38 best alcohol, wine and barware gifts that’ll make spirits bright in 2024

This gorgeous, Oregon-distilled single-malt whiskey wins a place on my holiday bar because it's got a fine smoky nose and sweet, peaty taste. Plus, it's won a dozen industry awards, so I know I'm not alone.

Does it surprise you that Matthew McConaughey would name his organic tequila after a pair pants? No? I didn't think so. But here's the thing: It tastes great! So, why not grab this festive gift set of two bottles in a pair of, wait for it, Santa pants and make everyone's holidays "all right, all right, all right"? I adore it mixed in cranberry margaritas, and it also happens to be one of our picks for best celebrity tequilas.

Sometimes you just want to craft a quality holiday cocktail with no pomp and circumstance. Which is why I choose these fresh, handcrafted mixers to mix cocktails for a crowd. They're especially fantastic for parties and festive gatherings, and they taste just as good without the alcohol for any abstainers out there.

Sotol, a tequila-like spirit made in Chihuahua, Mexico, from the Dasylirion plant, is one of my favorite little-known bottles of booze and a gem for any cocktail lover. Crafted from a spiky flowering succulent in the asparagus family, Acronimo is a women-owned company, and this Sotol Blanco smells of dried chilis and ripe tomatoes, with a taste of herb and smoke.

Any "Game of Thrones" fans in the house? Why not gift them this outrageously luxe vodka, a limited-edition spirit from brand ambassador Emilia Clarke, infused with none other than a real-life meteorite? More importantly, it's also three times distilled, making it super smooth and my choice to mix an out-of-this-world martini.

A far cry from the bottles of Schweppes we kept hidden in our pantries, I agree with the cocktail snobs who now rely on premium Fever Tree mixers to upgrade their drinks. And with the resurgence of the espresso martini as the "it" drink of the season, I am so happy to be able to rely on this delicious bottle for easy holiday gifting. Just mix it with vodka, rum or even tequila and anyone can have an instant classic to gloat over.

This female-founded spirits company has already won double gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) for this smooth Blanco Mezcal mezcal. Not only is it low-smoke but it adds a boost of botanical flavor that will rock out in any cocktail. I think it's well worth a spot on your gift-giving list.

Snoop and Dre are not playing when it comes to their premium canned cocktails. This variety pack of eight cans mix gin with natural-flavored Citrus, Melon, Apricot and Passionfruit. And we promise, it will keep your mind on your money and your money on your mind at less than $30.

If you're going to open a beautiful bottle of booze, this is a perfect companion. I love heading to Peter Luger in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for an indulgent meal and a dry martini, but for those who can't make it there, you can order them this stunning porterhouse that will gain you serious points.

I was intrigued by this vodka, which like good olive oil, is distilled from Greek olives. Smooth, mild and a little bit sweet, this is an excellent pour in craft cocktails and beautifully pairs with vermouth for an almost creamy, herbal taste in a martini. It's a fun and spirited gift for your favorite travel fiend.

This gorgeous, limited-edition box of Blanc-de-Blanc Champagne from the famed Perrier-Jouër is a sophisticated collaboration with Italian design studio Formafantasma and makes the perfect holiday gift. A fully Chardonnay cuveé, it will be admired as well as savored.

Death & Co is a New York City cocktail mainstay, delivering gorgeous, creative drinks in a speakeasy-style bar. So, I was overjoyed to see this new pack of oversized cards that can help any old schlub craft a stunning cocktail at home. You'll get two decks of 52 cards each: one with classic cocktail recipes you can easily follow and the other with looser instructions to help you build your own concoctions. Make no mistake, this is a gift any wannabe home bartender will cherish for years to come.

It may be closer to midwinter than midsummer but this gin is so gorgeous, I have no problem drinking it any time of year. It's a great gift, not only for its light floral and citrus taste but the bottle is a showstopper.

I happen to be a huge fan of all Mount Gay rum, which hails from Barbados, but my absolute favorite is the XO blend, which you can just as easily sip neat as you can mix in tropical concoctions. A small batch mix of more mature rums, this vanilla-scented spirit also packs a subtle spice and goes down oh so smooth. You also may want to consider pouring some in your egg nog for a little extra friskiness this year.

Bitters are a simple way to add a little oomph to your cocktails and we love these coffee flavored bitters from Italian purveyor Luxardo. Just add a few drops to rum, whiskey or vodka drinks — like an espresso martini or White Russian — and you'll receive a full flavor boost. Other flavors include Bitter Orange, Chamomile and Sour Cherry.

Do you smell what the Rock is cooking? No? Maybe because he’s busy sipping his super-premium tequila. I can't get enough of the Teremana Reposado because it’s affordable but still smooth enough to drink straight up or pour into my holiday margarita. The blanco version of this bottle is our runner-up for best tested celebrity tequilas.

Acrylic barware that looks like real glass? Yes, please! For anyone who likes cocktails on the deck or in the garden, or who just doesn’t want to put out the good stuff when hosting, these coupes are both elegant and lightweight. A gracious hostess gift, this choice barware won’t break the bank either.

