Georgia has always had a spirit of its own, and we mean that literally. From the rolling sugarcane fields of South Georgia to a craft brewery and distillery in the Atlanta suburbs, the state is producing some genuinely exciting drinks worth knowing. This month, we’re shining a light on four homegrown products that each tell a little piece of the Georgia story. Pour local, sip local, and celebrate the state that never stops surprising us.
Here’s what’s ahead:
• Richland Old South Georgia Rum is the only single-estate rum in the contiguous United States, made from estate-grown sugarcane in Richland, GA
• Lily Bo Lavender Vodka is a hand-harvested, Georgia-grown lavender vodka crafted at Wild Daisy Lavender Farm in the foothills of middle Georgia
• DoMA Atlanta Vodka is a clean, wheat-based vodka from the Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee, where local art is woven into every bottle
• From the Earth Brewing Company’s Goin’ Out West is a bold West Coast IPA from Roswell, GA, brewed with Mosaic, Simcoe, and Columbus hops at 6.5% ABV
Richland Old South Georgia Rum
There’s nothing else quite like Richland Rum in Georgia. Founded by Erik Vonk on a sugarcane plantation in Richland, Georgia, it is the only single-estate rum in the contiguous 48 states, meaning the cane is grown, processed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled all on the same property. Vonk began growing sugarcane in 1999, inspired by a fascination with reviving colonial-era American rum production, and has spent over 25 years perfecting the craft.
Unlike most rums made from molasses or raw cane juice, Richland Rum is distilled from cane syrup, a process that produces a rich, complex spirit aged 4 to 5 years in virgin toasted and charred American oak barrels. The nose opens with buttery caramel, berry notes, and fresh oak. On the palate, it’s smooth and warm with toffee, vanilla, hints of espresso, and tropical fruit. The finish is long and clean — a Georgia original that sips like something from a much older tradition.
Richland Rum Pairings
Sip neat, over a large ice cube, or in:
• A classic Dark ‘n’ Stormy with ginger beer and lime
• A Rum Old Fashioned with orange bitters and a cherry
• Paired with dark chocolate, pecan pie, or aged cheddar
Lily Bo Lavender Vodka
Named for a granddaughter and born on a lavender farm, Lily Bo Lavender Vodka is exactly what it sounds like: beautiful, fragrant, and unlike anything else on the shelf. Made at Wild Daisy Lavender Farm in the picturesque foothills of middle Georgia, the vodka is crafted using hand-harvested lavender buds grown right on the property, with 100% natural botanicals and no artificial flavors or additives.
At 80 proof, Lily Bo is light and elegant with a naturally floral nose, soft lavender and vanilla notes on the palate, and a clean, smooth finish. It’s the kind of vodka that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the pour. The brand was built with a clear mission: to empower women and create something that looks, smells, and tastes extraordinary. That spirit comes through in every sip.
Lily Bo Pairings & Cocktails
Best served chilled, in a spritz, or in:
• A Lavender Lemon Drop (Lily Bo, lemon juice, simple syrup, sugar rim)
• A Lavender Mule (Lily Bo, ginger beer, lime, fresh mint)
• A simple Lavender Spritz with club soda, lemon, and fresh lavender
• Paired with light cheeses, shortbread, or a spring charcuterie board
DoMA Atlanta Vodka
The Distillery of Modern Art (DoMA) is one of Atlanta’s most distinctive spirits experiences, a 15,000-square-foot gallery, tasting room, and working distillery in Chamblee, where local art and carefully crafted spirits share the same space. Founded by Seth Watson, DoMA commissions original artwork for every bottle label, making each one a small canvas as much as a drink.
The Atlanta Vodka is the backbone of the DoMA lineup, distilled from a French wheat base by head distiller Matt Greif for a classic, clean, and crisp spirit with a silky mouthfeel. Subtle vanilla and wheat notes make it a versatile workhorse for cocktails and a genuinely enjoyable neat pour. It’s described by DoMA itself as the vodka that stands up to everything from a savory martini to a tart cosmopolitan.
DoMA Atlanta Vodka Pairings & Cocktails
Serve chilled or in:
• A classic Vodka Martini (Atlanta Vodka, dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive)
• A Cosmopolitan (Atlanta Vodka, cranberry, Cointreau, lime)
• A Vodka Tonic with cucumber and a squeeze of lime
• Paired with oysters, sushi, or a chilled seafood appetizer
From the Earth Brewing Co. Goin’ Out West
Roswell’s own From the Earth Brewing Company has been a fixture of the Atlanta craft beer scene since opening as Roswell’s first brewpub in 2017. Built on a philosophy of locally sourced ingredients, bold creativity, and a farm-to-table kitchen, FTE makes beers that are as thoughtful as the food they serve alongside them.
Goin’ Out West is their West Coast IPA, and it delivers exactly the kind of experience the name promises. Brewed with Columbus, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops at 6.5% ABV and 65 IBUs, it’s pungent, vibrant, and bold. The nose is a rush of citrus, resin, and dankness. On the palate, it’s hoppy and bright without being overwhelming, with a clean, slightly bitter finish that keeps you coming back. It’s the kind of IPA that rewards hop lovers while staying approachable enough for a wider crowd. As Untappd reviewers put it: “complex and flavorful, hoppy, dank, bitter, sweet, well balanced.”
Goin’ Out West Pairings
The bold hop profile pairs perfectly with:
• Grilled meats and BBQ
• Spicy dishes and buffalo wings
• Burgers and smoked sausage
• Salty snacks and sharp cheddar
Whether you’re sipping a rum rooted in Georgia soil, a floral vodka born on a lavender farm, a wheat-based pour from an Atlanta art gallery, or a hop-forward IPA from the suburbs, these four products prove that Georgia is making some of the most interesting drinks in the South right now. Drink local and drink proud.
