Best Holiday Wines and Spirits (2025)

Looking for the best wines and spirits to enjoy this holiday season? Want to create a celebration that is festive, enchanting, magical and also delicious! This holiday wine and spirit guide offers an amazing selection of personally curated selections to enjoy with friends and family.

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And to set the holiday season off in the perfect and spirited way (see what I did there?!), serve up one of these delicious cocktails:

• Gingerbread Martini
• Strawberry Cheesecake Martini
• Pistachio Coquito or the traditional Coquito Recipe
• Espresso Martini (with Baileys! Super Creamy) or the delightful Godiva Chocolate Martini
• Smoked Old Fashioned with Bourbon Cherries
• The Ultimate Baileys Cocktail
• Homemade White Chocolate Liqueur (Perfect for Gifting!)

To serve alongside your glass of wine or favorite spirit, you will love these delicious holiday recipes:

• Holiday Charcuterie Board or classic Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board
• Christmas Cake Popsicles, Coconut Rum Balls and Cherry Brownies.
• Reverse Sear Tomahawk Steak with a side of Roasted Bone Marrow

Jump to:

• Best Holiday Wines
• Captivating Holiday Champagne and Sparkling Wines
• Cozy Whiskey and Bourbon
• Enchanting Rum, Vodka and Gin
• Artisan Tequila, Mezcal & Sotol
• Luxury Cognac and Armagnac
• Zero Proof (No Alcohol) Beverages and Cannabis Cocktails
• Festive Ready-to-Drink Holiday Spirits
• Merrily Delicious Canned Cocktails
• Other Delicious Holiday Cocktail Ideas?

Best Holiday Wines

Michael David Winery

If you are looking for some of our absolute favorite holiday wines, go no further than Michael David Winery. We fell in LOVE with these wines for their bold and memorable flavors and want to share our love as far and as fast as we can! Some of our favorites include:

• 2022 Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon: This dark and voluminous wines will definitely leave your senses quivering with intense flavors of wild huckleberry, cherry pie and butter croissant leading to a trembling, oak-inspired finish.
• 2022 Earthquake Zinfandel: Opening with luscious aromas of red berry, cranberry tart and peppery spice, this full-bodied Zin overflows with Bing cherry, dark chocolate and molasses flavors, carried though by a fruit laced finish that lingers until the next quake.

Early Mountain Vineyards

Looking for the perfect wines to celebrate the holiday season? Early Mountain Vineyards will leave you and your holiday guests beyond impressed! A few of our favorites include:

Viña Santa Rita

Enjoy award winning Chilean wines by Viña Santa Rita and make the holiday season even better! A few showstoppers include:

• Pewën de Apalta 2021, a Chilean Carménerè exponent, was scored with 95 points and Casa Real Reserva Especial 2020 obtained 94 points, boasting hints of cedar, dark cherries and cocoa powder with the dryness balancing the fruit sweetness.
• Bougainville Petite Sirah 2020: On the nose, this wine displays great elegance, with vibrant aromas of dark fruit balanced by sweet spices, along with earthy and smoky notes mingled with the balsamic hints characteristic of the Maipo region.

Captivating Holiday Champagne and Sparkling Wines

Domaine Carneros

Add a twinkle to your toasting! Celestial Sparkle from Domaine Carneros features their ever-enchanting 2021 Brut Rosé, with a beautiful salmon hue and plush notes of tangerine and wild strawberry. It also includes and a foursome of festive flutes, gold-rimmed and adorned with retro starbursts, perfect for gifting or entertaining this holiday season!

Ferghettina Franciacorta

Looking to celebrate the holiday season with the perfect holiday sparkle? You will love Ferghettina Franciacorta, a renowned Italian winery producing exceptional wines, known for their elegance and sophistication. The perfect choices your holiday celebrations are:

• Rosé Brut DOCG: 100% Pinot Noir. Soft pink color. Fine and persistent perlage. The wine has very elegant aromas of blackberry with raspberry notes. Excellent length and structure.
• Brut Milledì DOCG: Flavors reminiscent of apple tart, cinnamon and a touch of cream. The medium-bodied palate offers notes of yellow plum, candied lemon and pressed yellow flowers, finishing with a balance between the creamy texture and vibrant acidity.

