Foodie gift guide for all tastes and budgets

Beverages

Design a Tea

 

People can be very picky about their tea. Design a Tea is an online company where customers can create tea blends from scratch and even personalize the label for a reasonable price.  Design a Tea is an environmentally friendly business and they try and purchase organically grown teas when possible and their flavorings are 100% natural, organic and gluten free. It works in just a few steps where you first choose the base tea, add any additional flavors you like and then wait for it to arrive and enjoy. This is a thoughtful option for any tea aficionado. Check out http://www.designatea.com/

Galliano Ristretto

 

Fans of both good Italian espresso will love Galliano Ristretto liqueur. It is natural & non GMO, no HFCS (corn syrup) and it is a perfect digestive after a delicious holiday meal. It can be found at most  fine liquor stores.

Maker’s Mark

Whiskey drinkers all have their favorites, but no bar is complete without some Maker’s Mark bourbon from Kentucky. The distinctive red wax seal makes it even more festive and it is good alone or in a variety of cocktail recipes.  Maker’s Mark can be found at most liquor stores.

Mullan Road Cellars' Red Wine Blend

For adventurous wine drinkers who want to try something new, check out the elegant Bordeaux blend called Mullan Road Cellars. It is especially good with a holiday roast. You can find their products here.

Agwa De Bolivia

Do you feel a little bit naughty? Agwa De Bolivia, is an herbal liqueur infused with the Bolivian coca leaf (yes, that kind of leaf) and 36 other botanicals & herbs. While the cocaine has been completely removed during the de-cocainisation process, the slight tingling effects of the herbal liqueur are still interesting. Not only does this taste good, but it is a great conversation starter.  Buy your adventurous drinking friends an Agwa De Bolivia here.

Santa Margherita

Santa Margherita may be most known for their Pinot Grigio, but they also have a fantastic Prosecco and Chianti. Even though these wine products from Italy are reasonably priced, they look and taste expensive, thus making them a great hostess gift. You can find these special products and most liquor stores and discover more information about them and the Eco Sustainability practices here.

Diplomático Rum

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is an elegant and complex sipping rum. It has notes of maple syrup, orange peel, brown sugar and licorice. It can be found here.

Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila

Is it a whiskey or a tequila? Well with Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, you have the best of both worlds. It is the perfect gift for people who love tequila, whiskey or both.  It can be found at most fine liquor stores and you can use their locator found here.

Usquaebach Old Rare Flagon

Giving someone a flagon of booze is just cool.  And if this bottle is of Usquaebach Old Raresingle malt scotch, you will make someone feel like they stepped into the world of Outlander.  This Blended Scotch Whisky dates back many centuries and is a definite crowd pleaser.  It can be found here.

Selective Wine Estates First-Rate Old Fart

Wine with a sense of humor is always appreciated.  While Selective Wine Estates might be better known for their four varieties of Mommy’s Time Out Wine, or Dad’s Day Off Chianti, however it is the First-Rate Old Fart that needed to be here because let’s face it, we all have a favorite old fart in our lives. This red is a blend of Merlot and Raboso grape varietals, and comes from Italy. It can be found here.

Prosecco DOC Treviso by Astoria Wines

Sometimes the packaging alone makes you know something is going to be good.  Astoria Wines’ Prosecco DOC Treviso is so lovely, that it makes you not really want to open it.  But once you do, you will be glad you did, though you may save the bottle to use as a decoration.   In addition to their wonderful Prosecco, they also have Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Moscato Rose and more varieties. These can be found here.

CRUZ Silver Tequila

Small batch tequila is the best, and authentic CRUZ Silver Tequila is one of the best. It is remarkably smooth and a good gift for others, or yourself. You can find CRUZ Silver Tequila by checking out their locater here.

Courvoisier

‘Tis the season for some really good Cognac, and when it comes to that libation, Courvoisier is king.  Whether you are gifting an exclusive well-matured Courvoisier X.O. Cognac, or a more reasonably priced Courvoisier V.S.O.P. Cognac the person you give it to will be thrilled.  These can be found at most fine liquor stores.

Pinnacle Vodka

Vodka is a great gift, and if you go with Pinnacle, you will definitely have happy people.  While there are 40 flavor varieties available, there are two that might make the holidays a bit more merry. Pinnacle’s Whipped Vodka tastes of rich whipped cream with hints of vanilla. Also, you cannot go wrong with a classic. Pinnacle Original Vodka is award-winning and made with imported French vodka. They can be found at most liquor stores and or you can go to the locator here.

Graffigna Malbec

South American wine doesn’t seem to get the respect it deserves, however Argentinian winery Graffigna is more than 145 years old, makes some truly surprising wines and has a good reputation. The Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec received 90 Points by Robert Parker and would be a great addition to anyone’s wine cellar. Graffigna may be found at wine shops and liquor stores.

American Born Moonshine

Just hearing the term “Moonshine” makes you think of something elicit.  American Born Moonshine is made in Tennessee, it comes in an old-school jar in a few flavor options including Original White Lightning Moonshine, Apple Pie Moonshine and a sweet tea infused Dixie Moonshine. This is something different to give a creative drinker. You can find this by going to the locator here.

Boulder Crest Retreat from Tackitt Family Vineyards

Some people like to make sure that the gifts they give have the power to do more than put a smile on the recipients face.  The Tackitt Family Vineyards, owned by a retired naval officer and his wife have created a special Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) label where ALL proceeds of this goes to help veterans attending the retreat. Boulder Crest Retreat is located in Bluemont, VA. BCR Cabernet Sauvignon wine is tasty with notes of blackberry and plum. The wine would make a great and thoughtful gift while helping out a great cause and can be purchased here.

Ciù Ciù vegan wine

I had never heard of vegan wine, prior to doing this guide.  I assumed that they all were.  I was incorrect.  The most common wine fining products are albumin and gelatin, but vegan options include using bentonite and activated charcoal – no animal by-products. Ciù Ciù is one of only 10 wineries in Italy that have the distinction of the “Vegetarian Vegan Quality” label for their meticulously crafted wine.  They have a nice selection of reds, whites, sparklings and rosés to suit hold the interests of any wine connoisseur. Ciù Ciù may be found at Wines Direct or other fine liquor stores.

 

Simply Charmed magnetic wine charms

 

At parties, it is easy to misplace your glass and never really be sure if the glass you pick up is really yours. This problem can be cheerfully solved with Simply Charmed magnetic charms that attach to any glass. The magnets are not only super cute, but also, they are so strong that they attach through the cup and once affixed, they really don’t move. Simply Charmed comes in a variety of designs and themes that work for the holidays or year-round and suit everyone’s tastes and can be purchased here.