Sometimes the best way to get into the holiday spirit involves, well, spirits. After a rough and stressful year, we could all use a stiff or relaxing adult beverage to unwind as 2020 nears its end. Why not give a tasty bottled concoction to the wine, beer, or whiskey aficionado in your life? Or perhaps an item that makes enjoying their chosen cocktail all the sweeter.
■ One-stop shop
Need a specific brand of beer, wine or distilled spirit, or a guide to help you find that perfect gift? Don’t know the difference between an ale, stout, or porter? There’s a specialist to help you locate exactly what you need from the extensive selection at Joesph’s Beverage Center, 4129 Talmadge Rd.
■ Cocktail kits
Want some hard liquor from a local Toledo company? Or a cocktail kit to make your favorite drink at home? Rather than go to multiple stores, Toledo Spirits has everything you need, whether just the alcohol bottles or the ingredients to make that classic gin and tonic. Toledo Spirits, 1301 N Summit St. or shop.toledospirits.com. Bottles from $11-$36 while most kits are an additional $10.
■ Alcohol gift basket
Sometimes it’s not just the alcohol that’s good, it’s what comes with it — a lemon on the side, a glass with a sugar rim, or some treats to help bring out the flavor. With that in mind, try a gift basket set from Bartz Viviano Flowers & Gifts. Boxed sets come with fine spirits as well as other delights. Consider a bourbon and bacon gift box or maybe one that comes with pairings for red wine. Bartz Viviano Flowers & Gifts, 4505 Secor Rd., Toledo, or www.bartzviviano.com. Prices range from $90-$150.
■ Raise a Libbey Glass
You can’t have a bottle of a delicious adult beverage without something to drink it out of. And special drinks must be consumed from a special glass. For that, try a set from Libbey Glass’ collection that come in various shapes and sizes and distinguished designs, such as having unique blue stripes or dots that will add a hint of refinery to any occasion. Libbey Glass, 300 Madison Ave. or shop.libbey.com/. Prices from $19.99-$49.99.
■ What a pair
The pandemic won’t last forever, so give your loved one something to look forward to – like a gift card to the Brim House at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown for one of its special Chef’s Table events, during which you get a seven-course meal with each paired with a different wine, whiskey, or other delightful beverage. Meals generally run $80. Gift cards at gifts.marriott.com/, or Brim House, 444 N. Summit St.
First Published December 22, 2020, 12:26 p.m.
