Chili liqueur might sound like something you drink on a dare at a bachelor party, but hear us out. It should come as no surprise that Ancho Reyes is the world's first liqueur derived from chili peppers – and as it turns out, it's pretty legit.
Naturally, it's a great spirit for crafting daredevil cocktails. Nick Kennedy, co-owner of Civil Liberties, has already come up with a few, including the Troubled Water (with spiced rum, Angostura Bitters and hoisin sauce) and For the Burn (with gin, honey, lemon and cucumber). You can also use it in place of gin in a Paloma.
Most intriguing, though, is the suggestion to sip it neat. The nose is surprisingly sophisticated, with notes of pine and Christmas spice. The liqueur is a little sweet on the tongue – more than you might expect – and goes down warm and spicy.
$39.95; LCBO
