We’ve all given (and received) a lot of terrible gifts. That sweater you thought was “cute” or that wall calendar that hasn’t yet seen the light of day. Not great choices. What is a great choice is a bottle of booze. Let’s face it, there’s no better way to cheers to summer than with a refined bottle of cognac, whiskey, or tequila. No matter which you prefer or how you drink it, it’s the kind of gift that looks expensive, thoughtful, and cool.
To help you pick the right bottle—there are hundreds and thousands of options out there—we’ve curated this handy list. From tequilas to gin, wine and the classic seltzer, we’ve got all your bases covered. Happy drinking, err, shopping.
Diplomatico Rum
This elegant and complex sipping rum is distilled in ancient copper pot stills and aged in small oak casks for up to twelve years, giving it an incredibly unique taste. Grab this rum and tumbler gift pack for a perfect pressie.
$119.99, boozebud.com.
Citadelle Gin
Individually infusing the botanicals for different lengths of time the result is a fresh, floral gin with pepper and spice and an elegant, highly refined finish.
$75.00, vintagecellars.com.au.
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE London Dry Gin
Considered one of the worlds true icon Gin’s, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the perfect ingredient to make a Martini or G&T with your loved one this Christmas.
1L $66.95, danmurphys.com.au.
Edenvale wine
Perfect for all occasions, this mixed Premium Reserve pack comes with your choice of Pinot Noir, Blanc de Blanc and Sparkling Shiraz from iconic Aussie vineyard Edenvale.
$80.95 for a carton of 6, edenvale.com.au.
Ramblin Man Whisky
A balanced palate of sweet malty, cereal notes, and orange marmalade upfront through to chewy caramel and French oak, finishing with candied lemon peel and Leatherwood honey, this whiskey was released in 381 individually numbered bottles.
$450.00, younghenrys.com.
BACARDÍ
Subtle and delicate but flavourful, Bacardi Blanca Carta Superior White Rum doesn’t dominate mixers nor does it hide behind them. Instead, it enhances their flavours making it perfect in cocktails or as a spicy alternative to cooking with sherry, port or brandy.
$69.99, boozebud.com.
Cointreau
Packaged in a unique deep amber bottle, Cointreau is an aromatic feat and owes this impact to a complex blend of orange peel essences. Zesty, fresh, floral and sweet with an instant freshness, lingering on the palate, it is a harmonious blend of nuanced notes yet remains intensely orange.
$51.95, danmurphys.com.au.
Tanica
Created by two Australian Designers Kate Napier and Jo Ingleton, Tanica is a botanical spirit with less than half a standard drink per serve (and only 54 calories) – ideal for anyone looking to have a good time without the “hangxiety” of your mind and body hating you the next day.
$58.00, tanica.com.au.
Rainbird Alcoholic Seltzers
If your mates are more into a solid seltzer, grab a pack of Rainbird. Rainbird Alcoholic Seltzers are a perfectly balanced blend of all Australian sparkling water, premium spirit and a hint of natural flavour, and will go down a treat this summer. Just bring the ice.
$24.99 per pack of 4, danmurphys.com.au.
Don Julio
Last but not least, one for the tequila drinkers – if you and your mates haven’t tried Don Julio’s 1942 Añejo Tequila, you need to get to it. Unbelievably smooth and uncharacteristically sweet, this Tequila is made from the finest piñas, double distilled and aged for 24-30 months in small oak barrels
$209.99, danmurphys.com.au.
Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart
Award-winning whisky distiller, Highland Park, based on the Orkney Islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland, has launched a new, permanent 15 Year Old single malt Scotch Whisky and it’s a stunner. Coming in a unique ceramic bottle, the rich and complex single malt has aromas of crème brulee with fruity notes to follow.
