We all have tricky recipients on our list, and time is running out. Here are some gift ideas to help you wrap up (no pun intended!) and relax into the festivities:
Your roomie
Think strategically here. A bar stocker is something that is best shared with friends.
Our pick: Martini In A Box, a bottle each of Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Imbue Bittersweet Vermouth.
Your big client
Listen, your business needs happy clients so don’t scrimp on this one. Go for something special that isn’t available just anywhere: a gift set of locally distilled whiskeys and bourbons.
Our pick: Kings County Gift Pack, a 3-bottle pack including Brooklyn-local Moonshine, Bourbon and Chocolate Whiskey.
Your kid’s teacher
A sparkling rosé. Trust us on this one— this person does not need more soap or chocolate.
Our pick: Raventos i Blanc “De Nit” Rose Cava 2011, one of our favorite cavas with layer upon layer of red fruit.
Your office mate
A bright and complex Chardonnay, something light and easy that you can open to kick off happy hour the next time you’re both working late.
Our pick: Chateau Fuisse Pouilly-Fuissé Tête De Cru 2011, a parfait of peaches, pears and honey.
Your boss lady
You cannot go wrong with a chocolatey Syrah or a jammy red Zinfandel.
Our pick: Bella Vineyards Lily Hill Estate Zinfandel 2010, a perfectly balanced, textured, sleek and smooth red.
Father in-law (Because you know you need help with this one)
Choose a bourbon or whiskey—or, better yet, one of each. With any luck, he’ll share.
Our pick: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon, organic, small batch and single barrel. Sip, savor and enjoy.
Your trainer
Even fitness buffs have cheat days, and frankly, a bit of booze is better than a burger. A smoky Mezcal is an unexpected, versatile departure from the norm.
Our pick: El Buho Mezcal, so smoky with slightly sweet and earthy undertones.
Your super
Your super is one of the most important people in your life. A warming bourbon is the perfect way to cap off a day of shoveling snow or fixing broken heaters.
Our pick: Bulleit Bourbon, with gentle spice and sweet tones of toffee and nutmeg, this is a toasty bottle.
Your doorman
In addition to the annual holiday bonus, go the extra mile and splurge on a California Cabernet—big, zesty and festive.
Our pick: Flora Springs Trilogy 2010, all big blackberries and cherries in this Napa Valley Cabernet.
Yankee Gift Swap
The holiday season means holiday parties and games. Bring something everyone can use (hello, Bubbly!) and don’t be surprised if your gift ends up the coveted item that players scheme to “steal” from each other.
Our pick: Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne, an effervescent nectar that’s rich with vanilla notes and slightly sweet tropical bubbles.
Julie Bausch is a freelance writer who moonlights for Tipsy, a wine and spirits shop in Brooklyn, where you can find all these bottles and more. Visit us at the corner of Myrtle and Classon or online at www.shoptipsy.com.
