Well, I just got home from Christmas shopping (whew!) and I can almost scratch most of the names off my list. I don’t know about you, but this time of the year can be really stressful, from people with crazy shopping carts to overzealous shoppers stealing my parking spot to long lines everywhere…well, except for here at Nino’s, of course. If you are like me and still have a bit of shopping to do and you’re stuck with a few names left on your list, here are some awesome holiday gift ideas for that specialty liquor connoisseur in your life.

St Germain Le Mini Aperitif Set

I love this liqueur. Sweet and delicious, it’s made with handpicked elderflowers from France. I plan on having this on hand to add to my sparkling wine or prosecco when I get together with family and friends to ring in the New Year.

Glenmorangie Pioneering 4 pack 100ml

My husband is a scotch fanatic. He looks forward to getting this one under the tree every year. It’s the perfect taste tester kit. Included in the pack is the 10 year, the LaSanta, the Quinta Ruban and the Nectar D’or. I hope he doesn’t read this because he’s getting it for Christmas.

I will be having family and friends over for the holidays and I plan on serving some cool, fun cocktails. If you’re entertaining and want to kick it up a notch, here are some interesting liqueurs you can make the cocktails with:

Green Chartreuse-France

Here is a liqueur that is a completely natural green color and it’s made with 130 herbs and plants. It’s a secret recipe made by two Chartreuse monks. This recipe, very popular in the French ski resorts, is sure to keep you warm on those cold winter nights.

Green Chaud:

Ingredients

Green Chartreuse

Hot Chocolate

Amaro Averna-Sicily Italy

Averna is a classic digestif often served on the rocks or neat as an after-dinner drink. It has some sweetness and it’s pretty thick, with an herbal bitterness on the ending. You could even put this in ginger ale and add your favorite fruit.

The holidays can be a little chaotic. The good thing is you can always sit back and have a nice cocktail. Have one and enjoy!

I hope you have a wonderful, safe holiday season!

Cheers,

Simone

*Liquor is not available at St. Clair Shores.