Guest Blogger Lynne Favreau is back, this year writing not only of her gift finds, but combining her amazing skills as a baker, cook and libations wizard, to all our benefit! It's great to get these now so you can be prepared for the holiday parties ahead - to serve at yours or bring to someone elses! Rochelle
Cocktails
What makes a good cocktail gift? Does it fit the theme of the event? Do you know your recipients preferences? Are they adventurous or classic imbibers? It can be as simple and inexpensive as a single bottle or as elaborate as a giant gift basket filled with all the accoutrements for a cocktail party.
What inspires me usually starts with a new alcohol. I'll begin with a recipe search, and give single bottle or add the ingredients, tools, and specific glasses to make it a grander gift.
Rather than the typical bottle of wine, bring the hostess a fancy ginger liquor like Domaine de Canton and a 4-pack of ginger beer.
Need something for a potluck? Make a batch of cocktails. Print the recipe on a nice card and gift the pitcher to the host.
I find the twenty-something crowd, in their first real apartments are looking to up their entertainment game.
For a recent college graduate, I made up an adult beverage basket that included this muddler, set of bitters and Crate and Barrel coupe glasses.
Along with a solid recipe book like The Craft of the Cocktail and they are well on their way to learning how to make and serve proper cocktails. If you are feeling generous you can add a few starter bottles of liqueurs and alcohols.
Maybe you prefer to share a certain spirit like rye or bourbon? Pick a classic cocktail that uses it for a theme, like an Old-Fashioned, or a Perfect Manhattan. Start with a classic NYT Book of Cocktails.
and you can add high end cherries, OXO cocktail shaker and Pottery Barn old-fashioned glasses.
Canapés
Once your cocktail game has been elevated one needs to move beyond the bag of tortilla chips and jar of salsa accompaniment.
I was skeptical when I first read this recipe, but gave it a try because...bacon and we were not disappointed! Try Ree Drummond's Holiday Bacon Appetizer
(next time I'll use shaved parmesan rather than grated)
Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie (I used Baby Bella instead of white buttons) were easy and delicious.
And rather than the usual cheese and crackers, mix up a batch of dipping oil with these gift-worthy bottles of olive oil, and grab a baguette and these William-Sonoma dipping bowls
Homemade
Cookies aren't the only gift from the kitchen. These 19 Simple Syrups from Saveur are quick, with a myriad of flavors.
Bitters take at least 3 weeks. Cordials take even longer, months really, but keep them in mind for next year.
One year I made an Irish Cream and a friend made a coffee liqueur. Get some elegant flask bottles from Specialty Bottles (many others to choose from) or interesting pint bottles from Home Depot, and you are all set.
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