d'Aristi Xtabentun Honey Liqueur 750ML

d'Aristi Xtabentun Honey Liqueur 750ML is a 30% ABV (60 proof) anise-and-honey liqueur from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula rooted in ancient Mayan tradition. It earned Best in Class at the 2014 Spirits of Mexico competition and a Silver Medal at the 2015 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, along with 90 points from Tastings.com.

Quick Facts: ABV: 30%  |  Origin: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico  |  Honey & Anise Liqueur  |  Distillery: Casa D'Aristi

Production & Heritage

Xtabentun traces its origins to the ancient Maya, who fermented honey from stingless bees that pollinate the native xtabentun flower — a plant related to the morning glory. Casa D'Aristi, based in Mérida on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, ferments this distinctive honey on site, then blends it with anise seed and Mexican rum made from sugar cane juice, which raises the spirit to its final 30% ABV. Notably, the honey itself is not distilled; instead, the fermented honey is infused with the anise and combined with the rum, yielding a liqueur considerably lighter in intensity than most European anise spirits.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet, floral honey leads the nose, followed by delicate waves of anise and faint herbal undertones. A subtle warmth from the rum base lingers behind the aromatics without overpowering them.

Taste: The entry is soft and honeyed, with a vibrant golden sweetness that quickly meets concentrated anisette character at mid-palate. A warm, chocolaty essence emerges alongside a refreshing minty note, while the honey keeps the profile sweet but never cloying or syrupy. Faint wormwood-like herbal undernotes add complexity.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish resolves into lingering star anise layered with residual honey sweetness. A gentle herbal dryness appears at the very end, keeping the palate clean.

How to Drink Xtabentun

Xtabentun is traditionally served chilled or over ice, where the cold temperature tempers the anise and lets the floral honey character shine. It also works well at room temperature as a digestif.

• Xtabentun Margarita: The honey-anise profile adds a Yucatecan twist to the classic tequila-lime framework, replacing triple sec with something richer and more aromatic.
• Maya Coffee: Stirred into hot coffee, the liqueur's honeyed warmth and anise spice create a Mexican riff on a Spanish Coffee.
• Bee's Knees variation: Substituting Xtabentun for standard honey syrup introduces anise depth and floral complexity to this gin-lemon classic.

Best For

• Introducing guests to Yucatecan culinary traditions at a dinner party
• Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who collects unusual regional liqueurs
• Pairing as a digestif after a Mexican or Mediterranean meal
• Expanding a home bar beyond mainstream anise spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Xtabentun taste like? Xtabentun delivers concentrated anise character wrapped in rich, floral honey sweetness, with subtle herbal and chocolaty undertones. It is noticeably lighter and less aggressive than most European anise liqueurs.

How does Xtabentun compare to Sambuca? Both are anise-forward liqueurs, but Xtabentun uses fermented Yucatecan honey and Mexican rum as its base, resulting in a softer, more floral profile at 30% ABV versus Sambuca's typical 38–42% ABV and sharper licorice punch. Xtabentun's Mayan heritage and honey-driven sweetness give it a distinctly different character.

Is Xtabentun good for sipping neat? Yes — its lower proof and balanced honey sweetness make it approachable on its own, especially served chilled or as an after-dinner digestif.

Where is Xtabentun made? Xtabentun is produced by Casa D'Aristi in Mérida, the capital of Mexico's Yucatán state. The honey is sourced from stingless bees native to the Yucatán Peninsula that pollinate the xtabentun flower.

What foods pair well with Xtabentun? Dark chocolate truffles complement its cocoa undertones. Fresh tropical fruit such as papaya or mango echoes its honeyed sweetness. Aged Gouda or Manchego cheese balances the anise with savory richness. Flan or crème brûlée harmonizes with its caramel-honey character, while mole-based dishes mirror its layered spice notes.

What sizes does Xtabentun come in? The standard widely available size is 750ml, which is the expression reviewed here.

Is Xtabentun worth the price? Xtabentun positions as a moderately priced specialty liqueur — less common on shelves than Sambuca or Pernod, yet competitively priced within the anise-liqueur category. Its unique Mayan provenance and fermented-honey base provide genuine distinctiveness that justifies the investment for curious drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.

Why Xtabentun?

Few liqueurs on the market can claim a production lineage reaching back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The use of honey from stingless bees that forage on the xtabentun flower is not a marketing story — it is a specific agricultural practice unique to the Yucatán that directly shapes the spirit's flavor. Recognition from the Spirits of Mexico competition (Best in Class, 2014) and 90 points from Tastings.com confirm that the liquid performs at a high level within its category. For anyone seeking a genuine alternative to mainstream anise liqueurs, d'Aristi's Xtabentun delivers regional authenticity that cannot be replicated elsewhere.