Gin is hardly the first potion you think of when Scotland is mentioned, but Hendrick's Gin proves that some Scots have something other than single-malt whiskey up their kilts. This isn't any ordinary gin, however. (The product's motto, in fact, reads "a most peculiar gin.") You see, laddies and lassies, Hendrick's contains hints of rose petals and cucumber along with its other aromatics. The taste is lively, feminine, and charmingly floral, with the subtle but distinct cucumber sliding in on the finish. Its makers boast that Hendrick's is preferred by one out of 1,000 gin drinkers, which, they say, is fine by them since "it's not easy making this stuff."

I love Hendrick's taken neat, but its snappy flavor profile marries exceedingly well with the brightness of lime juice. For a fresh lime gimlet, mix two ounces of the handcrafted Hendrick's gin, 1/2 ounce of fresh-squeezed lime juice, and one teaspoon of superfine sugar in a shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. I find that a couple of these babies really take the edge off bagpipe music.