5 Must-Try Cocktails Featuring Local Spirits from Around the World

Cocktails have become a universal language — but behind every great drink, there’s a spirit with a story. Across the globe, countries produce their own unique liquors that reflect centuries of culture, climate, and craftsmanship. And when these local spirits are used in cocktails, something truly magical happens: you get a drink that not only tastes incredible, but also connects you to a place, a tradition, and a way of life.

Whether it’s the smokiness of Mexican mezcal, the botanical complexity of Peruvian pisco, or the rice-based elegance of Japanese shōchū, regional spirits bring character and depth that mass-market liquors often lack. These cocktails offer more than refreshment — they’re a passport in a glass.

Discover authentic cocktail recipes made with local spirits and learn how to recreate these global favorites in your own home bar.

Here are five must-try cocktails featuring local spirits that every adventurous drinker should experience:

1. Mezcal Paloma — Mexico

While tequila may be the more famous agave spirit, mezcal has surged in popularity for its smoky flavor and artisanal production methods. The Mezcal Paloma offers a bold twist on the classic, with the smokiness of mezcal pairing beautifully with tart grapefruit soda.

Recipe:

2 oz mezcal

1 oz fresh lime juice

Pinch of salt

Top with grapefruit soda

Serve over ice with a salted rim and lime wedge

2. Pisco Sour — Peru

Pisco, a grape-based brandy from Peru (and also Chile), is the star of this frothy, citrusy cocktail. With its creamy texture and vibrant tang, the Pisco Sour is a must for any cocktail lover exploring South American spirits.

Recipe:

2 oz pisco

1 oz lime juice

0.75 oz simple syrup

1 egg white

Shake vigorously without ice, then with ice

Strain into a coupe glass and add a few drops of Angostura bitters

3. Caipirinha — Brazil

Brazil’s national cocktail is refreshingly simple and powered by cachaça, a sugarcane-based spirit that’s similar to rum but with a grassy, earthy character. The Caipirinha is bold, sweet, and tart all at once.

Recipe:

2 oz cachaça

Half a lime, cut into wedges

2 tsp sugar

Muddle lime and sugar, add cachaça and ice, stir well

4. Yuzu Highball — Japan

Japan’s shōchū is a low-ABV, nuanced spirit made from ingredients like barley, sweet potatoes, or rice. Combined with citrusy yuzu and sparkling water, it becomes a refreshing and sophisticated highball.

Recipe:

2 oz rice shōchū

0.5 oz yuzu juice (or lemon juice if unavailable)

Top with soda water

Serve in a tall glass with a lemon peel garnish

5. Akavit Sour — Scandinavia

Akavit (or aquavit) is a traditional Scandinavian spirit flavored with caraway and other herbs. It’s typically sipped straight, but in cocktails, it lends a spicy herbal kick that pairs well with sour or citrus elements.

Recipe:

2 oz akavit

1 oz lemon juice

0.75 oz honey syrup

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass

Garnish with dill or a thin lemon wheel

These cocktails not only celebrate unique spirits but also tell stories of culture, geography, and heritage. They’re perfect for those looking to elevate their home bartending game while exploring global flavors.

If you're ready to go beyond gin and whiskey, consider building your next cocktail around a local spirit you’ve never tried before. And the best part? You don’t need to travel far — many of these spirits are now widely available online or at specialty stores.