Best Gifts for Alcohol Lovers

Choosing the Perfect Boozy Gift: A Guide for the (Slightly) Uninformed

When buying an alcohol-related gift, it can be tempting to grab the nearest bottle of wine and call it a day, but there’s much more to it. Here’s a handy guide to help you pick a gift that really shows you’ve put some thought into it.

Understand Their Drink of Choice

• Wine, whisky, gin, or beer? Knowing their favourite tipple is key to choosing the right gift.
• Ask subtly: If you’re not sure what they like, casually ask about their drinks at the next gathering or snoop around their drinks cabinet (in a non-creepy way).
• Avoid guessing: If you’re really in the dark, opt for a variety gift or accessories that suit all tastes.

Think Beyond the Bottle

Sure, a nice bottle of whisky or a premium gin is always appreciated, but there are plenty of alcohol-inspired gifts that don’t come in a glass.

• Cocktail-making kits: Ideal for those who enjoy getting creative with their drinks.
• Glassware: Stylish glasses, decanters, or personalised tumblers add an extra touch.
• Alcohol-inspired cookbooks: From cooking with beer to whisky-infused desserts, these can be fun and unique.
• Novelty items: Fun bottle openers, quirky corkscrews, or even alcohol-themed board games make for lighthearted gifts.

Pairings Make Perfect Gifts

A great way to enhance an alcohol-related gift is by adding some complementary goodies.

• Wine and cheese: A classic pairing, perfect for the food and drink lover.
• Whisky and chocolate: Dark chocolate complements whisky beautifully.
• Craft beer and snacks: Think fancy crisps, cured meats, or even a beer-themed hamper.

Personalisation Options

Personalised gifts are an easy way to make something ordinary feel special.

• Engraved bottles: A bottle of their favourite spirit with their name or a message makes a memorable keepsake.
• Custom glassware: Get their initials or a funny phrase engraved on a pint glass, wine goblet, or whisky tumbler.
• Personalised bar signs: For those who love their home bar setup, a custom sign is a thoughtful touch.

Budget-Conscious Buys

If you're shopping on a budget, you can still find fantastic alcohol-themed gifts without breaking the bank.

• Mini bottles: Pick up a selection of mini spirits or liqueurs to create a DIY tasting set.
• Cocktail recipe books: Affordable and filled with ideas for the adventurous mixologist.
• Coasters and accessories: Quirky, stylish, and always useful—coasters, bottle stoppers, and other small accessories are ideal.

Luxury Options

For those looking to go all out, luxury alcohol gifts can really impress.

• High-end spirits: A bottle of premium whisky, vintage wine, or artisan gin makes a statement.
• Exclusive experiences: Gift a tasting experience at a high-end distillery or vineyard.
• Handmade glassware: Stunning crystal glasses or decanters offer a luxury touch.
• Custom-made hampers: Fill a hamper with top-shelf spirits, gourmet snacks, and premium accessories.

What to Avoid

• Generic supermarket wine: It’s fine for a Friday night in, but not exactly gift-worthy.
• Gimmicky gadgets: Some alcohol-themed gadgets can feel a bit too novelty and not very practical.
• Alcohol they don’t like: If they hate gin, no amount of pretty packaging will make it a good gift!

Top Considerations Before Buying

It’s easy to get swept up in the fun of shopping, but here are a few practical things to keep in mind before you finalise your gift.

Know the Occasion

Different alcohol gifts suit different occasions, so think about why you’re giving the gift.

• Birthdays: A personalised bottle or a special experience often works well.
• Christmas: Seasonal drinks like mulled wine kits or festive hampers are popular.
• Anniversaries: A bottle of champagne or luxury spirit can add a touch of celebration.
• Corporate gifts: Stick to something neutral like a nice bottle of wine or premium gin—nothing too quirky or personal.

Age and Preferences Matter

Make sure your recipient is of legal drinking age and enjoys alcohol—this should go without saying, but it's worth a reminder!

• Legal drinking age: Always double-check the laws for where you’re gifting.
• Lifestyle choices: Some people may avoid alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons, so it’s good to know your audience.

Shipping Restrictions

If you're purchasing alcohol as a gift, be aware that some retailers may have shipping restrictions, particularly for international orders.

