You rarely forget the first cocktail of the vacation.Whether it’s the little rum shooter on a tray they give you at check-in or the spritz by the pool, memories of the long flight fading as the sun starts to develop your tan. We’re lucky that the world of drinks and spirits is such that it is today. Hundreds of impressive distilleries and brands are creating spirits that are the foundation for delicious cocktails that are true to place, thanks to talented bartenders combining great technique and local ingredients in the glass.
That’s what this issue is all about: a celebration of drinks that transport us even more into the here and now when we’re on vacation near or far from home. From Mexico, to Mendocino, to Hawaii, and beyond, you’ll find drinks to suit every taste and every moment on your travels. And, as we do every year, we honor the winners of the annual Sunset International Spirits Competition. These are the brands that make all this possible. Let us toast the winners, the spirits fans, and the travelers who know that every transcendent trip truly begins with the first sip.
Read the 2025 Spirits Issue
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