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Herbal, Honey & Spice

(100 products)

An herbal liqueur draws its flavor from botanicals such as roots, bark, flowers and leaves, balanced with sugar and often made to a closely guarded monastery or family recipe. Our shelf runs from Chartreuse and Becherovka to Zwack and Jaan Paan.

The Barn Buyer's Guide The Best Herbal Liqueurs Not sure where to start? See our staff picks
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About Herbal, Honey & Spice

Herbal liqueurs are some of the oldest bottles in any bar. Most start with a neutral or grape spirit that is steeped or distilled with dozens of plants, then sweetened and rested so the flavors knit together. This collection also gathers honey and spice bottlings, so you can browse by flavor rather than by country.

The style covers a lot of ground. Chartreuse is made by Carthusian monks in France and comes in a bold Green and a softer, sweeter Yellow. Becherovka is the classic Czech digestif, with clove and cinnamon notes, while Zwack from Hungary is darker and more bittersweet. From the Balkans, Badel Pelinkovac brings a wormwood bite, and Jaan Paan Liqueur is built around the flavor of betel leaf.

Drink them neat and slightly chilled after dinner, or use a measured pour as a cocktail accent. Two easy places to start: the Bijou (gin, sweet vermouth and Green Chartreuse, stirred with a dash of orange bitters) and the Beton, Becherovka topped with tonic over ice with a lemon wheel.

Looking for something narrower? Browse honey liqueurs like Old Krupnik and Barenjager, spice and chile liqueurs such as Ancho Reyes, or anise liqueur and pastis from Pernod and Ricard. For more bitter, aperitif-style bottles, see amaro and bitter liqueurs, and our buyer's guides cover what to stock at home.

Herbal, Honey & Spice FAQ

What is an herbal liqueur?

An herbal liqueur is a spirit flavored with plants (herbs, roots, bark, citrus peel or flowers) and then sweetened. Recipes can include dozens of botanicals. Chartreuse Green Liqueur and Becherovka Herbal Liqueur are two well known examples, each made from a long-held recipe that the producer keeps private.

How do you drink herbal liqueur?

Most people sip herbal liqueur neat or on a single large ice cube after a meal, in a small pour of an ounce or so. Many also work as a cocktail modifier. Try Zwack Herbal Liqueur chilled straight from the freezer, or add a splash of Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur to a gin sour.

What is the difference between Green and Yellow Chartreuse?

Green Chartreuse is the original: higher in proof, drier and more intensely herbal, with a sharp, minty edge. Yellow Chartreuse is gentler, sweeter and rounder, with honey and saffron notes. Chartreuse Green Liqueur is the one called for in a Last Word, while Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur is easier to sip neat.

What is the best herbal liqueur for a beginner?

Start with something balanced and easy to mix. Becherovka Herbal Liqueur is gently spiced and works well with tonic, and Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur is softer than its green sibling. If you like sweet and earthy flavors, Agwa de Bolivia Herbal Liqueur is another approachable choice over ice with a squeeze of lime.

About Liquor Barn

Family-owned since 1982, The Liquor Barn has three stores across Chicago's North Shore in Wheeling, Niles, and Vernon Hills. We carry over 17,000 wines, spirits, and beers — and we ship nationwide. Most orders go out same day with tracking.

Visit one of our Illinois locations or shop online today.

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