Aqua Perfecta & Crispin's Rose Liqueur

Lately I've been curious about the culinary uses of fruit liqueurs and Craft Distillers makes a seriously addictive one. The Aqua Perfecta line has a divine Framboise Liqueur (raspberry) that's very awesome on its own as a digestif. You can drizzle it all over your brownies, ice cream, pancakes or French toast. Yummmm. The Poire Liqueur (pear) can be paired with cheese, pork or duck. Thank goodness I got these wee lil' samples or I'd be downing most of the bottle in no time.

If you want something much more fragrant, Crispin's Rose Liqueur is your best bet. Mendocino distiller Crispin Cain hand-distills a honey-apple mead on an antique cognac still, then infuses it with 17 types of hand-picked heirloom rose petals. How insane is that? The result is a beautifully sweet liqueur (but not too sweet) with an intense floral bouquet. Honeybees might start swarming around you after you sip this nectar.

To buy or learn more: craftdistillers.com and stgeorgespirits.com.