[Cynosure]

Nonvintage sparkling wines like cava and prosecco, sweeter wines like moscato, as well as mid-range beers, are all great choices. Good options for still wine (white, rosé, and red) can be had from budget-minded regions such as South America. Since the gift might be popped open in short order, a gift bag or other simple packaging – bows look fun on six-packs – is a good idea. If you decide to go the beer route, choose a local craft brew; they’ve never been more accessible. If you want to include glasses, go for simple, tulip-shaped stemmed or stemless glasses for wine, or a pint glass or two with beer. more

[BrightAnarchist]

There are so many potential options for holiday gift-giving that it could make your head pop like a champagne cork, but one of the most tried-and-true ways to handle this scenario is to go seasonal. For example, there are beers that are brewed specifically for every season, and they’re great gift options for holiday parties. Thinking in terms of food pairings helps, too; lighter fare in the warmer months works with lighter wines like rosés and white wines), and holidays in the cooler months generally see heartier fare (often best paired with spirits, fortified wines, and bold red wines).

[JosephT.Holt]

You don’t have to break the bank on these; bargain to mid-range-priced alcohol is usually fine, but try to avoid run-of-the-mill, common items if possible – they can suggest a lack of thoughtfulness. Gift bags, wrapped boxes, or baskets are all good options for presenting alcohol as gifts during the holidays. Finally, rather than combining holiday booze with drinking glasses, consider a more inspired option to help your gift really stand out, such as including a seasonal food match instead.

[ploum]

There are also a dizzying amount of options when it comes to alcohol as a gift – from sparkling to still wine, fortified wines to spirits, beer, liquors, and ciders, all with various subvarieties that may or may not match the tastes of the recipient. Does your head hurt yet? If so, that probably signifies that you’re sane.

[heroinrehab41]

A self-proclaimed “reimagined gin,” Pomp & Whimsy double-infuses and re-distills the juniper spirit with a blend of 16 botanicals including grapefruit, lychee, cucumber, and jasmine pearls to create something bold and citrusy yet familiar. “While many people are steering towards spirit forward options to close out 2020, I think the light and floral flavor profile of Pomp and Whimsy make the perfect choice for the holidays,” says Paige Walwyn, bartender at Brooklyn cocktail institution Clover Club. “It’s a solid option to keep on the home back bar because you can use it in a series of different ways—I love using it in a spritz or a punch, or maybe pouring it over ice with a splash of tonic and a lime. And for the holidays I love having the option to drink all night without regretting it the next day.” $34 at wine.com [links]

[jaxter]

Flex your knowledge of spirits by gifting this cult-beloved eau de vie, or unaged spirit, that showcases the terroir and quality of its raw materials. “I’d love to get a decent bottle of eau de vie this year,” says Orlando Franklin McCray, bar director at Nightmoves, the café-bar expansion Brooklyn’s natural wine pioneer Four Hoursmen. “My family in Luxembourg comes through every year with some pretty harsh, commercial stuff and I love them for trying, but if it were up to me, I’d get a bottle of Cyril Zang’s 00 unaged apple. You can taste intent in the product and so it makes for a great gift.” To produce this highly-coveted spirit, the Normandy producer uses thirty varieties of apples that are pressed, fermented, and left to age on the less for no less than 10 months before distillation, yielding a fresh bouquet of green apple, vanilla, and hops. $92 at flaviar.com here

[HarryStottle]

Whether you’re shopping for a dedicated whiskey drinker, a liquor novice, or the mixologist in your family, we’ve got you covered with options of every persuasion and price range. From Fijian and Haitian rums to French malt whiskey and a bourbon that supports the hospitality industry, these are the 20 best best bottles of booze to gift in 2020, according to the people who know the stuff best. 

[eurekafag]

There’s always room for this brazen smoke bomb on a holiday gift list—after all, for diehard fans of peat, you can’t do much better than the Octomore series first launched in 2002 by Islay mainstay Bruichladdich. “I’m a Scotch girl at heart, and I would love to have a bottle of Bruichladdich Octomore in my Christmas stocking,” says Crystal Chasse, food and beverage director for the newly-opened Talk Story Rooftop at Brooklyn’s McCarren Hotel. “Bottled a touch younger, peated heavily, and then kept at cask strength—this isn’t for the faint of heart. But the peat is balanced with floral honey notes and citrus. It’s a work of art in a glass.” To appease Octomore’s cult-like fanbase, Bruichladdich releases new expressions regularly. Chasse adds: “It’s a great scotch to try in different expressions, so maybe two can fit in my stocking . ”   [links]

