Since you are looking to find a signature libation spend some quality time learning your likes and dislikes.
Find a local bar with a young bartender.Tell her exactly what you told us. Young tenders are [should be :)] all about learning and showing off what they know. So have her take you through the classic highballs and mixed drinks say a scotch soda and a Rob Roy -limit 2 drinks per sitting -LEARNING-remember you are tasting, next rye ginger with a Manhattan etc.. Teaching you what she has learned as you go. After a couple weeks you have a Place to Call Home cause you know the staff and a good base of tastes to explore the brand differences and sub types. You could spend a year just on rum...Rum breaks into silver/gold/overproof/molasses or dark/spiced/fruited/flavored/ premium and(aged)anejo. Then the 30 or so rum producing countries(and areas with-in each) and their styles and derivatives like 43, Cachaca and all the aguarientes.
Explore with a professional guide and you will avoid the trendoid crapolla stuff entirely.
Everyone needs a hang out bar near home even if you do not drink. A bunch of houses is only a hamlet the same bunch of houses with a PUB becomes a Hometown.
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!