Identify LA Food and Beverage Holiday Gift Guide - Our Top Picks for 2020
Thank goodness the holidays are around the corner! That means spending time with your loved ones and eating and drinking until your heart is content! Cheesy Hallmark movies on repeat and lounging in sweat pants are the epitome of “holidays!” Gather around and see our top food and beverages for this holiday season!
The new Don Q Reserva 7 is a bright and radiant aged Puerto Rican rum crafted from an exceptional blend of rums aged a minimum of 7 years in American white oak barrels. Rich in flavor and character, the special care and flawless craft that goes into the creation of this rum make it a perfect “$25 and under gift” that will impress while showing your great taste and thoughtfulness. It’s also an ideal choice for the globetrotter in your life who may be missing the excitement of travel and exploring new places. A sip of this rum will definitely transport the recipient to the Caribbean this winter. Click here to purchase online or find the nearest retailer to you.
SRP: $24.99 (750 ml bottle)
Named American Whisky Distiller of the Year for three years in a row by Whisky Magazine, Four Roses Bourbon was founded in 1884. Today Master Distiller, Brent Elliott carries on the legacy of the brand. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is proof you can mingle bourbons from four original bourbon recipes and the result is a perfectly balanced, smooth sip. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is a bourbon drinker’s bourbon. Aged six to seven years minimum, it is worth the wait . Enjoy it straight up, on the rocks or simply with a splash of your favorite mixer. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon 45% ABV, $34.99.
Described by whisky connoisseurs “as close to perfection as makes no difference,” it’s no wonder that it has an outstanding reputation in the world. In fact the Arbeg Distillery was named Distillery of the Year in 2018. In the past ten years, six different Ardbeg expressions have won prestigious titles including World Whisky of the Year, Scotch Whisky of the Year and World’s Best Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Ardbeg Corryvreckan also make great gifts! Prices range from $47.00-$90.00.
Founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia, Jenna Fagnan and Ken Austin, Teremana Small Batch Tequila is an ultra-premium tequila crafted in the Jalisco Highlands of Mexico that is ideal for gifting family, friends and loved ones this holiday season. Available in Blanco ($29.99) and Reposado ($32.99), Teremana is made from mature naturally sweet agave slow roasted in small traditional brick ovens and distilled in handmade copper pot stills. The smooth finish of Teremana is meant to be savored one sip at a time or added into your favorite cocktail to give it a fresh flavor profile.
Ring in the holiday vibe by raising a glass with Mexico's #1 tequila - Gran Centenario. Founded in 1857 by Lazaro Gallardo, the first ever Tequila Master Distiller in history, Gran Centenario is handcrafted in the highlands of Jalisco using a 150 year old distilling process. A traditional, family-owned product, Gran Centenario is recognized for its exceptional quality and taste - offering a range of tequilas smooth yet complex profile with a variety of aromas and flavors.
Gran Centenario Golden Angel:
3 Parts Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila and 1 Part Pressed Ginger
1 Part Fresh Lemon Juice and 1 Part Fresh Lime Juice, 1/4 Part Agave Nectar with a Dash of Kosher Salt
Ultimate Coffee Gift Box by Civilized Coffee:
Coffee is a universal custom, thousands of years old yet always a new and invigorating experience. Someone once called coffee “the favorite drink of the civilized world.” Gift that special someone THE ultimate coffee gift box by Civilized Coffee! It is time to improve your at home coffee experience - nothing better than fresh ground specialty coffee brewed in a French Press. Civilized Coffee puts it all together in one amazing gift set (Ethiopian Sidamo whole bean coffee, Bodum Bistro Grinder, Bodum Brazil French Press & scoop). This amazing set retails for $79.95 (Free Shipping) and is available on Amazon.
Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew (SRP: $12.99)
Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew coffee is a unique blend of gourmet coffee, alcohol, real dairy cream, agave syrup and other natural flavors. It’s a complete cocktail all in one can!
Natural caffeine and Gluten Free
12.5% Alc by Vol
Equivalent to a glass of wine & ½ cup of coffee
100% Arabica, dark roasted cold brew coffee
Available in the 4 top flavors: Espresso Shot, Caffe Mocha, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Cinnamon.
Whether you are an experienced mixologist or just starting to explore the world of infused spirits, the Master Kit from One Part Co. high-durability lab glass infusion bottle with walnut-finish cap infuses 375 ml of liquid (half of a standard bottle of spirits). It features a removable stainless-steel infusion basket ready to hold a single packet of any 1pt infusion blend, included inside. The kit also comes with a reusable, gold-finish, stainless steel tasting straw so that you can taste-test during the infusion process, a simple instruction guide, and some cocktail suggestions to start you off in the right direction. This product is also available for specific spirits including Vodka, Tequila, Gin, Rum & Whiskey. Price: $75.00
Marquis is a one of a kind caffeinated drink that puts health at its forefront. It’s an all-natural organic energy beverage and lifestyle brand that is on a mission to empower people to be their best, from the inside out. Marquis is certified USDA Organic, Keto-friendly, Diabetic-friendly, and contains zero sugar and zero calories. Their organic caffeine comes from yerba mate, green coffee, and green tea, and is certified Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and affiliated with 1% For The Planet. It’s the perfect go-to drink for anyone looking for a coffee or soda replacement, an afternoon recharger, a healthier energy drink alternative, or a cocktail mixer. With so many great ingredients put into a single drink, it's no wonder Marquis is the healthiest way to fuel your life all thanks to the power of organic ingredients.