[dr4Ke]

Ethiopia is believed to be the birthplace of coffee, and Mr. Black taps into that history and terroir with a new-school coffee liqueur produced at a single farm in the Yirgacheffe region. “Florals of bergamot and tasting notes of orange marmalade would be perfect for pairing it with some Christmas spices and dried citrus in a hot toddy style drinks or mulled wines with hint of caffeine,” suggests Martin Hudak, co-owner of the critically-acclaimed Maybe Sammy in Sydney, Australia. “It’s also one of the most beautiful gifts out there—I love the vibrantly colored Ethiopian blue-breasted bee-eater bird featured on the bottle label.” Hudak emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability: they partner with Project Origin, a foundation that sources quality beans from all over the world and supports small-scale farmers. $40 at whiskeyexchange.com here

[NuAngel]

Coming from the sherry-producing region of Jerez in Spain, this Solera-style brandy was first produced by Williams & Humbert in 1945 and named after the Grand Duke of Alba. “As a Solera it has an elegant, comforting warmth that is perfect to end intimate dinners that we will be having all winter this year,” explains Barbara Sibley, creative director at New York City’s perpetually festive Holiday Cocktail Lounge. Aged in oak barrels, the spirit offers an arresting palate of red fruit and sweet raisin complemented by hints of cedarwood. $155 at wine.com [links]

[kmac]

If you bring cheese over along with this set, you win best guest of the night before the night has even begun. here

[silverman]

For the friend who tries a new beer every time they go out just to get more badges on Uptappd, this'll set them up nicely.

[kytradersclassifieds]

Same idea, but with beer (and snacks). here

[jrrr4518]

It's a California brewery tour delivered right to their doorstep.

[cheggers]

Metallica’s whiskey, Blackened, is a celebrity alcohol worth drinking (and gifting). more

[ptime]

Notes of vanilla and citrus are accented by dried fruits, eucalyptus and cinnamon in this small batch tequila. Aged in oak barrels for over 3 years, this decadent tequila is perfect for the agave aficionado in your life.

[adhocimperium]

Give your favorite island hopper a taste of the tropics with this 17-year old Trinidadian rum, aged in ex-bourbon barrels to bring out sweet and spiced notes of ginger and tropical fruits that make it ideal for sipping solo. here

[leonas7n3417]

Raise a glass (in this case, handblown in Mexico from recycled glass) to the ladies in your life with this female-founded vodka made in New York state from local, organic corn for an incredibly smooth and lightly nutty finish. [links]

[Etherael]

For the home bartender looking to take their drinks to the next level, Haus's collection of handcrafted aperitifs are just the thing. This customizable sampler kit will give them a taste of some of the brand's signature and seasonal flavors like their wintry Spiced Cherry, crisp Citrus Flower, herbaceous Lemon Lavender, or sunny Peach Passionfruit—all equally delicious mixed into a cocktail as they are sipped on their own. more

[andrew001]

Blended from some of the finest, rarest eaux-de-vie in the Hennessey cellars, this silky cognac includes notes of rose petals, honey, and truffle, with a delicate hint of spice. here

[bdimych]

What better gift for the cocktail-loving Downton Abbey fan than a gin distilled with botanicals grown on the grounds of Highclere, which serves as the backdrop for Downton.

[kdawson]

You can never go wrong with a good bottle of Champagne—a timeless gift for any occasion. This bottle is a great option for all of your Instagram boomerang needs. more

[Stobrawa]

Satisfy your sweet tooth and get some booze with this party pack from Tipsy Scoop. You can order the pack from Goldbelly, and it comes with four pints: cake batter vodka martini, strawberry white sangria, spiked hazelnut coffee, and dark chocolate whiskey caramel. more

[replicawatches2]

Make things as extra as possible and customize a bottle of Don Julio 1942 with sparkles through this Etsy shop.

[jirka]

Whether celebrating a promotion or a birthday, this set of whiskey from Uncle Nearest is a gift worth giving to a friend. They'll get a bottle of the brand's 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, a bottle of the 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, and four very snazzy old fashioned glasses to sip out of. [links]

[aaaa]

Your go-to brunch buddy *needs* this kit on her bar cart. It comes with mix for Peach Bellinis, Rosemary Collins, and Bloody Marys.

[Yahtee]

These mini Rumchata creamers are portable enough to throw in your bag and take anywhere. and can be added to cocktails, or, you know, coffee for a little sweet morning pick-me-up.