Get the Party Started With These 6 Fascinating Wines and Spirits

Sweet and fiery Maker’s Mark Cask Strength ($40) is surprisingly sippable (and not too throat-stripping) since its so vanilla-y. If you’re a fan of Maker’s Mark, this bottle just tastes like a concentrated, slightly more syrupy version. And if shots aren’t your greatest strength, you’re in luck! Half a shot will still get you feeling real good.

Those who shy away from flavored vodka (myself included) may think twice after trying Figenza ($30) Mediterranean fig-flavored Vodka. No artificial flavors or gimmicks, the sweetness and fruitiness comes from the fig fruit itself. Though I tried it on the rocks, I imagine it tasting lovely with crushed mint and soda.

Here’s a drink that supports a cause: Kibo Sake ($6-$7 in California and New York). Brewed by Suisen Shuzo, the facilities were heavily damaged by the earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan three years ago. Though they nearly lost everything, the sake makers resumed production thanks to support from a US volunteer group. Now, they are beginning to export the sake-in-a-can to the States. Light, refreshing, and approachable, this sake begs to be drunk at any festivity plus it feels even better to be supporting a company on the mend from a natural disaster.

OK, this one may be a once in a lifetime, but people were throwing themselves on the table to fill their glasses with a splash of Armand de Brignac Brut Gold ($300). The price reflects the craftsmanship of the wine. The highest-quality grapes are used. Every step of the winemaking is done by hand — from the riddling to the filling to the labeling of the bottles. It’s the crème de la crème of Champagne and one worthy of tasting for a momentous occasion.

No joke, Stolen Coffee & Cigarettes Spiced Rum ($21) is blended with natural spices and oils like Moroccan fenugreek, Madagascan vanilla, and Colombian coffee beans to give it a smoky, leathery, butterscotch-like finish. It’s like an old-fashioned grandfather in rum form. In fact, do make an old-fashioned with this stuff.

Kool-Aid meets moonshine in this Ole Smoky Moonshine Hunch Punch Lightnin' ($26). Even though Summer’s nearly over, I’d want to serve this at a Halloween party, complete with a splash of Sprite and colorful straw. Let fruit-punch nostalgia crash over you.