The most wonderful time of the year is upon us - gifting season. Whether you've been planning the perfect present for weeks or need a last minute item for that annual holiday gathering, booze is always a great addition. We tapped our team of Top Shelf Bloggers to suggest a few of their favorite bottles to give that special someone, add to a gift exchange or just bring a little something extra to the party. Be sure to snag one of the products below and bring a little extra cheer to you and yours this holiday season!
"Rose isn't only for summer! This easy to drink rose is a total crowd pleaser and I like to keep a few bottles on hand for last minute get togethers. Plus it works great at a hostess gift!"
"I think a high end, small batch whiskey or bourbon makes an amazing gift for the holiday season, and a locally-made whiskey is even more special. This dry craft bourbon is made very close to home, in Red Hook Brooklyn."
"Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon is a full bodied red wine will compliment any holiday meal! It’s the perfect pour for any holiday gathering!"
"Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc is always a slam dunk and this vintage is no exception. Buy this affordable, citrusy, and tropical deliciousness by the case for your holiday parties."
- Elizabeth, Traveling Wine Chick
"Nothing says the holidays more than sparkling wine and what is better than pink bubbles?!?! Whether you want to drink it or give it as a gift, try this affordable non-vintage sparkling rose wine from Italy with its notes of wild strawberries and red currants on the nose and freshness on the palate."
"This is a great moderately priced Pinot Noir for the holidays. It's a wonderful wine that goes well with every meal and perfect to bring as a hostess gift!"
"This English strong ale makes the perfect holiday gift. The picturesque wintry scene of olde on the label is sure to warm the heart, while roasty notes of hazelnuts, mocha and toffee in each sip of this winter seasonal beer warm the belly."
"What says celebrate more than a bottle of bubbly? Break out of your sparkling wine cage with this delicious bubble from the Trento region of northern Italy. The Ferrari Brut is made in the classic style of champagne, from 100% Chardonnay, but is entirely Italian. Bright and fresh with a citrus and apple driven flavor profile, the tiny bubbles will tickle your fancy. The price will make your wallet sing too!"
"When it comes to the winter holiday season, I'm all about the belly-warming cocktails. Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year is perfect for your favorite hot toddy recipe and just as delicious sipped straight up in front of a cozy fire."
"Nothing says "I’m here to party" quite like showing up with George Clooney. Well, as close to the man as most of us will get ;) Bring a bottle of Casamigos Blanco alongside the essentials for a festive pomegranate margarita and you’ll be the star of this year’s holiday party. Cheers!"
"We love a good brandy for the holidays, perfect for holiday cocktails both hot and cold! Pair up a great brandy like Korbel with some spices and you will have holiday cheer in a glass!"
"This is a real adult’s flavored vodka. The Kaffir Lime has a sophisticated taste that is both rich & deep. Delicious on the rocks or with club soda."
- Jessica & Janette, Cooking with Janica
"The Old Fashioned from Boston-based Bully Boy Distillers makes a perfect gift because it’s a cocktail in a bottle - all you have to do is pour and enjoy!"
"Make the G&T lover's holiday season by gifting them the Jack Rudy Tonic Trio. It's high-quality ingredients and classy packaging will take their cocktails to the next level."
"Marionberries are a perfect combination of sweet and tart, and this five-time distilled and filtered grain vodka is aromatic with an intense marionberry flavor. Oregon's Willamette Valley grows some beautiful fruits, such as marionberries. This an excellent addition to any liquor cabinet."
"The holiday party season is upon us, but no matter what time of year, I always have a bottle or two of Ketel One Citroen Vodka on hand. I'm known for my Lemon Drop Martinis and they just aren't the same with another vodka. They'll be everyone's favorite at your next cocktail party. Cheers!"
- Christina, Christina's Cucina
"I love celebrating the holidays with a smoky flair. Using even a bar-spoon of mezcal in your cocktails adds such a flavor punch."
"There are lots of whiskeys and whiskys around, but as a Scot I will always have a soft spot for a good Scottish malt, and to me you can't get much better than Caol Ila. As an Islay malt, it has that distinct slight smokiness but Caol Ila has a rounder flavor than some, giving a smooth finish. For any whisky lovers, or those wanting to branch out, it's a fantastic one to try."
- Caroline, Caroline's Cooking
"Talk about a new obsession! Smooth, balanced, and only slightly hoppy, this is one Canadian beer you won't mind sipping slowly."
- Erica & Abe, The Crumbly Kitchen
"If you're looking for a wintery ingredient, RumChata is it. Whether you enjoy it in your coffee or over ice with a pinch of cinnamon (my favorite!), it's sure to get you in the holiday spirit."
"Peppermint is one of my favorite holiday flavors and I love adding Peppermint Schnapps to homemade hot cocoa. It's such a warm and cozy seasonal treat - especially when you add some peppermint whipped cream on top!"
- Alexandra, Bright Eyed Baker
"It goes in coffee, hot chocolate, in desserts....so many things! In my family we love Baileys and it's not unusual to find many bottles under the tree. It doesn't take long to open a bottle, no matter what time of day it is!"