Six Artisanal Amari and Liqueurs Push the Boundaries of Modern Cocktail Culture, Inspired by Ancient Heritage, Foraged Botanicals, and Immersive Flavor Experiences
New York, NY (November 18, 2025) – Atheras Spirits propels modern bartending into a new era with a debut collection of six amari and liqueurs that push the boundaries of the immersive cocktail experience – launching today.
Crafted at its pioneering micro-distillery – within Bitter Monk cocktail bar in Industry City, Brooklyn – Atheras Spirits was founded by creative visionary and veteran bartender Ektoras Binikos and partner, designer and photographer Simon Jutras to offer a range of carefully sourced, extraordinary elixirs that elevate the senses and evoke emotion.
The portfolio was conceived at the Harlem cocktail bar Sugar Monk, which received its first Pinnacle Guide PIN in September 2025, and bridges centuries-old traditions of botanical distillation with modern innovations in flavor extraction. Each expression draws from a collection of over 300 organic varieties of wild plants, roots, barks, flowers, fruits, and spices, expertly foraged by long-term partners and producers, including ethnobotanist Elizabeth Kontou and meadow specialist Tama Matsuoka Wong. Named after the Atheras Mountains on Ikaria in the Aegean Archipelago, where founder Binikos was born, Atheras Spirits' collection draws inspiration from the rugged mountainside, rich with wild herbs and shrubs, with each recipe closely guarded to preserve its legacy. The spirits are crafted in small batches, bottled at a higher ABV (38%) with low sugar content to highlight the complexity and unique character of the botanicals, and finished with charcoal filtration for a pure, clean flavor.
"Atheras Spirits was created as an act of devotion," says Co-Founder Ektoras Binikos. "Each bottle reflects our craft and our connection to nature, with every detail from the liquid to the label treated as a composition of art and alchemy. Our goal is to create spirits that spark emotion and curiosity."
The collection features two amari and four liqueurs, each inspired by the intersection of art, history, music, and alchemy:
Akhenaten Premium Amaro: Inspired by the visionary Egyptian pharaoh and the opera by Philip Glass, this premium amaro blends over 40 botanicals, including cumin, coriander, peppermint, cloves, basil, chamomile, cedar, eucalyptus, and myrrh. It's a rich, aromatic expression that captures the complexity and ritual of ancient Egyptian culture.
Palatine Amaro: Known as Atheras's "workhorse," Palatine is versatile enough to enjoy neat, over ice, or in cocktails. Bright notes of rhubarb, angelica, coriander, rosehip, chamomile, bay leaf, and lemon verbena make it approachable and essential for any cocktail bar.
Cardoon Liqueur: Echoing the essence of the wild artichoke, Cardoon is a digestif that offers warm, toasty aromatics balanced with subtle bitterness, grassy undertones, and a whisper of sweetness—an elegant choice that intrigues the palate.
Hierba Luisa Liqueur: Hailing from India and flourishing across South America, Hierba Luisa, or lemongrass (yerba limon), is a perennial grass renowned for its therapeutic properties and bright, lemony fragrance. This liqueur captures that essence in a vibrant infusion of zesty citrus and herbal notes, rounded with a soothing finish to create a refreshing and versatile expression.
Sykophilos Liqueur: Crafted from fig leaves foraged in Greece and Spain, Sykophilos envelops the senses with grassy, herbal aromas accented by delicate notes of coconut, vanilla, and a subtle peppery warmth. This liqueur is layered, aromatic, and captivating.
Bergamot Liqueur: Made from carefully selected Italian and Greek bergamot fruits harvested at peak season, Bergamot liqueur delivers lively citrus flavors with a touch of spice. It's bright, fragrant, and instantly uplifting.
Sustainability is an integral part of Atheras Spirits' creative process, where nothing goes to waste. The team thoughtfully repurposes leftover peels, herbs, and roots from production to craft small-batch bitters, marmalades, chutneys, and other seasonal creations. These byproducts embody the brand's circular philosophy, turning what would otherwise be discarded into vibrant, flavorful expressions of care and craft. It's a continuation of Atheras' belief that true artistry honors both the ingredient and the environment.
"From the start, we've aimed to extend the Atheras experience beyond the bar," adds Co-Founder Simon Jutras. "Through our collection of six distinctly different expressions, people can explore our spirits in their own homes, discovering the depth, creativity, and beauty that make Atheras unique."
Atheras Spirits' debut portfolio has already earned recognition from some of the most esteemed voices in the spirits industry, including a Gold medal at the 2025 American Distillers Institute, Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Gold at the 2025 New York International Spirits Competition.
The full portfolio is now available in 42 states at Atheras Spirits, with prices beginning at $50. For more information and to purchase, visit at the link below, and follow along on social media at @atherasspirits.
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About Atheras Spirits
Founded in 2024 by Ektoras Binikos and Simon Jutras, Atheras Spirits is a Brooklyn-based portfolio of six artisanal amari and liqueurs that blend heritage, creativity, and modern mixology. Inspired by the mountains of Ikaria, Greece, and crafted using wild-foraged botanicals, each expression tells a story, reflecting a meticulous labor of love, with complete recipes held exclusively by its founders. Atheras embodies the intersection of art, history, music, and alchemy, delivering flavorful, thoughtfully balanced spirits designed for both cocktails and contemplative sipping.
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