Sukkah Hill Spirits Besamim Liqueur
Besamim is a 74-proof (37% ABV), 750mL handcrafted aromatic spice liqueur from Sukkah Hill Spirits of Southern California — kosher for Passover, gluten-free, and vegan. "Besamim" is the Hebrew word for the aromatic spices of the Havdalah ceremony, and the liqueur is built exactly that way: pure cane-sugar spirits, hand-ground spices, and mountain spring water, with no industrial alcohol, corn syrup, preservatives, stabilizers, or artificial additives of any kind. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 37% (74 proof) per the brand's cocktail guide (some retailers list 37.5%/75 proof)
- Size: 750mL per live tag (retailers widely list 375mL — bottle read pending)
- Base: pure cane-sugar spirits, hand-ground spices, mountain spring water
- Origin: Southern California (Sukkah Hill Spirits; warehouse/production in Marina del Rey)
- Certifications: kosher (incl. Passover), gluten-free, vegan; all-natural, small batch
The Spice Box in a Bottle
Founder Howard Witkin built Besamim around the spices of Havdalah — cinnamon, nutmeg, clove — hand-ground and macerated in small batches, with the color, clarity, and aroma watched "from the farm to the bottle." The Beverage Testing Institute awarded it gold, describing "vibrant aromas and flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove… fresh spicy eggnog with a silky, moderately sweet medium body," while The Tasting Panel gave it 91 points for its allspice-and-orange-cinnamon character. Drinkhacker called it "a glass of chai, without the cream." For the liqueurs shelf, it's the rare spice liqueur with genuine craft credentials — and gold medals from the SIP Awards to back them up.
Tasting Notes
Pale amber; vibrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove over vanilla and dark brown sugar; a silky, moderately sweet medium body; a gently warming finish of frosted carrot cake and candied spiced nuts.
How to Enjoy
Sip neat or on ice after dinner, add a barspoon to coffee or hot cider, or use it as the spice engine in fall cocktails — it replaces spiced syrups beautifully. A natural fit for holiday gatherings; explore more CALI Distillery craft spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Besamim" mean?
Hebrew for the aromatic spices blessed during Havdalah, the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat — the liqueur is built from those same warming spices.
Is Besamim kosher?
Yes — it is certified kosher, including kosher for Passover, and is also gluten-free and vegan.
What cocktails use Besamim?
The brand publishes its own cocktail guide; it shines in spiced Old Fashioneds, hot toddies, and anything calling for cinnamon-clove warmth.
See the full liqueur collection and more from CALI Distillery. Spice, craft, and ceremony in one bottle — order Besamim online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.