• Check delivery areas: Some online retailers won’t deliver alcohol to certain regions, so double-check before buying.
• Timing: Alcohol deliveries often require a signature, so make sure the recipient will be available to accept it.

Questions Everyone’s Asking About Alcohol-Themed Gifts

Alcohol gifts are always a popular choice, but you might have a few burning questions before making your decision. Let’s answer a few of the common ones.

Can I Gift Alcohol to Someone Outside the UK?

Gifting alcohol internationally can be tricky due to shipping restrictions and customs laws. Some countries have strict rules about importing alcohol, so it’s best to check before sending a bottle of whisky to your cousin abroad.

• Tip: If in doubt, consider gifting alcohol-related accessories or experiences that don’t have the same shipping issues.

What’s the Best Alcohol Gift for Someone Who ‘Has it All’?

If they’ve already got a well-stocked bar, it’s time to get creative.

• Suggestions: Go for something experiential like a private whisky tasting, a rare or unusual spirit they might not have tried, or a high-quality piece of barware.

Are Personalised Alcohol Gifts Worth It?

Personalised gifts can be a lovely touch, but not always necessary. A well-chosen bottle or high-quality accessory often makes just as much of an impact.

• Worth it if: The recipient enjoys sentimental or keepsake gifts, or if it’s for a particularly special occasion like a wedding or milestone birthday.
• Not necessary if: You’re looking for something fun and quick—stick to a classic bottle instead.

Is It Better to Gift Premium Alcohol or Alcohol-Related Accessories?

Both have their perks, and it depends on your recipient.

• Premium alcohol: Great for those who love trying new drinks or have a favourite spirit.
• Accessories: Perfect if they already have a well-stocked bar or if you’re not sure what type of alcohol they prefer.

Can I Gift Alcohol to Someone I Don’t Know Well?

Alcohol can be a bit tricky if you don’t know someone’s preferences. Stick to neutral options like a quality wine or gin and avoid anything too specific.

• Safe bets: A nice bottle of wine or a set of craft beers.
• Avoid: Personalised or novelty gifts, as they might not suit everyone’s taste.

Thinking Outside the Bottle: Unique Alcohol Gift Ideas You May Not Have Considered

While a nice bottle of something is always appreciated, there are plenty of unique alcohol-related gifts that go beyond the expected.

Alcohol Subscription Boxes

A subscription box offers something exciting and long-lasting, with a monthly delivery of new drinks to try.

• Wine boxes: Curated selections of wine delivered to their door.
• Craft beer clubs: Perfect for the beer lover who wants to try different brews.
• Spirits subscriptions: Small-batch gins, whiskies, or rums delivered regularly.

Alcohol-Tasting Experiences

If they’ve already got a full bar, why not treat them to an experience instead?

• Whisky or wine tasting: Choose a local experience or even a virtual tasting if they prefer staying home.
• Distillery tours: A behind-the-scenes look at how their favourite spirit is made.

Home Bar Essentials

For the home mixologist, there’s always something new to add to their bar setup.

• Stylish bar carts: A gift that’s both practical and decorative.
• Cocktail-making kits: Everything they need to mix up their favourite drinks.
• Decanters and glassware: Elegant and timeless, a good decanter or set of glasses always goes down well.

Drink-Inspired Décor

Fun and decorative, alcohol-themed décor can be a unique and thoughtful gift.

• Alcohol-themed art: Prints of their favourite drink or a vintage poster.
• Bar signs: Personalised or quirky signs to hang above their bar.
• Bottle holders: Unique and stylish ways to display their favourite bottles.

DIY Alcohol Kits

A hands-on gift, DIY alcohol kits are perfect for the person who loves experimenting.

• Brew-your-own beer: A fun kit that lets them make their own craft beer at home.
• Make-your-own gin: All the botanicals they need to create a custom gin blend.
• Infusion kits: Let them create their own flavoured spirits with these easy kits.

A Final Toast: Wrapping Up the Perfect Alcohol Gift

With so many alcohol-themed gifts available, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you opt for a premium bottle, a quirky accessory, or an unforgettable experience, the key is to make the gift thoughtful and personal.

So, next time you’re wondering what to get the drink lover in your life, think beyond the obvious and give them something that’ll truly make them raise a glass to your excellent taste!