The holidays are going to look a lot different this year, but you can keep the magic alive by gifting loved ones a jolly buzz.
COCKTAIL MIXERS
Perfect for times of social distancing, Taffer’s Mixologist cocktail mixers are the brainchild of “Bar Rescue” host Jon Taffer . Mix your own cocktail creations at home with this line of low-calorie mixers, including Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Piña Colada, Mojito, Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan and Skinny ‘Rita. Just mix with your favorite alcohol for an at-home treat, minus the crowded bar. Available in gift-friendly three-packs. Three-packs are $29.99. taffersmix.com.
SLIM CHILLERS FREEZER POPS
If you’re looking for a lighter way to indulge while feeling like a kid again, Slim Chillers are frozen alcohol-spiked treats in portable packs reminiscent of childhood freezer pops. Available in vodka cocktail flavors like Lemon Drop, Cosmopolitan, Appletini and Watermelon Lemonade and wine cocktails like Orangeberry Mimosa , Blackberry Pomegranate Sangria, Strawberry Grapefruit Rossini and Peach Mango Bellini, each pack is only 100 calories. Packs begin at $29.99. Available at Costco, Walmart and more, or slimchillers.com.
LUNA BAY HARD KOMBUCHA
Launched in San Diego at the start of the pandemic, Luna Bay Booch has been making waves ever since. Luna Bay comes in three core flavors: Palo Santo Blueberry, a unique blend of berries soaked in Palo Santo sticks; staple flavor Ginger Lemon; and Hibiscus Lavender, a light floral blend that isn’t too sweet. Luna Bay brews all of its blends with yerba mate tea, an ingredient not found in other hard kombuchas. $15.99 for a four-pack; available at Lazy Acres, Whole Foods, BevMo! and more. lunabaybooch.com.
MISADVENTURE VODKA … AND HAND SANITIZER
Vista-based Misadventure & Co. distillery’s motto is, “The spirit of sustainability.” They make vodka from — get this — excess baked goods. The company also makes bottled hand sanitizer, which it began producing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, Misadventure opened its tasting room, providing vodka cocktails and food from rotating providers. Vodka bottles, $21.99, hand sanitizer starts at $2.50. misadventure.co.
YOU & YOURS VIRTUAL COCKTAIL CLASS
The perfect gift for the socially distant cocktail aficionado in your life: You & Yours is offering virtual cocktail classes that teach attendees how to make two classic Y&Y cocktails: Ranch Water 3.0 (with You & Yours Vodka, lime juice, honey syrup, spicy bitters and Topo Chico sparkling mineral water) and the Lavender Gimlet (with You & Yours Sunday Gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup). Each kit contains the necessary ingredients, plus a mini cocktail shaker (attendees provide their own lemon and lime). Minimum of four participants per class required. $60 per person; email [email protected] to book or visit youandyours.com for more info.
ALCOHOL-INFUSED COLD BREW
Founded by three California natives, BOMANI Cold Buzz is an alcohol-infused cold brew in a can. Best served cold, this canned hard coffee cocktail can be used as an ingredient in specialty cocktails (follow @drinkbomani on Instagram for some inspiration) or enjoyed on its own. The perfect brunch beverage, BOMANI is only 110 calories per can and available in regular or vanilla flavor. $12.99 for a four-pack. bomanicoldbuzz.com.
