We live in an era of the liqueur. Whereas ten years ago, most fruit liqueurs were garishly colored and unthinkably sweet—liquid candy boozed up just a smidge—today, you’ll find bottles that beautifully echo the flavor of their star ingredient, from straight-up berry liqueurs to spiced pear to even unlikelier-sounding numbers like this stellar banana.

Aloe liqueur, however? That’s a new one to us. Chareau is a California-made aloe liqueur that builds from the aloe vera plant’s unique character: A little vegetal, a little bitter, totally singular. A number of other flavors complement the aloe here; a base of California unaged grape brandy is infused with cucumber, spearmint, lemon peel, and muskmelon, before fresh aloe juice is added.

The result is bright, lively, and complex—vivid with cucumber and melon, made its own by the fresh, appealing scent of aloe. It pairs with all manner of spirits and juices, but we’re particularly loving the Chareau with vegetable elements. Break out the muddler and try one of these three original cocktails.