Cozy Whiskey and Bourbon

Garrison Brothers

This award-winning Balmorhea Bourbon Whiskey by Garrison Brothers is twice-barreled perfection. With four years in American white oak followed by an additional year in a second oak barrel, this bourbon whiskey is perfect for the holiday season!

This meticulous process creates a flavor explosion of white chocolate, caramel, and roasted almonds. Balmorhea isn’t just bourbon; it’s a celebration of Texas craftsmanship. At 115 proof, this bourbon candy is best savored neat, in tribute to the Lone Star State’s legacy.

Brother Justus

Looking for the perfect whiskey to enjoy this holiday season!? Brother Justus is the perfect pick. It honors Minnesota’s rebellious, bootlegging monk who believed that good whiskey – expertly made – is a blessing. Our favorites include:

• Founder’s Reserve Whiskey (Third): Distilled with 100% pale ale malted barley, each sip bursts with bursts with candied cherry, orange, and pineapple, roasted pecan, sarsaparilla, and custard.
• The Commander’s Own: From Gettysburg to Italy to the Middle East, units of the 34th Infantry Division have been there for America’s decisive moments, tipping the balance toward freedom. To honor the Red Bulls’ legacy, the Commander’s Own Chapter of the 34th Infantry Division Association selected this exclusive spirit handcrafted by Brother Justus Whiskey Company. Enjoy clove, coffee, toasted malt, and vanilla on the palate and mandarin orange, custard and toffee on the nose.

Still Austin

The cool crisp weather of fall is here which means it’s time to re-stock your bar cart with comforting whiskeys and bourbons from Still Austin. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in, hosting a dinner party with friends, or enjoying the fall foliage, there is a spirit to sip and savor for every occasion with and one of our favorites:

• “The Musician”: Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Music has the ability to bring us all closer together, just like a great whiskey. Enjoy cinnamon, brown butter, almonds on the palate and pineapple, toasted coconut, s’mores on the nose.
• Cask Strength Rye Whiskey: A more aromatically intense, technicolor version of The Artist, with rich notes of cherry cobbler with a buttery cinnamon crust, candied ginger and lemon peels, and apricot streusel coffee cake.

Enchanting Rum, Vodka and Gin

Still Austin Gin

No holiday bar cart is complete without a smooth and botanical gin! Let me introduce you to Still Austin’s American Gin “The Naturalist” – a cozy crowd pleaser. Each 100-gallon batch is distilled using their smaller pot still, known as “The Queen,” and infused with a lush combination of 12 real botanicals like juniper, cinnamon, citrus peels, elderflower and Jamaican allspice.

Prairie Organic Spirits

The perfect vodka is quintessential for the holidays! You will adore Prairie Organic Spirits, harvested from USDA-certified organic, non-GMO yellow corn cultivated on heartland family farms, Prairie Organic Spirits epitomizes the fusion of craftsmanship and sustainability. A few must-have favorites for the holidays are:

• Prairie Organic Vodka showcases hints of melon and pear on the nose with a creamy feel on the palette.
• Prairie Organic Cucumber Vodka has a fresh feel, crisp finish and plays nice with spices as well as just-picked herbs like mint.

Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum

This holiday season would not be complete without savoring some Don Q Rum by the fireplace. Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum is aged for a minimum of three years and infused with natural spices, it delivers warm, full-bodied notes of cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and charred oak, perfect for sipping neat or over ice.

Dos Maderas Aged Rum

Dos Maderas Rum 5+3 puts the ho-ho-ho in the holidays. This amber rum has elegant aromas of rich pecan, vanilla and a touch of smoky oak. Ripe fruit follows on the balanced palate, elevated by vibrant tropical spice and layered with a touch of smokiness, hints of sherry, and an intriguing note of tobacco on the finish. You might have to share some with Santa!

