Christmas is around the corner which means it’s time for the annual Gourmantic Christmas Gift Guide.
For the Home Cocktail Enthusiast: A Spot at the Bar
Michael Madrusan, founder of The Everleigh and The Elk Room in Melbourne had released a cocktail book with Zara Young, the kind you’d want to own and put to use immediately. Aside from cocktail recipes, you’ll find information about home entertainment and how to throw a cocktail party. More about A Spot at the Bar book review here.
RRP $45
For the Wine Lover: Artisan Malbec
What could be better than treating the wine lover in your life to a membership of Artisan Malbec club. The new boutique wine club offers three levels of membership and exclusive offers targeted for Malbec lovers. Their Mythic Barrel Malbec with a metal plate on the label is one of the best Malbec wines we’ve tried in a long time. More information about Artisan Malbec here.
From $199.
For the Australian Spirits Aficionado: The Australian Spirits Guide
Bartender and journalist Luke McCarthy has put together a collectable tome of Australian Spirits from all over the country. He visited 51 distilleries and documented an industry that is taking on the world. The book is divided into spirit categories (vodka, gin, rum, brandy, whisky and other spirits), and features interviews with key Australian spirit personalities. More about The Australian Spirits Guide here.
RRP $39.99
For the Stylish Home: Gin of Tonic Scented Candle
Tonic of Gin is a new gin scented candle from Garden Grow Gin and Lumira. It has a lovely scent of Murraya, Chamomile and Juniper, and botanicals from Distillery Botanica’s Garden Grown Gin. Imagine sipping a G&T in the early evening by candlelight while enjoying a properly chilled Martini for Two.
RRP $59.00
For the Budding Home Bartender: Bar Tools
For the person setting up a home bar, the choice of bar tools can daunting. Check out this useful guide for the top 10 bar tools you need to get started. What’s more, pnline Aussie store barGeek have set up a pop up shop in Sydney for Christmas. You can find them at Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney, across the road from The Baxter Inn, Monday to Saturday from 2pm to 6pm.
Price: various.
For the Sparkling Wine Connoisseur: House of Arras Sparkling Wine
What could be more festive than bubbles, while supporting Australian producers and winemakers. The House of Arras in Tasmania (a long time favourite of ours) has been picking up various top awards of late and rightly so. Their elegant and balanced sparkling wines with finesse and flavour are produced by winemaker, Ed Carr. An ideal festive gift or one to serve at your own Christmas and NYE celebrations.
House of Arras Brut Elite NV – bright with structural elegance, one to start the celebrations in the afternoon paired a cheese platter. Also try it in our Sloe Royale cocktail to impress your guests. RRP: $49.99
House of Arras Rosé – a sophisticated sparkling rosé style with a wonderful balance of red berry fruits and complexity. Serve it at Christmas brunch paired with smoked salmon blinis. RRP: $82.99
House of Arras Grand Vintage 2007 – an outstanding wine with great character, elegance and complex flavours that is best enjoyed with family at Christmas Day lunch and paired with fresh seafood. RRP: $76.99
House of Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2002 – a prestige cuvee so great that you may wish to buy one for yourself and one for a special person in your life. Complex flavours with characters of sourdough toast, honey and truffle give this exquisite wine a body that can withstand meat dishes. RRP $175
For the Gin Novice: Gin: Shake, Muddle, Stir
For the gin lover who like to mix drinks at home, Gin: Shake, Muddle, Stir offers easy to make cocktails and mixed drinks that are well suited to a beginner.
RRP $29.95
For Yourself : Hellyers Road Distillery Cream Liqueurs
Hellyers Road Distillery are one of the finest whisky distilleries in Australia. Aside from single malt and peated malts, they have a range of cream liqueurs that would make an ideal Christmas gift or to enjoy or spoil yourself on Christmas Day. Hellyers Road Distillery Cream Liqueurs (17% ABV) are a blend of fresh Tasmanian cream and single malt whisky and they come in three flavours: Original, with a rich, creamy chocolate, malt biscuits, honey and coconut flavours, Hazelnut, with a delicious nutty flavour that lingers on the palate and Coffee, for a smooth and creamy caffeinated kick.
Try it with dessert or in an Espresso Martini, make an Aussie take on Irish Coffee, or best of all, reward yourself by putting your feet up on Christmas Day night after all the guests have left and sip it over ice.
RRP $37.50 each.
You might also like: Australian Christmas Cocktail inspiration.
