Who doesn’t love gifting (and receiving) alcohol for Christmas? I mean, I love it when I get champagne or a bottle of really good red for any occasion. Doesn’t even have to be Christmas…
Although gifting alcohol can be tricky. Basically you want to make sure you’re giving them something they like. No, LOVE. Something they won’t regift. Because let’s be real, we’ve all done that.
When it comes to hosting for Christmas, I love a specialty cocktail, something to get the party started. And just because we’re still stuck in Covid, doesn’t mean we can’t make a fun cocktail for the family.
Anyway, if you’re planning on gifting alcohol this year, I’ve got you covered. In fact, Andrew and I have you covered. He has selected his top picks as well! And there is something for everyone on here.
So, grab a cocktail while you’re at it, and join me with this list.
ALCOHOLIC GIFTS FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ALVENTO WINES – Kim’s pick
Wine is such a common gift for the holidays, but no one ever complains about getting too much wine. Am I right?! I mean, I will take ALLLL the wine, thanks. I recently tried Alvento wines, and YUM. The one pictured here is the 2018 Boreas.
It’s a blend made from conventional and appassimento wines. Complex and intense aromas of cassis, mint, dried cherry, fig, spice and mocha. Full bodied with youthful tannins, berry and spice flavours and long complex finish.
It’s definitely on the pricey side of wines, but if you are looking to gift a GOOD bottle, then I suggest this one.
GLENFIDDICH 12 – Andrew’s pick
Andrew is a HUGE scotch guy, so expect a lot of different scotches in this post. One of his favourite scotch brands is Glenfiddich. He absolutely loves the 12. He says it’s a standard classic.
“Tree fruit and honey aromas result from Maturation in American and European oak casks. Richly textured, smooth and mellow on the palate, with flavours of oak, vanilla, sweet malt, white fruit and butterscotch. A touch of sweetness and light smoke on a lengthy, elegant finish.”
If you’re looking to gift scotch, you can’t go wrong with this one.
I don’t love scotch, but I do love a scotch cocktail. I’ve included a declicious cocktail made with Glenfiddich 12 below.
THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 12 – Andrew’s pick
Another really good scotch! This one is pricer than the Glenfiddich 12. This would make such a good gift for dad, in my opinion!
“Sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla. It’s smooth and mellow with beautifully combined flavours ~ nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry.”
Below is a GREAT cocktail made with The Balvanie.
TULLAMORE DEW IRISH WHISKEY – Andrew’s pick
This is your standard Irish whiskey. It’s not very expensive, so it makes for a good gift if you’re not looking to spend too much. It’s harsher than scotch, and the tastes are very different.
“Patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, this whiskey is known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity. Pale amber in colour; expect soft aromas of caramel and sweet grain with flavours of spice and sweet barley on a smooth and creamy palate that finishes gently with soft/fruity character.”
FIT HARD SODA – Kim’s pick
Okay, the Fit Hard Sodas are much more my drink! They are Canada’s first ready-to-drink, natural fruit flavoured, vodka soda beverage sweetened with monk fruit, an all-natural sugar-alternative. They are light, refreshing, and delicious! It’s has zero preservatives, zero carbohydrates and is gluten free. HELL YESS.
Flavours: lemon with rose, mandarin, dark cherry and pineapple. (Lemon with rose is my favourite!!)
This is more of a causal gift, or one that you can bring to the party. Everyone will be reaching for these, trust me! They are just delicious.
CONO SUR WINES – Kim’s pick
I’ve tired a bunch of Cono Sur wines, and let me tell you, they are so good! Let me ALSO mention that they are organic wines, sustainably produced, and carbon neutral. I love a wine that cares about our environment! You’ll find this in the “Chile” section of the LCBO. They have a ton of different ones. I love the red, and the rosé is SO good as well.
I’ve included a Frosé cocktail you can make to impress your friends and family.
EMPRESS 1908 GIN – Andrew & Kim’s pick
Well if you’re a gin lover, you are in for a treat with this one! The colour, the flavour, and the range of cocktails you can make with this gorgeous gin, are the only reasons you need to pick up a couple bottles for yourself. Whether you are gifting this gin or keeping it for yourself, you are sure to EMPRESS. See what I did there? 😉 😉
The gin is made with eight organic botanicals and a non-GMO corn spirit as the base. Butterfly pea blossom lends the spirit its deep colour. An aromatic London Dry gin style with a lush blue hue, Empress promises to make a regal cocktail.
Stay tuned – I’m whipping up a bunch of different cocktails made from this gin so make sure to follow me on Instagram! I’ll be sharing the recipes on there.
GLENFIDDICH 14 – Andrew’s pick
Okay the Glenfiddich 14 (not to be confused with the 12) is the perfect blend for people who enjoy scotch and bourbon. It’s a delicious bourbon substitute for Old Fashions or simply had on the rocks.
“This single malt is aged fourteen years in ex-bourbon barrel then finished in new charred American oak. Aromas of baked apple, malt and vanilla lead to flavours of caramel, char and baking spice. The finish lingers with a dark chocolate note. Pair with pecan tarts.”
Andrew LOVES his Old Fashioned Cocktails and wanted me to include the recipe for you guys. Enjoy!
When gifting alcohol, you certainly can’t go wrong with this one! It’s classy and chic.
Those are our picks when it comes to gifting alcohol! There is difinitely something for everyone on this list. Are we missing anything major? Let us know what your favourite drinks/alcohol is during the holidays! We’d love to know.
On that note, I’m going to pour myself a glass of Cono Sur red and unwind for the night.
Ciao babes!
Xx, kim
++ If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out Yummy, Classic Cocktails for the Holidays!
+++ ALSO! 5 Non-Traditional Gifts for Your Significant Other!