Bourbon lovers know that Woodford Reserve is a classic for a reason. And I love bringing out this festive, holiday bottle strewn with gold, because showing it off is almost as gratifying as sipping what’s inside.

Distilled in Vermont and using raw honey as a key botanical, Bar Hill Gin has a distinct, sweetly laced depth that we love. And this little gift set gives you a bee’s-eye view of both the Barr Hill Gin and the Reserve Tom Cat Gin, along with a 1-pound jar of Barr Hill’s raw Northern honey.

Not everyone knows how to make a perfect martini, so I absolutely love to give the gift of ease with this ready-to-pour bottle of Grey Goose vodka mixed with just the right amount of French vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. Pro tip: Throw this bottle in the freezer a day before you intend to serve it.

Woody Creek is known for its Colorado-distilled whiskey, bourbon and rye because it uses ingredients strictly sourced from local farms. And we recommend gifting this Tasting Set, which includes its Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, to anyone looking to mix the perfect Manhattan, old-fashioned or Rob Roy this season. And if you’re a true naturalist, feel free to pour it over ice and sip. Or follow along with the included video tasting, which stars whiskey lover William H. Macy.

This stunning, purple-hued gin, made from butterfly pea blossom, jazzes up any cocktail ... and tastes like a summer day. This is a perfectly unique gift that will not be quickly forgotten.

Riedel knows how to stock your bar, and this fantastic set of crystal rocks and highball glasses should help you embrace all your cocktailing needs this holiday entertaining season. 

This 50/50 brew expertly blends Caribbean aged rum, American rye whiskey, ginger and bitters for a simple Irish old-fashioned in just one pour.

I like to elevate the lowly G+T with this unusual gin. The 47 stands for the number of ingredients that are imbued in the spirit, including German lingonberries, to create an intriguing upgrade to a classic martini. (Pro tip: stirred, not shaken when poured with gin.)

Looking to gift a Scotch aficionado? This guaranteed 19-year-old Traigh Bhan from Ardbeg is a deeply satisfying, limited-edition spirit. A smoky small batch, it’s a perfect addition for any collector, matured in American oak and Oloroso sherry casks. It’s also a foolproof way to your father-in-law’s heart.

When you think of barrel-aged spirits, Scotch and bourbon may come to mind, but this deeply flavorful rum is aged for eight years and finished in Vino de Naranja (orange wine) casks for an edge of subtle citrus. It's a joy to sip over rocks, and the notes of cinnamon and molasses add a holiday zing to any punch or highball.

You don’t have to be the Dude to enjoy a White Russian during the holidays. And now you can just pour this sweet, boozy treat featuring Cutwater vodka, coffee and cream liqueur, right out of the can. Happy and merry to you.

This sophisticated pinot gris from Napa is light and citrus forward, and it’s a perfect pour with holiday bites. This mid-priced wine hits the gifting sweet spot, and you may just grab one for yourself as well.

Straight from the hallowed halls of the Great Jones Distillery and speakeasy in downtown Manhattan, you can order this classic, aged rye whiskey to pour in the comfort of your own home. Aged for four years in American oak barrels, it’s also sourced from 100% New York grains.

Originally created by the Finns to serve the crowds at the 1952 Summer Olympics, this refreshing canned and carbonated drink comes in a pleasing variety pack, which includes the original, grapefruit-spiked flavor as well as a holiday-forward cranberry edition and a stronger citrus version to get the party started. It also scored as our best tested canned cocktail.

Fancy wine glasses may be something you want but not something you’ll splurge on. Which is why I splurged on these mouth-blown red wine glasses, which are also a thoughtful gift for the wine lover in your life. With an art deco design and dramatic black stem, we love them because they are elegant and dishwasher-safe.

In some upscale bars, you’ll pay $17 for one Cosmopolitan. Which is why we love this pretty pink pour that's already bottled for you — and approved by Carrie Bradshaw herself. We can assure you, you’ll get a lot more than one cocktail out of this!

This easy-drinking red will pair with almost anything and comes at a very approachable price point. We like to serve this fruit-forward combination of Nero d’Avola and Frappato just a tad chilled, so you can grab it right out of the fridge and pour.

This four-pack of electric-pink cans contains a complex, sparkling, hard kombucha with a heady 8% ABV alcohol. A natural alternative to seltzers or beer, Empirical Can 02 is both vegan and gluten-free, and it tastes of sour cherries. Plus, these cans look stunning on an my holiday table.

Before you touch that holiday seafood tower, grab a glass of this light, citrus-forward Riesling from Washington State. It’s also a great partner for sushi spreads.

Bring the party with you with these fun, unique and sustainable glasses that take their cue from the popular red Solo cup but are crafted from handblown, recycled glass.

Straight from Italy, this effervescent blush wine is organically grown and comes in easy-to-tote individual cans. It's the perfect pick-me-up for sparkling wine lovers.