The perfect Southern Comfort alternative is Knob Creek. However, if you're unable to find this, then Wild Turkey and Maker's Mark are perfectly suitable replacements. These spirits manage to capture the flavors of SoCo whilst bringing their own qualities to the table.
Picture the scene. You're hosting a party this evening knowing that a lot of SoCo lovers will be there. You check your liquor shelf only to find your only bottle of this magical elixir has gone—and your local store has sold out.
No need to panic, however, as there are several cheap alternatives to Southern Comfort and each one has unique qualities. All of these spirits work just as well as SoCo in cocktails, with mixers, or simply neat.
Anyway, let's get into the action and find out which spirit is the best replacement.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey's smoothness and depth of flavor produce a velvety-smooth finish similar to Southern Comfort. The spirit was first produced in 1940 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Perfect for cocktails, Wild Turkey is a versatile spirit that, just like SoCo, can be enjoyed with a variety of mixers. If drinking it straight is your thing, then you'll be pleased to know that this spirit is delicious poured over the rocks.
Maker's Mark
Created in Loretto, Kentucky, and first produced in 1958, Maker's Mark offers the honey flavors and roasted fruit aromas of Southern Comfort whilst finishing with woody undertones.
Maker's Mark isn't quite as sweet as Southern Comfort, but it does possess an oaky, slightly fiery touch which makes it perfect for cocktails.
Maker's Mark is also affordable and readily available if you fancy a change from SoCo.
Ole Smoky Moonshine
Ole Smoky Moonshine may be relatively new, being founded in 2009, but the drink has already developed a reputation as a stellar corn whiskey.
Contrary to what its name may suggest, Ole Smoky Moonshine possesses a light flavor that won't overpower your cocktail or drink. Its bold, deep flavors and corn-based aroma makes Ole Smoky Moonshine ideal for anyone's liquor cabinet.
Knob Creek
Perhaps the best Southern Comfort alternative, Knob Creek packs a lot of punch thanks to its prolonged oak barrel aging and affordable price.
If you're crazy about SoCo, then a bottle of Knob Creek is a purchase you simply must make. Introduced in 1992 from the Jim Beam distillery, Knob Creek's creators describe the drink as ''rich, sweet, woody, full-bodied, almost fruity'' in taste.
In its thirty-year history, the Knob Creek has picked up several plaudits and is consistently named as one of the best affordable whiskeys on the market. If you plan on only buying one Southern Comfort alternative, make sure it's this one.
Yukon Jack
The Canadian-made Yukon Jack is a honey and whisky-based liqueur that first hit the shelves back in the 1970s.
Much like Southern Comfort, this spirit is sweet, fruity, and perfect for cocktails. It's also affordable and easily available at most good liquor stores.
What Makes A Good Southern Comfort Alternative?
Southern Comfort is so popular because it isn't as strong as pure whisky and has fruity, woody tones that appeal to the mass market.
When shopping for a competent alternative, there are three things you should look out for.
Taste
The sweet, fruit-based flavors of Southern Comfort can't be replicated in every whisky. The unique production process is responsible for the drink's slight spiciness and aroma, and historically, there hasn't been that much actual whisky in SoCo.
It's important to check the bottle when shopping around for an alternative to make sure it has the suitable amount of spice, fruit, and flavors SoCo lovers enjoy so much.
Price
There's no need to spend lavishly on a Southern Comfort alternative. The drink is famously affordable and so are the replacements we've listed above. Realistically, you should try to keep your budget under the $50 mark.
ABV
Southern Comfort has an ABV of around 35% making it weaker than pure whisky by a fair margin. The relative lightness of the drink is one of the reasons behind its popularity.
Pure whisky can be overpowering to some people—especially if it's drunk neat. Try to ensure that your SoCo replacement has a similar ABV to prevent people from complaining that your alternative is too strong.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of affordable Southern Comfort alternatives out there, but we recommend going with Knob Creek. Not only is it a delicious drink in its own right, but it comes closest to emulating the famous flavors of Southern Comfort. Ideal for cocktails like the Alabama Slamma or the Old Fashioned, Knob Creek should be first on your list of spirits to purchase next.
