13 holiday bottles for last-minute hostess gifts

By the bottle

Whether it’s a last-minute party invitation or a packed schedule, you may be planning a last-minute dash out for a hostess gift. The tried and true option: a bottle of party cheer for the host or hostess to enjoy. Here are 10 bottles that will make that last-minute run to the store even easier.

Display case bottle

For: The host with a decorative bar cart.
A clean chrome bottle adds a eye-catching pop to a shelf, cart or display case. And this popular cocktail base is sure to be used in many of the season’s holiday cocktails. Absolut Electrik, from $27.
Cocktail: Vesperita martini.

Decorative bottle

For: The fashionable, cocktail-loving host.
Part of their yearly Disaronno Icon Project, this bottle (label deisgned by Roberto Cavalli) is a pretty pick for the fashionable or cocktail-minded host. Bonus: Part of the proceeds go to Fashion4Development. Disaronno, from $34.
Cocktail: Amaretto sour.

Canadiana bottle

For: The Canadiana-loving host.
This golden spirit gets it’s name from Unguava Bay in Northern Québec, and is made from a combination of hand-picked arctic plants and herbs. Unguava gin, from $35. (Currently available in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick.)
Cocktail: Gin martini.

Sparkling bottles

For: The host that likes bubbles.
Another versatile pick for food and wine pairings, sparkling wine, prosecco and champagne are also an easy and much-appreciated effervescent host gift. Shown above: Bottega Gold Prosecco, Rose Brut Sparkling and White Gold Brut Sparkling, from $25.

Mix n' match bottles

For: The creative host.
A recipe in two bottles! Each is great on their own — but when you mix them together, you’ve got a glass of Banana Split Beer. Wells banana bread beer, Young’s double chocolate stout, from $4 each.

Multi-pack bottles

For: The brew-lover.
If your hosts are more appreciative of a cold one, change up your bottle-gifting strategy with a clever holiday multi-pack. Shown above: Wychwood Brewery beers of character set, from $13. 

The slow sipping bottle

For: The host that likes it on the rocks.
Give them a taste of something new, like this recently released blend that pairs whiskey and hops for a dark ale finish. J.P. Wiser’s Hopped Whiskey, from $29.

Wide appeal bottles

For: The host you haven’t met yet).
A crisp white with wide appeal is a safe bet if you’re unsure of your host or hostess’ taste. Shown above: Babich Sauvignon Blanc (NZ), from $16, Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc (NZ), from $17.

Wide appeal bottles

For: The food and wine pairings host.
Gamays are very versatile for pairing (read more here), as is a well-balanced rioja. Shown above: Malivoire Gamay 2013, Ontario, from $18, Osborne Montecillo Crianza, Spain, from $12.

Note: For a bottle that pairs well with turkey, try a Viognier.

Related:
How to stock your bar for under $200
Food and wine pairings
18 easy holiday cocktail recipes