Meet the local spirit producers adding gin, amaro and soju to Atlanta's beverage scene

November 19th, 2024

Minhwa Spirits produces their chai-infused gin in Doraville, Georgia. (Colette Collins)

This story was updated on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 8:49 a.m.

Atlanta’s vibrant world of cocktails and zero-proof beverages thrives in our bars and restaurants, as well as our local distilleries and non-alcoholic bottle shops.

Few may know this world better than Beth McKibben, senior editor and dining editor for Rough Draft Atlanta. McKibben’s expertise is invaluable as she continually explores our city’s elevated beverage programs, examines the latest trends in mixology and shares the history of classic concoctions.

McKibben joins “City Lights” as a monthly contributor for the series, “The Beverage Beat.” In this series, she highlights what it means to sip and savor in our city.

This month’s “Beverage Beat” features two spirit producers, Minhwa Spirits of Doraville and Murrell’s Row Spirits out of Scottsdale, who are adding locally made gin, amaro and soju to Atlanta’s beverage lists.

“You may have seen these spirits on the back bars at restaurants throughout Atlanta over the last year,” notes McKibbin as gin and amaro have sprung back into popularity and soju makes headway into an eager American audience.

Minwah Spirits presents a variety of lesser-known Asian spirits like soju and a craft Chai gin, which blends traditional botanicals and aromatic chai spices into a delicious and distinctive package. Murrell’s, on the other hand, includes two different flavors of gin, one classic dry and the other flavored with Holy Basil, plus a botanical-forward amaro.

Check out McKibben’s latest story for Rough Draft to see the drink recipes she mentioned.