Hot Pepper Infused Rum, Cucumber-Lemon Gin, & More [New Spirits Releases]

We're whisky devotees, of course, but sometimes a drink of a different kind is just the thing. Here are a few newly released products from outside the whisky world. From a hot pepper-infused rum and a cucumber-lemon gin that might be fun whipping up a refreshingly cold summer cocktail, to a variety of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails perfect for sipping poolside, at the beach, or by the lake. Whatever your fancy, there's plenty to explore here.

Kirk & Sweeney Burning Mast rum, 40%, $49

This Dominican rum is first aged in a combination of American and French oak before it’s infused with hot peppers. It's named for the St. Elmo’s Fire phenomenon, which causes ships’ masts to look like they’re on fire during thunderstorms. Burning Mast is rolling out now across the U.S. kirkandsweeneyrum.com

Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon gin, 42.5%, $40

A gin made with eight botanicals including juniper berries, lemon, jasmine, star anise, cucumber, lemon zest, and more. The new release is now available across the U.S. empressgin.com

Silent Pool gin, 43%, $60

William Grant & Sons, owner of Balvenie and Glenfiddich scotch whiskies, is launching Silent Pool gin in the U.S. market. The gin is well-known in its home UK market. It’s an ultra-premium London Dry gin made from 24 botanicals and locally sourced honey from the Surrey Hills, England. silentpooldistillers.com

Crystal Head Espresso Martini & Cosmopolitan RTDs, 20%, $5/100 ml

Crystal Head vodka has debuted its first RTD cocktails. Crystal Head Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan are made using the label’s flagship vodka. Available in select markets nationwide. Crystalheadvodka.com

Two Chicks Sparkling Watermelon Breeze & Melon Drop RTDs, 5%, $13/4-pack of 12 oz. cans

Two Chicks has extended its vodka-based RTD lineup with two new flavors: Sparkling Watermelon Breeze and Sparkling Melon Drop. Alongside the new flavors, Two Chicks is releasing new variety packs: Vodka Variety and Craft Cocktail Variety ($25 an 8-pack of 12-ounce cans), the latter of which will contain the new flavors alongside two of the label’s existing ones. The new flavors and variety packs are available in 46 states and Washington, D.C. twochickscocktails.com

Via Carota Sparkling Range Cocktails, 11%, $25/4-pack of 200 ml bottles

From the team at Via Carota restaurant in New York City, Via Carota Craft Cocktails has introduced a new line of sparkling RTDs. The collection includes five: flavors Negroni Sbagliato, White Negroni Sbagliato, Spritz, Paloma, and French 75. The cocktails are available in Connecticut and New York, with more states to follow. drinkviacarota.com