Spirits for Gifting and Celebrating
The holiday season will be elevated when you indulge in fine spirits, liqueurs, and have opportunities to mix up a creative cocktail. Whether you’re planning a gift for someone special or raising a glass to toast friends and family on a zoom call, we have suggestions that are not only accessible, but also impressive. Cheers!
Amaro Montenegro – Celebrated as the one of the world’s top liqueurs, Amaro Montenegro is Italy’s beloved amaro from Bologna. It was created in 1885 and is still made according to its original recipe. The spirit’s smooth and well-balanced flavor comes from 40 botanicals collected from around the world. The spice-filled Italian libation features delicious wintery flavors like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, sweet and bitter oranges, marjoram, oregano, coriander seeds and an artemisia blend. Traditionally served in a tumbler neat or on the rocks, Amaro Montenegro’s flavor is so rich and versatile, it can also be used for creating holiday cocktails. Readers can purchase it from ReserveBar, which offers a special Amaro Montenegro Gift Pack with a 750 ml bottle and Montenegro’s signature green icon glass for $38. To purchase visit ReserveBar. For more information, visit the website for Amaro Montenegro.
Bespoke Bourbon Cream by Black Button Distilling – There’s a chill in the air and what better way to enjoy brisk weather than with a warm spiked coffee or White Russian? Put a spin on traditional cream liqueur cocktails by trading in the typical Irish Cream for an ounce or two of Bespoke Bourbon Cream Liqueur. Whether poured over ice, blended in a milkshake, or enjoyed neat, Bourbon Cream will add a kick of flavor to any cocktail. Bourbon Cream, first released in 2015, gives cream liqueur a unique American take. It is crafted with the Black Button Distilling’s flagship spirit, the Four Grain Bourbon. Bourbon Cream is made with local cream from New York State to give the liqueur a smooth finish. Made in small batches, the company focuses on producing the best flavor profile with sweet vanilla and bold caramel. The simple components in Bourbon Cream come together to create an unforgettable and powerful flavor. Visit Black Button Distilling.
The Busker – The Busker Irish Whiskey has debuted the launch of their innovative line of Irish Whiskeys in the United States. The whiskey offers an adventurous and modern take on the category. While The Busker honors its Irish heritage, it encourages consumers to go beyond the limitations and lines of history with its four new Irish Whiskeys that include a Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Triple Cask Triple Smooth Blend. They are all produced under one roof at the world-class Royal Oak Distillery. The Busker is perfect for urban wanderers, for those who are flavor-curious, eager for inspiration and looking for a quality Irish whiskey like no other. The Distillery is located on an 18th century estate in the Ancient East region in County Carlow. The Busker Irish Whiskeys are available nationwide and online. Ask your closest retailer and visit The Busker website.
Wemyss Malts – Spice King Blended Malt Whiskey – Wemyss Malts’ Spice King Blended Malt Whiskey is one of the fine, handcrafted bottles by the Wemyss family. It is sure to please even the most discerning whiskey lover. With a long and rich history, the family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife that has looked out over the sea for over 800 years. At least 10 single malts are used to create Spice King Blended Malt Whiskey. The signature malt comes from the highland region of Scotland. The Whiskey’s name reflects its natural sweet, spicy character. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail. You can also explore the other fine whiskeys by Wemyss. Visit the website for Wemyss Malts.
Sangria with Passoã Liqueur and Notorious Pink Rosé – As winter approaches and chilly and festive evenings draw closer and closer, nothing speaks to holiday cheer like a festive Sangria. While waiting to figure out what exactly the holidays are going to look like this year, Passoã, the world’s #1 passion fruit liqueur, and Notorious Pink Rosé have teamed up to bring you the ultimate Holiday Sangria Kit. Made in a distillery in France with real passion fruit juice from Brazil, Passoã boasts a few passport stamps with each sip for those with interrupted holiday travel plans. At just 20% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), Passoã is a low ABV escape from the same old cocktail. When paired with Notorious Pink Rosé, it’ll be as though you are on a holiday vacation in your very own home. Simply blend the wine and liqueur and add your favorite fruit like berries, oranges, or pears. for more information, visit the website for Passoã and the website for Notorious Pink Rosé.
Liqueurs and Bitters by The Bitter Truth – When you’re looking for the right liqueur to create a modern, inventive cocktail, The Bitter Truth has an array of flavors that include Apricot, Elderflower, and Violet. The company also produces a remarkable selection of bitters that you will find to be ideal for your home bar or for the cocktail enthusiast in your life. The company’s bitters include aromatic ones such as chocolate and creole; fruit bitters like peach and grapefruit; and savory bitters that include celery and olive. Visit The Bitter Truth.
Disaronno Velvet – Stock your bar or surprise your friends and family with something special and enjoy dessert in a glass with Disaronno Velvet. As one of the world’s favorite Italian liqueurs, Disaronno Velvet was recently launched in April 2020 and is the latest innovation within the liqueur category. Incredibly smooth, Disaronno Velvet, at 17% ABV, boasts the floral character of almonds with nuances of chocolate and vanilla. Blending the unique flavor of Disaronno Originale and the richness of a velvety cream, Disaronno Velvet is best served over ice, or add a touch of Italian elegance to your favorite cream cocktails such as a Velvet White Espresso. This liqueur is an ideal gift for those who love sophisticated cream liqueurs. Disaronno International has created a Disaronno Velvet Holiday Pack that contains a 750mL bottle of Disaronno Velvet and two branded white and gold glasses to enjoy the liqueur in. Visit Disaronno.
Diplomatico Rum and Mombacho Cigar Pairing – Pairing is personal. A person’s palate continues to evolve as it takes on new flavor combinations and explores the senses. Every so often, there is a taste so delicious and iconic, it inspires a whole new category. Welcome to the creative combination by Diplomático and Mombacho Cigars S.A., the first ever cigar blend made to be paired with exclusively Diplomático Rum. Claudio Sgroi, Mombacho’s Master Blender researched and carefully studied the flavors and characteristics of Diplomatico’s Rum to develop this cigar and rum pairing. This is the perfect holiday gift for the rum and cigar aficionado. For more information, visit Mombacho Cigars and Diplomático Rum.
The Marvelous Ketel One Martini – Ketel One Vodka has partnered with Bushwig, purveyors of drag, love and unity, to bring marvelous moments to all with a special Ketel One Vodka cocktail this year. Inside the martini kit, you will find all the ingredients you need with a special message from the Bushwig queens, demonstrating how to make the popular cocktail at home. You can also have this shipped as a gift to anyone nationwide, sharing a festive cheers with your loved ones. The Marvelous Ketel One Martini kit can be purchased at Cocktail Courier.
The Ketel One Botanical Holiday Spritz Kit – Enjoy a fresh-tasting cocktail experience that doubles as a give-back to women-owned small businesses. This Holiday Spritz Kit showcases a dynamic collaboration from Ketel One Botanical and Create & Cultivate, providing you with all the essentials to toast to the season with a Botanical Spritz. The kit has everything you need from glassware to festive garnish. What’s the best part? Ketel One Botanical will donate 25% of profits from each kit sold, up to $15K, to Ladies Who Launch. The kit can be purchased at Cocktail Courier.
Top photo: Bigstock
