From the good old days of asking friends to grab us bottles from DFS (because let’s face it, those prices were hard to beat) to the present-day mission of scoring limited-edition gems for our collections from Changi Airport's Lotte Duty Free Shop, duty free shopping from has been a staple in our drinking culture.

If you're heading home from a holiday and want to make the most of your liquor quota without breaking the bank, I’ve got you covered. Here are a couple of “hidden gems” you should definitely keep an eye out for:

Option 1: Bacardi Spiced Rum – $29.40 for 1L

I know, I know—Bacardi brings back some wild memories, but trust us on this one. Bacardi Spiced Rum (formerly Bacardi Oakheart) is not the same as the stuff we used to slam at parties. This rum’s infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, blended with both unaged and aged rum, giving it a smooth, slightly sweet profile with a satisfying vanilla aftertaste.

It’s a breeze to sip over ice and, if you want to mix things up, try 1 part rum to 3 parts Coke—you’ll get a delicious, low-key version of Vanilla Coke (but way more fun).

And the best part? Lotte Duty Free has it for $29.40 for a whole liter. Talk about a steal.

Option 2: The Botanist Gin – $75 for 1L

You’ve probably seen it before, but don’t sleep on The Botanist Gin. This gin stands out with its hand-foraged botanicals, offering a floral, crisp, and well-balanced taste that’s perfect on its own or with some Fever Tree tonic.

I’ve personally grabbed a bottle every time I’ve had the chance. Recently, Lotte Duty Free has been running a 15% off promotion, plus it comes in a cute planter box (great for anyone with a green thumb). At $75 for a 1L bottle of 46% gin, this one’s an easy choice for gin lovers who want something with quality and character.

These are just a couple of budget-friendly options to consider for your next duty free haul. Have you found any other steals? Drop your recommendations in the comments! 🍹