CANTEEN Spirits is a better-for-you, ready-to-drink spirits brand, specializing in sparkling soda mixed with real vodka. What really stands out to me is that, while canned hard seltzers are dominating the market, no other brand is really doing a mixed vodka drink in a can with health-consciousness in mind. It’s zero sugar, zero carbs, zero sodium, non-gmo, gluten-free, vegan, and ONLY 99 calories! CANTEEN is functional as a drink for anyone with a taste for adventurous and craves healthier alternatives while camping, boating, golfing, at the beach, or simply staying at home (like most of us this year)!
The most civilized way to start your day is with something sparkling! Vara's award winning Silverhead Brut Cava is just what you need to add some sparkle to your holiday. Starting the day with bubbly does not qualify as day-drinking, remember it’s breakfast, you won’t be judged! Vara's award winning wines are available to ship directly to your door at varawines.com.
Elouan Wines (SRP: $19.00 - $45.00)
This holiday season, Elouan Oregon Wines is partnering with Trees for the Future (TREES), an international nonprofit that focuses on globally replenishing the diminishing tree population, to launch their “Enjoy a Bottle, Plant a Tree” initiative. Together, Elouan and Trees for the Future are planting one tree for every bottle sold, now through December 31st. Elouan, meaning “good light”, refers to the longer days and abundance of sunshine in Oregon. Elouan achieves complexity, richness, and consistency through fruit from Oregon’s premiere Western vineyards which harmonize beautifully when blended together. Partnering with Trees for the Future will allow this wine to pay tribute and give back to the environment in which it was created. Elouan’s portfolio includes Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Klamath’s Kettle Reserve Pinot Noir and Missoulan Wash Reserve Pinot Noir. [Readers can save $5 when purchasing Elouan through Drizly with the code GOODLIGHT.]
Founded on Election Day 2016 by Meg Murray, who spent her whole career in wines, Nasty Woman Wines, which was created and named after - you guessed it - the awful quote from Donald Trump at the 2016 elections about Hillary Clinton.
With names such as Boss Lady Bubbles, Rise Up Riesling and Progress Pink Rose, this wine isn't for the faint of heart. It's for the boss lady who takes care of business and is a force to be reckoned with.
Cooks Venture is a company that raises, processes and sells slow-growth, heirloom chickens – this Curated Chicken Sampler Box gives you a taste of some of the company’s favorite pasture-raised chicken cuts. Perfect for any holiday meal! Ease up on the holiday shopping at the grocery store by gifting this sampler box!
Price: $119.99 and includes: 2 Individually Wrapped Spatchcock Chickens; 2 1-Pound Packs of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts; 2 1.25-Pound Packs of Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs; 2 1.25-Pound Packs of Drumsticks; and 2 1-Pound Packs of Chicken Wings.
For the chef always looking to try different flavors from around the world, Carne Collective's premium Argentine Beef subscriptions are the perfect gift. Each box contains a variety of steak cuts including authentic Argentine Picanha, New York Stip, Ribeye, Skirt Steak, and so many more. Plus, with Carne Collective's a la carte online butcher shop, you can customize your box with add on cuts. Get started with the Campo Box ($129) that's perfect for two or upgrade to the Asado ($149) and Gaucho ($249) boxes for the pitmasters who love to grill.
Subscription boxes ship on a 4-week or 8-week plan and can be purchased on CarneCollective.com/Subscription-Boxes.
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Larder Meat Company is a family-owned California company delivers farm-raised meats direct from California farms and ranches right to your door--has been connecting home cooks with some of the best humanely-raised beef, pork, chicken, lamb and even wild-caught fish in the country. The Larder Meat Co.’s sourcing standards ensure their animals are always pasture-raised, hormone and antibiotic free and never raised in confinement. Price: Starting at $60.00
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The delicious, healthy deli-style beef sticks from Old Trapper that are great for on-the-go snacking for any outdoor activity this fall and winter. New flavors that have recently been introduced are Jalapeno and Teriyaki and come in their signature clear 15- ounce shareable bags.
The new Teriyaki flavor combines the delicious spice of Old Trapper’s famous smoked beef with the tangy flavor of soy sauce. The result is arguably the world’s best tasting teriyaki beef stick. The Jalapeno Deli-Style Beef Sticks start with the same wood-fire smoked beef with the added bonus of jalapeno spiciness.
Each 15-ounce bag of Old Trapper Deli-Style Beef Sticks retails for around $14.
