As the US celebrates its independence, it’s the perfect time to indulge in spirits made in America, from whiskeys to gins.

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One of the biggest annual celebrations in the US is undoubtedly the Fourth of July. It’s a time to gather with family, enjoy barbecues, fireworks, and delicious drinks, while celebrating unity and all things American. This holiday is also an opportunity to set aside differences and, for some, celebrate the diverse spirits offerings produced in the country today.

This year, as the nation founded in 1776 celebrates its semiquincentennial, we have selected five spirits that exemplify the delightful side of shared celebrations. Keep reading to learn more.

Additionally, discover which 10 whiskey producers are commemorating the 250th anniversary with limited edition bottlings.

Wheatley Vodka

This boozy trinket for Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky is named after master distiller Harlen Wheatley. It’s made with the same red winter wheat used to make Bourbon at the distillery, distilled 10 times and triple-filtered to create a ‘smooth’ vodka with subtle vanilla notes at 41% ABV. According to Wheatley, his namesake spirit represents “how vodka is supposed to taste”.

As the picture shows, Wheatley Vodka has also released a limited edition 250th-anniversary bottle featuring a Bald Eagle and the American flag on the label. The USA 250th Birthday Edition is now available in the US, and the flagship original vodka can be purchased via the link below.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple

What could be more American than an apple pie? Well, Brown-Forman’s Jack Daniel’s might make a compelling argument for apple and whiskey. Its Tennessee Apple combines the brand’s Old No.7 flagship whiskey with crisp green apple liqueur, uniting notes of caramel, vanilla, charred oak, and orchard fruits on the palate.

With an ABV of 35%, this reimagined American classic is a great companion for celebrations, served chilled, neat, or in a simple Highball.

Ole Smoky Moonshine

A real American spirit is encapsulated in moonshine: unaged, high-proof, historically illicitly distilled corn whiskey that originated in the Appalachian region at the end of the 1700s during the Whiskey Rebellion. Today, moonshine comes in multiple forms, from pure, straight-out-of-the-still spirit to flavoured variations, including cocktails and jars with fruit included.

While many producers only deliver statewide, Ole Smoky is one of the brands available globally. It also prides itself on being ‘the first’ legal moonshine distillery in the US and now operates distilleries in Kentucky and South Carolina.

Ole Smoky Original Moonshine delivers a clean flavour profile with a robust peppery kick at 50% ABV, bringing ‘the true taste’ of American history to every glass, or, in this case, jar.

Michter’s US Number 1 Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey

Rye, oh rye, why is rye so delicious? Kentuckian Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye is a great example of a high-ABV rye whiskey that delivers intense aromas of butterscotch, cinnamon, and cherries on the nose, and toasty vanilla, caramel, and dry oak spice on the palate.

While Bourbon has become synonymous with American whiskey, historians say the first whiskeys produced in the US were made from rye. Rye whiskey is also believed to be the original ingredient in cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye is a single-cask limited release, bottled at 53.7%-57.6% ABV. If the flavour feels too intense, not to worry, since the core line Single Barrel Straight Rye offers a similar experience at 42.4% ABV.

Aviation American Gin

Roses are red, the sky is blue, and Aviation American Gin might just be the right spirit for you, and for celebrating US Independence Day.

While co-owned by Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, this gin is all American, made in Portland, Oregon. It is produced using a proprietary maceration recipe featuring a blend of seven botanicals: cardamom, coriander, French lavender, aniseed, sarsaparilla, juniper, and two types of orange peel. Bottled at 43%, Aviation is described as a ‘less juniper-forward, New Western’ gin that works well in cocktails such as Martini and Negroni.