Artisan Tequila, Mezcal & Sotol

Bozal Mezcal

No holiday spirit line-up is complete without the perfect mezcal and if you are looking for something truly special, Bozal Mezcal is the winner! On the steep precarious hillsides of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Durango, varieties of agave indigenous to the region grow wild and are heavily sought after by the local mezcaleros. These varietals produce flavors that are exotically intense, with rich earth tones and savory smokiness. One of our favorites for the holiday season is:

• Bozal Cempasúchil: In the final distillation, Cempasúchil, a native Mexican flower, as well as mandarin peels are dropped into the bottom of the still to impart floral aromatics with a hint of citrus. Enjoy fresh flavors of green pepper with orange zest, nutmeg, and anise. Hints of black pepper add spice to the slight smokiness of the mezcal on a smooth and long finish.

Cazcanes Tequila

One of our favorites for the holiday season is Cazcanes No. 7 Extra Anejo! This exquisite small-batch tequila is aged for an average of 37 months in re-charred American oak barrels. Blended to taste, not to time, this tequila is carefully aged to preserve bold agave character without being over-oaked. The result is a balanced, expressive Extra Añejo with notes of roasted agave, vanilla, dark chocolate, butterscotch, oak, dried fruit, and warm spice, all leading to a long, harmonious finish.

Volcan de mi Tierra

When the holidays require a showstopping tequila, Volcan de mi Tierra is the answer! Volcan De Mi Tierra’s latest small batch release is 100% blanco tequila and entirely crafted using the legendary 18th-century Tahona Stone method, that produces a richer agave-forward liquid with a perfectly balanced and silky-smooth taste.

Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol

Celebrate the holidays with an exceptional sotol from Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol, family-owned/operated and boasting multiple internationally-recognized certifications. A few of our favorites include:

• Sotol Añejo: Extracted from 100% wild Sotol plant. 2 years of aged. Bottled from a French white oak numbered barrel. This fascinating drink has been triple distilled in a double column copper alembic, offering a higher degree of purity, which gives it an extraordinary richness in its exceptional and unique aroma and flavor.
• Sotol Reposado: Extracted from 100% wild Sotol plant, aged for 12 months in French white oak barrels.  The Sotol bouquet begins with an exciting flavor, more floral than herbal, more vanilla; a little spicy; the middle stage passes without diminishment in aromatic strength, while the essence of vanilla and oak deepens, and the floral aspect fades.

Luxury Cognac and Armagnac

BHATKA

For the perfect holiday spirit selection that is sure to impress the most discerning connoisseur, let me introduce the BHAKTA Armagnac Decade Set 1980s. A collection of ten rare Armagnac vintages, each representing a unique year from the iconic 1980s. This exclusive tasting experience allows you to explore the distinct character of each Armagnac vintage from the 1980s, with every 50ml bottle offering a snapshot of history in a glass.

From bold, rich flavors to subtle, complex nuances, this set delivers a complete journey through the decade. To enhance your experience, each pack includes a personalized tasting journal, perfect for recording your impressions and memories of each year. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this collection is the best way to savor the spirit of the 80s.

Martingale Cognac

Indulge this holiday season with Martingale Cognac, a new, fresh style of Cognac honoring a family legacy. Founded in 2023 by Guillaume Thomas (Founder, CEO, veteran Pernod Ricard executive) and Amaury Thomas (Co-Founder, Master Blender), fourth-generation custodians of one of the most coveted domaines in the appellation, it is crafted from a blend of four of the most sought-after crus, with a notable borderies content.  Martingale embodies freshness, fragrance, and refinement, offering an exquisite balance of complexity and smoothness.

Zero Proof (No Alcohol) Beverages and Cannabis Cocktails

Artet

Artet is a beautiful and sophisticated non-alcoholic THC alternative for people who love elevated mixology and want more than just alcohol as an option for the holidays. With its striking packaging and complex botanical flavors, including an amaro-inspired aperitif, Artet delivers a sophisticated sensory experience, redefining what a spirit-free drink can be. Every sip reflects craftsmanship, making it a standout choice for discerning palates and will make this holiday season even merrier!

Three Spirit

Three Spirit drinks are a winner for both feeling and flavor and the perfect way to make the holidays a little more exciting! By combining active plants, Three Spirit non-alcoholic drinks offers a curated mood-making bundle which stimulates the palate, mind and body – before, during and after the party. One of our favorites is the Social Elixir which brings bright, dry spices on the nose lead to rich, complex dark apple and cacao notes. It is delightful as a standalone sipper or mixed with ginger ale or seltzer water, perfect under the mistletoe!

