With the festive season fast approaching, we are all looking around for inspiration on what to buy our friends, loved ones and even ourselves, and from exciting experience-led gifts to handy gadgets to something to sample and savour, the options are aplenty.
To whittle down the almost endless possibilities we spoke to Luxus Luchs, the German website dedicated to sourcing the finest luxury products, and especially for the person in your life who enjoys a good tipple. Whether it’s a fruity pre-dinner cocktail, a perfectly paired wine to serve with a meal, or an evening post-dinner tipple, there are many ways to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, be it from the comfort of your home, at a friend’s dinner party or out at a bar or restaurant.
For some gifting inspiration, read on for their top picks for you to gift the drinks lover in your life.
Whisky
Whisky is one of those drinks that never goes out of style, though it is certainly something that requires a certain palate to be fully enjoyed. From the bottles that you can source from your local supermarket right up to exclusive bottles that are auctioned off for tens of thousands of pounds, and more, on a regular basis, there is quite the range of drinks to choose from, so where do you begin?
Macallan, Dalmore, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas, Johnnie Walker and more are all names that are synonymous with good whisky and depending on how much you want to treat the receiver of this gift, you can find a good selection of bottles of whisky online in a range of ages. Don’t forget to pop some whisky stones and personalised glasses in the giftbox too for a complete giftset that the whisky lover in your life will not forget in a hurry.
Vodka
Whether you enjoy this beverage ice cold on the rocks or as a part of a delightfully delicious cocktail (we’re thinking of you Espresso Martinis, Moscow Mules and Cosmopolitans) there’s no denying that vodka is about as versatile as a spirit gets. For the vodka drinker in your life steer clear of the cheap and nasty as quality and cost really do win when it comes to choosing the right vodka. Belvedere, Grey Goose and Crystal Head all make for good gifts, especially the latter with its skull shaped bottle. Pair with some accompanying ingredients so that the receiver of this gift can whip up their favourite cocktail and also some nice glasses to serve them in.
Champagne
There’s nothing like popping the cork on a bottle of the finest fizz and making a meaningful toast with your favourite people. Christmas is truly party time for those who celebrate and what better gift for the Champagne enthusiast in your life to enjoy than to present them with their favourite bottle. If you don’t know which is their favourite, then you can’t go far wrong than with a bottle of Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger or Laurent Perrier. Wrap up alongside some beautiful flutes, coupes or tulips and add a handy ice bucket to complete the perfect Champagne gift.
Gin
Gin has seen something of a surge in recent years since limiting rules were lifted upon its production methods, and therefore the range of brands on the market offering a range of flavour combinations has skyrocketed. Just as tasty as when served with a simple tonic and slice as it is as part of a cocktail, gin is as versatile as vodka and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Choose from favourites like Hendrick’s, Roku and Monkey 47 or discover boutique brands like Salcombe Gin or Isle of Harris Gin and gift alongside some beautiful glassware.
Wine
Wines are a very personal choice, and when choosing a bottle as a gift for someone else, it’s a good idea to take a look at what they already enjoy drinking. Have a look in their cellar or wine room if they have one or take note the next time you head out for dinner and ask questions without looking to obvious. If you want to surprise them with something different, then look for the award labels on a bottle of wine, ask the owner of your local wine store for recommendations and wrap up alongside some tasteful glasses so they can sip in style.
