Southern Comfort Original Liqueur

Product Description

Southern Comfort Original Liqueur: A New Orleans Original Since 1874

In 1874, a New Orleans bartender named Martin Wilkes Heron got tired of rough whiskey and started soaking fruit and spice into it. Southern Comfort Original is the liqueur that came out of that bar at McCauley’s Tavern, first sold as “Cuffs and Buttons,” later renamed and bottled under the line “None genuine but mine.” More than 150 years on, it’s still a New Orleans original: a smooth, sweet liqueur with peach, apricot, and orange, backed by vanilla, cinnamon, and clove, bottled at 35% ABV (70 proof). The brand describes it as inspired by Heron’s 1874 recipe, with core whiskey notes and iconic fruit and spice accents. It’s owned today by Sazerac, the New Orleans company.

It’s made to mix. The easiest drink is Southern Comfort and lemonade, or over ice with soda or cola. It’s also the heart of some classics: the Scarlett O’Hara (Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and fresh lime), the Alabama Slammer, and the Steamboat. At 70 proof it keeps cocktails balanced and easy to drink, and the built-in sweetness means you need fewer syrups and mixers. It’s a party and tailgate staple, a back-bar classic, and a bottle with a story.

About the Bottle

• Fruit-and-spice liqueur inspired by the 1874 New Orleans recipe
• 35% ABV (70 proof)
• Contains caramel, per the label
• Southern Comfort Company, Louisville, Kentucky; Sazerac

Tasting Notes

From the brand’s description and retail notes.

Nose: Ripe peach and apricot, with orange, vanilla, and a hint of spice.

Palate: Sweet and smooth, with peach, citrus, cinnamon, and clove.

Finish: Warm and mellow, with lingering fruit and spice.

Food Pairings

The peach and spice pair well with barbecue, fried chicken, and pecan pie. It also goes with peach cobbler, ribs, and spiced desserts.

Serving Suggestions

Pour it over ice with lemonade, soda, or cola. For a Scarlett O’Hara, shake 1.5 oz Southern Comfort with 2 oz cranberry juice and a squeeze of fresh lime, and strain over ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What proof is it? 70 proof (35% ABV).

Is it a whiskey? It’s a liqueur, inspired by an 1874 recipe with whiskey notes and fruit and spice accents.

Where is it from? It was created in New Orleans in 1874 by Martin Wilkes Heron.

What does it taste like? Sweet peach, apricot, and orange, with vanilla and spice.

What’s a good cocktail? A Scarlett O’Hara or Southern Comfort and lemonade.

What’s the difference from the 100 Proof? The 100 Proof is higher in alcohol and sold separately.

Explore More

Browse our Southern Comfort collection, or try the Southern Comfort 100 Proof.

The Quality Liquor Store Guarantee

At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your liqueur is in good hands.