused Gin in Australia's Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills Distillery’s Australian Green Ant Gin incorporates sustainably sourced green ants for a lime note, rooted in Indigenous traditions. Each bottle notes harvest permits.
Other natives like quandong and strawberry gum feature in award-winning products. The tasting room shares grounds with Mismatch Brewing and The Hills Cider, offering flights and views.
What to try: Australian Green Ant Gin or milder 78° Sunset Gin.
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