People love their gin and tonics, their vodka sodas, their Manhattans, their scotch on the rocks, and their Tom Collinses, but what do you do when you're sick of standard liquor fare? You go international! There's a near-infinite number of liquors produced around the world, most of them available at your local liquor store, so you should give some of these more unconventional liquors a chance.
Cynar. This Italian bittersweet liqueur is made with artichoke and 13 herbs, but don't worry, it doesn't taste like spinach and artichoke dip. It adds complexity to any drink, and it's been enjoyed since the 50s in Italy. It's 16.5 percent, so it's great for sipping over ice, but it's also excellent in cocktails, says Serious Eats. (It's pronounced "chee-nar" for when you want to ask your bartender to fix you a little something with Cynar.)
Vermouth. You know vermouth from its role in martinis all over the world, but did you know that it's delicious when served over ice with olives and an orange slice? It's stronger than wine but lighter than liquor and makes for a delicious afternoon drink.
Mezcal. The smoky flavor that accents this Mexican liquor makes it a fantastic liquor to sip or mix into a cocktail. Make a shaken margarita with mezcal instead of tequila, or if you want something even more different, try mixing it into a Basil Cranberry Julep from Serious Eats.
Soju. This rice-based Korean liquor is 20 percent, but it sneaks up on you if you're not careful, says The Hungry Partier. It's normally drunk in shots, and is known for its monstrous hangover-causing power, but it's also the most-sold distilled liquor in the world, says Obsev, so there's definitely something special about it.
Chartreuse. This bright-green liquor has been made since 1737 in France by monks who apparently liked to party. It's unmistakably green-tasting, as it's made with 130 different plants, but be careful with this one - it's 55 percent, says the liquor's website. The website has a list of cocktails for you to try it out without having to take a shot.
St Germain. St Germain is an elderflower liqueur, and it makes some of the prettiest-tasting drinks in the land. If you taste it, you'll understand. It's light, floral and sweet, but adds an assertive and interesting twist to a gin and tonic.