Festive Ready-to-Drink Holiday Spirits

Golden Rule Spirits

Looking for a fun ready-to-drink craft cocktail to enjoy this holiday season? Go no further than Golden Rule Spirits: your ultimate solution for effortless, premium hosting and gifting. These ready-to-serve cocktails require no bar tools or mixology skills—just open, pour, and serve. It’s that simple! A couple holiday favorites from the collection are:

• Old Fashioned: Whiskey, bitters, sugar and citrus; understated ingredients balanced perfectly to provide an ideal sipping experience.
• Espresso Martini: Perfectly roasted Equator Coffee combined with a slightly sweet coffee liqueur and premium vodka. What’s not to love?

Hilton Head Distillery

Looking to ring in the holiday season with the most exquisite holiday inspired spirits!? Hilton Head Distillery is South Carolina’s largest distillery known for its craft rums, bourbons, and vodka. It just released its popular holiday line of rums and they are BEYOND! A few of our favorites include:

• Yuletide Nog: A seasonal delight crafted with real cream, fresh cinnamon, and nutmeg. Experience the magic of the holidays as each sip envelops your palate with a deliciously creamy mouthfeel and the traditional warmth of holiday eggnog flavor.
• Island Rum Cream: Transport yourself to a realm of sensory bliss with this velvety, iced cream-like perfection. Revel in the symphony of Tahitian vanilla and house-made caramel expertly blended with our signature platinum rum.
• Bananas Foster Rum: A house-made marvel infused with caramelized banana, Tahitian vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon. This rum is a sensory symphony, meticulously macerated and distilled to perfection. Crowned with brown sugar banana syrup, each sip unveils the dance of flavors—sweet banana, exotic vanilla, and a subtle spice.

Rancho La Gloria

Indulge in the holiday spirit with Rancho La Gloria‘s award-winning pre-mixed cocktails are made with 100% de agave wine and are perfect for any occasion. For the holidays, we LOVED their dessert line:

• Spiked Horchata: Spiced cinnamon, creamy milk, vanilla rice pudding and a touch of agave make this truly delicious Spiked Horchata cocktail the perfect way to end any day. Simply cinnamon sugar the rim and serve it over ice. Salud!
• Chocolate Martini: Feeling fancy? This chocolate martini is dressed to impress with smooth, creamy milk, notes of dark chocolate and a touch of agave. Black tie optional.
• Espresso Martini: Keep the party going with a little roasted cappuccino, notes of black coffee, sweet chocolate and a touch of agave. Simply serve up this espresso martini in a chilled martini glass or in a lowball over ice. Let’s see your local coffee shop do that.

Merrily Delicious Canned Cocktails

Sokē & Soula

Celebrate the holidays with a premium cocktail experience from Spirited Brands featuring Sokē & Soula:

• Sokē: A premium handcrafted canned sake soda cocktail that offers a contemporary take on Japan’s legacy beverage. Made with premium Junmai sake and all-natural fruit flavors, Sokē is a fusion of modern and traditional Japanese flavors. Sokē comes in four flavors: White Peach, Lychee, Cherry Blossom and Yuzu Ginger.
• Soula: A premium handcrafted canned margarita-infused Mexican agave azul wine that’s perfect for the holidays. Made with premium Mexican agave azul wine and all-natural, authentic flavors, Soula has four flavors: Mango, Citrus, Lime, Paloma, and Pineapple Chili.

Seagram’s Escapes

Need a fun, easy and versatile recipe for upping your bar game this holiday? Tis’ the Season to check out Seagram’s Escapes Glow in the Snow Spritz made with just a few simple ingredients. Stock your bar with all of the exciting Seagram’s Escapes flavors and invite your party guests to experiment with festive cocktail glasses, seasonal accents and fresh fruit.  

Other Delicious Holiday Cocktail Ideas?

• Aperol Negroni
• Best Bourbon for Old Fashioned (with Classic Old Fashioned Recipe and many fun variations!)
• Red Sangria Recipe
• Halloween Skull Cocktail
• Empress Gin Cocktail