Prep for the Holidays with Cox’s and Evergreen - The Best Boozy Gifts for the Season

Tis the season for gift guides, and in true Cox’s and Evergreen fashion, we have a lineup of the best drinks to gift — for all sorts of price points and scenarios. Whether you’re hunting down the best wine for an office party, a unique Secret Santa gift, or drinks to stock for your guests this season, consider us your tour guides to all things toast-worthy!

Under $15

Apothic Red $9.99

Apothic Red is one of the best wines to give as a gift. It pairs great with a wide variety of foods, thanks to rich notes of dark cherry, vanilla, and mocha. A spot-on blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel grapes let this wine shine with meats, cheese, red sauce, and even desserts. The festive red label looks elegant for the holidays, so tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle and start gifting.

Ruffini Prosecco $10.99

Bubbles! Is there anything more festive than an effervescent glass of crisp, lightly sweet Prosecco? It’s basically champagne’s laid-back Italian cousin (and great for those who find champagne too dry…Prosecco can be lush and juicy and still bubbly). Perfect with anything from Thanksgiving appetizers, to holiday party charcuterie, and of course, New Years Eve. Prosecco just sings, “Celebrate!”.

Under $30

Kahlua $24.99

Wondering what to buy for a Secret Santa gift? Kahlua is your secret to Kris Kringle-level giving. Arabica coffee, rum, and sugar are all-stars in this liqueur that boasts vanilla and buttery caramel flavors. Snag a delicious hot chocolate mix and a bag of mini marshmallows for a “Make Your Own Spiked Hot Chocolate” kit, and you’ll look like the mastermind of mocha merriment.

Old Grand Dad $24.99

We know more than one couple who has used a classic bottle of Old Grand Dad bourbon to make a baby announcement at the holidays. So cute! Lean into the name on the label and gift this to a grandfather, or to anyone who appreciates a bourbon that tastes like it’s worth twice the price. Using the same recipe since 1892, Old Grand Dad delivers notes of spice, clove, and light pepper thanks to higher rye in the mash bill - a perfect bourbon for a toasty hot toddy around a fire. Timeless.

Meomi Pinot Noir $17.99

The North Pole may not be known for its vineyards, but any wine lover would be delighted to get a bottle of Meomi Pinot Noir from Santa in their stocking this year. It’s rare to find a Pinot Noir wine under $20 that still carries this level of depth, and when you layer in lush cherry notes, toasty oak, and a hint of tobacco, this California-made bottle becomes a treasure for your holiday table.

Edible Gift

Hard Apple Cider Bread

If you’ve had beer bread, you know the delicious, yeasty scent and complex flavors that can emerge from a bread that needs no yeast (that means no waiting for a rise) and no kneading (you’re welcome). It’s called quick bread for a reason, and you can use hard apple cider for the same effect, with a fall-flavor spin that will fill your kitchen with the scent of warm bread, baked apples, and the tang of hard cider. Bonus: One loaf uses one bottle so…pop open a chilled cider for sipping while you stir!

Recipe
3 cups flour
1T baking powder
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 apple diced
1 -12 oz bottle hard apple cider (we recommend Angry Orchard $9.99 for six pack)
4 oz applesauce
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted

Set oven to 350 and spray 9x5 loaf pan with cooking spray
Whisk dry ingredients in a mixing bowl
Add diced apple
Pour in apple cider
Add applesauce and vanilla
Mix until combined (don’t stir too much)
Pour into loaf pan and smooth the top
Pour melted butter over the top (this gets you that perfect crackly crust)
Bake 40-45 minutes and test with a toothpick

Need a more personalized gift idea, or the perfect wine for your holiday meal? All of us at Cox’s & Evergreen Liquors are here to help you prep for the holiday season, so come in and say hello. Cheers!