Everyone has that impossible-to-buy-for person on their Christmas list. Uncle Bob hates everything, so you end up trying to come up with something last minute besides a boring gift card that’ll probably go unused.
Thankfully, there’s one place where you can cross a bunch of people off your gift list: the liquor store. Many people celebrate the holidays by imbibing, and it’s nice to give them a new, festive bottle or drink-adjacent gift. Even if they don’t like the booze you pick out, it won’t be hard for them to spread the cheer around and find someone who does. Here are the best last-minute, inexpensive Christmas presents you can grab at a liquor store.
Prices and availability may vary.
1. King’s Creek Black Label Cider
$17 at Total Wine & More
Tennessee whiskey mixed with sweet, spiced apple cider? Yes, please. This stuff is absolutely delicious, trust us. Plus, it comes in a festive bottle — no need to wrap it. It’s only 30 proof (and it’s great mixed with hot apple cider), so even light drinkers will love this.
2. El Padrino Chocolate Tequila Cream Liqueur
$25 at Total Wine & More
El Padrino makes a whole line of cream tequilas (including vanilla chai and coffee), but the chocolate is probably the best crowd pleaser. It’s smooth, rich, has great reviews, and is perfect for someone who loves an after-dinner drink but needs to branch out from Bailey’s.
3. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
$24 at Total Wine & More
Not every gift from a liquor store needs to be alcoholic. These fancy Italian maraschino cherries are nothing like the neon red versions from your last Shirley Temple, and contain no alcohol. These are the OG cocktail cherries and are worth every penny — especially if the recipient doesn’t usually splurge on themselves.
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4. Malfy Con Limone Gin
$27 at Total Wine & More
We’ve given this gin to avowed gin haters, and even they love it. It’s heavy on the lemon and light on the juniper, so it won’t taste like you’re eating your Christmas tree. If you know someone who drinks gin and tonics, this is a great bottle to gift.
Related: The Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Liquor Lineup: What to Buy and What to Skip
5. Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
$10 at Total Wine & More
If someone loves making cocktails, chances are they already have Angostura bitters. But how about a little variety? These Fee Brothers orange bitters will lend a citrusy, spiced-filled kick to an old fashioned — plus they’re great in sodas and mocktails, too.
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6. RumChata Peppermint Bark Cream Liqueur
$21 at Total Wine & More
You could get someone a bottle of creamy, cinnamony RumChata, but might as well go for the Christmas bottle with the Peppermint Bark version. It’s just as good as the original, and all you need is a bow on top.
7. Borrasca Prosecco DOCG
$17 at Total Wine & More
New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, so giving a gift of sparking wine for midnight toasts is a thoughtful gesture. This bottle of Italian prosecco is under $20, and is crisp, light, and tastes of pear. It’s got great customer reviews and was named a top wine of 2023.