Photo Courtesy of Barretto Restaurant Consulting
Spruce up your holiday gathering with these delicious scones by Seven Sisters. Choose from a variety of flavors such as a classic blueberry or opt for a savory scone such as the bacon, cheddar, and chive. They’re delicious, moist, and are sure to be a big hit no matter the occasion. Whichever you order, trust me and order extra as you’re going to want more.
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A San Diego based startup, SOULMUCH has a mission to close the gap within the food system by reducing food waste. The company aims to have each cookie consist of at least 50 percent upcycled ingredients while sourcing the rest in the most eco-friendly way. In less than 3 years, they have rescued more than 20,000 pounds of food and they are just getting started! Featuring high-quality ingredients, their cookie line includes gourmet, vegan, gluten-free, and protein cookies. All cookies come packaged in a biodegradable cellophane sleeve. They are saving the planet one cookie at a time! Their mission is to create a world where working on environmental issues do not need to be so complex. Take a look at these yummy vegan and gluten-free varieties and follow them on Instagram @soul.much.
Need to destress this holiday season? Try Infinite CBD’s seasonal Apple Pie Astro Gummies. The Apple Pie Asteroids offer 25 mg of delicious vegan CBD, and you can easily stash in your purse, backpack or car for on-the-go access to CBD. Price: 5 pack for $12.50
Primal Kitchen offers a variety of bundles perfect for gifting- so you can personalize based on your giftee's diet. Primal Kitchen produces real-food pantry staples that aim to satiate exquisitely with real, simple, exceptional ingredients- like avocado, oil, collagen, oil of oregano and apple cider vinegar- that contain no dairy, gluten, grain, refined sugar or soy. The site has amazing gift bundles for meal prep, keto, whole30, and more.
Made in Southern Italy, EXAU is top-tier extra virgin olive oils are estate-grown in Calabria, South Italy from trees ranging from 11 to 80+ years old. The brand works with an agronomist and chemist year-round, testing the soil, leaves, and oils to ensure our products are of the highest quality.
EXAU has been featured in, amongst others, Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, New York mag, Conde Nast Traveler, Chowhound, Eater, TMZ, and in the instagram stories for Kerry Washington, Chrissy Teigen, NYT's Allison Roman and Eater's Allison Robicelli. Oh and it was featured on OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS!
Give a stocking stuffer that gives back with Love Crunch Salted Caramel Pretzel Granola. Made with exquisite ingredients like Fair Trade dark chocolate, Himalayan pink salt, smooth, rich caramel and crunch pretzels, Love Crunch's newest flavor is the perfect blend of salty and sweet without excess guilt. Plus, each purchase is matched with a food donation to a food bank in need. Giving back has never felt this sweet!
Love Crunch Salted Caramel Pretzel Granola is available at Kroger stores and affiliate markets nationwide in the U.S. and online at NaturesPath.com.
This bundle is perfect for just about any occasion and includes:
Chef Jacques Torres Fruit and Nut Clusters Dipped in Dark Belgian chocolate
Yogurt & Chocolate Covered Pretzels (1 of each)
Heart Healthy & Mountain Trail Mix (1 of each)
24 Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs
Bundle: $49.99 on Nature's Garden online store!
Give the gift of flavor with Bushwick Kitchen's signature gift kits including the Bees Knees Honey Trio ($49.99), Weak Knees Maple Trio ($49.99) and Weak Knees Sriracha Trio ($39.99). Bushwick Kitchen serves up finger-licking, flavor-addicting sauces and condiments for every kitchen creative and foodie looking to elevate their meals or share a unique culinary gift with friends and family. The bespoke line of honeys, maple syrups and sriracha provide a unique flare to kitchen staples by infusing them with hand-picked, flavor-packed ingredients like gochujang chili paste to revamp ordinary taste to make extraordinary pairings. Price ranges from ($39.99 - $49.99).
Need a pick-me-up? RED Chocolate’s Grab-N-Go bars are the perfect fix to satisfy that sweet tooth or get you out of the afternoon slump. Only 80-100 calories per bar, RED Chocolate has 30 – 40% less fat than normal chocolate, but with all the delicious indulgence that comes with it. The bars are: Keto-friendly (dark flavors) and Weight Watchers friendly. The bars have zero added sugar – natural sweeteners from plants that are made with cocoa from the Ivory Coast of Africa, whose farmers select, roast and grind the cocoa beans to perfection.
La Maison du Chocolat Holiday Party Cracker Coffret Gift Box:
The Holiday Party Cracker Coffret gift box is available in the below sizes and prices, featuring pieces of La Maison du Chocolat’s classic ganache and delectable pralines. This collection is packed full of holiday joy and includes two new chocolate creations – a dark chocolate ganache 70% pure origin Ecuador with woody, vegetal and honey notes, plus a milk chocolate praline with Holiday spices and crispy crepe flavors. This La Maison du Chocolat gift box will have your end of the year celebrations exploding with flavor that will make great gifts for anyone on your list or a treat for oneself.
Price: Starting at $57.00