Root, a new certified-organic 80-proof spirit, is touted as "the first true American liqueur since the pre-Prohibition era." The result of a partnership between Philadelphia's Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction and the folks behind Hendrick's Gin, Root is, well, rooted in American tradition. Warm and sweet, the aromatic recipe originated from the root tea 18th century settlers picked up from the Native Americans. The alcoholic tea grew in popularity (and potency), until a teetotaling Philly pharmacist removed the booze during the Temperance Movement and dubbed it "root beer," to fool hard-drinking steelworkers and coal miners. In a glass (on the rocks), the small batch spirit's baking spices hit the nose first, layered with a smokey vanilla and finishes with a bright, slightly sweet citrus. Think of it as a history lesson in a glass.

$39, at Hi-Time Wine

A New Root

Brew