Big O Ginger Liqueur Review & Cocktails

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE.

That’s the scientific name for ginger and it’s fun to say. I can only guess the “O” in Big O ginger liqueur stands for Officinale. Right?

Big O is a premium ginger liqueur handcrafted from high-quality, all-natural ingredients and artisan-crafted spirits. Prepared with hand-chopped fresh ginger, whole spices, citrus, wine-based vodka, and brandy. Big O is a smooth, warming drink that’s both flavorful and pleasing to the palate. Big O is a superb after-dinner drink, but it is also a versatile base or modifier for creating craft cocktails, giving a fresh twist to classic concoctions or inspiring new creations sure to please any palate.

Hmmm, no explanation there. Cheeky name aside, Big O is a tasty liqueur in a pretty bottle. Less sharp than other ginger liqueurs, it is also less sweet and more nuanced due to the addition of other spices to complement the ginger. To me, there is something reminiscent of Juicy Fruit gum in the aroma with a nice punch of ginger flavor. It’s very versatile. I recommend substituting it for sweet or fruity liqueurs like orange curaçao. Or combine Big O with club soda to make a hard ginger ale to use in a buck.

In the tradition of such classic two-ingredient cocktails as the Rusty Nail, the Stinger, and the Black Russian, this is my favorite use of Big O:

BOURBON OFFICINALE

1½ OZ BOURBON (I LIKE WILD TURKEY 101 HERE)

¾ OZ BIG O GINGER LIQUEUR

Build in a rocks glass over a large cube. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel. Stir with your finger, sip, and smile.

This is a nice one to sip by the fire. If you’re looking for something that is equally festive and brunch worthy add bubbly!

IMPERIAL ZINGIBOURBON FIZZ

1 OZ BOURBON

1 OZ BIG O GINGER LIQUEUR

¾ OZ FRESH SQUEEZED LEMON JUICE

CHAMPAGNE

Shake bourbon, Big O, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, and top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon peel.

This stuff is delicious and you should get yourself a Big O.

I mean a bottle of Big O.  

A NOTE FROM POPS

Since I live in St. Louis where the creators of Big O Ginger Liqueur reside I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Kathy and Bill over the last few years as our paths cross at various cocktail and spirit events in the area. They are some of the most genuine and hard working folks you’re ever going to meet. They’re quick to say hello and even quicker to offer you a drink and invite you into their conversation – no matter who else is already involved. I wanted to point this out as it’s very hard for a small company to get noticed in the spirits industry these days and despite those challenges, Kathy and Bill always seem to have a smile on their face. It’s a testament to their work effort and belief in their product.

I’ve also gotten to enjoy their product over the years and now go out of my way to introduce others to it when I can. I’m not a big drinker of cocktails but when I do, throwing in some Big O into my favorite recipes has become a great way to change things up and help introduce people to the world of bourbon cocktails. (Big O works perfectly in a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned by way of example.)

I encourage you to check out more about Big O via their website or this article about their company. And if you’re able to order a bottle and get it delivered I highly recommend trying it out – chilled neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.

Disclaimer: Big O provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review.
We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their product with no strings attached. Thank you.