By Tara Weingarten
You don’t need to spend a fortune on tipples when hosting a holiday get together. Tip Sheet put together a selection of new and classic bottles that will make your party sparkle.
Canton: This ginger-infused VSOP cognac has a fresh, sprightly taste. Serve it over ice, or in a mixer of champagne or gin with a slice of cucumber in a martini glass ($30).
Taittinger Prestige Rosé: Pink bubbles are a requisite holiday accessory, and Taittinger’s nonvintage brut is one of the best ($70).
No. 209: Made in Napa Valley by the proprietor of Dean & DeLuca, this five-times distilled gin is intense and most exquisite in a martini ($35).
Pyrat XO: Delicious over ice or mixed with tropical fruit juices, this well-priced Caribbean rum is a steal. Housed in a fun, squat pirate-esque bottle ($24.99).
Campari: A romantic and fitting holiday drink (it’s red), Campari is best served splashed into gin or champagne. It’s bitter, so use it sparingly ($25.99).
Bombay Sapphire: America’s favorite gin is flavored with Italian juniper, citrus peel, almonds and exotic spices. This true London dry gin is tasty on its own, or combined with champagne, lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar ($24.99).
Bushmills 16 Year: Having matured in three distinct wood casks, this Irish whisky has rich honey and burnt-almond aromatics. It’s a smooth alternative to Scotch. Serve over ice ($65).
Ultimat: This Polish vodka is a blend of potato, wheat and rye, and drinks supersmoothly. And it comes in an eye-catching cobalt blue bottle with a clear-glass stopper ($50).