In Okinawa, almost all rites of passage include celebrating with awamori, Japan's oldest distilled liquor. It's often a gift for births, coming-of-age celebrations, weddings, retirement parties, and funerals.

Because the distilled liquor, made only in Okinawa and from black koji mold, gets better with age, bottles are often passed down from generation to generation. Drink it straight, on the rocks, or as a base for trendy cocktails.