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The Ultimate Spirited Holiday Gift Guide, According to the Experts at Total Wine

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When in doubt, gift booze. Or booze-adjacent. There’s a reason why they’re called “spirits” — and not just because they educate on the true meaning of Christmas. It’s because a festive cocktail makes the holidays, and any day of the year, much more fun. 

Total Wine’s selection of wine, spirits, beers, and seltzers runs the gambit of the giftable and drinkable, with selections spanning a variety of price points and taste preferences. They have gift baskets perfect for corporate gifting, single bottles for partners or in-laws, and hostess gifts that’ll come in handy once the party circuit begins. 

Their collection includes value gifts under $10, $30, $50, and $75, and they also offer the option to gift wrap each purchase before delivery. Their Buy 2 and Save wine promotion also means you can indulge for yourself whilst gifting to another. 

Shop Total Wine’s Gift Guide 

Gifting alcohol is almost guaranteed to satisfy your recipient, so long as you make the right choice. Total Wine’s Gift Guide makes it easy to find something for everyone on your list, with the option to filter by price, alcohol type, and receiver. Check it out for yourself, and find top picks from SPY Editors for coworkers, in-laws, bosses, partners, and more below. 

Courtesy of Total Wine
BEST FOR YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

$44.99 $51.99

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A glass of bubbly is meant to be shared among lovers, especially during the holidays. This bottle from De Margerie is crisp and clean and blends pinot noir and chardonnay for a nose of red fruit amidst the sharp and lively bubbles. It’s also just south of $50 which is how much you should spend on your partner’s Christmas gift (at least). 

Courtesy of Total Wine
best for your boss

$89.99 $97.99

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A gift for a boss should be neutral in nature and communicate respect. This bottle of Whistle Pig whiskey is a part of Total Wine’s “Barrel Select” collection, which means it’s been thoroughly vetted by experts for its quality. It’s got the “perfect” combination of proof, purity, and age, according to their team, no doubt a result of the brand’s double-barrel, 10-year aging process. 

Courtesy of Total Wine
BEST FOR YOUR COWORKERS

$41.99

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For coworkers, it’s budget-friendly chardonnay that doesn’t skimp on taste to celebrate another year of employment. This Marie de Moy blend is full-bodied with notes of apple and pear, with a bright acidity that elevates the finish. 

Courtesy of Total Wine
best for your friend

$17.99

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Cracking a beer among friends is a universal symbol of gratitude all year round, but let this Lagunitas 12-pack serve as yet another excuse to sip during the holidays. Craft beers are richer in flavor, heavier in nature, and ideal for gifting since your friend who exclusively enjoys pilsners is due for an upgrade. The Maximus from Lagunitas is a double IPA, so it’s hop-heavy with wheat, malt, and spicy yet floral berry notes for a rounded finish. 

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BEST FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR

$14.99 $19.99

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A festive nod to a neighbor is always a good idea during the holidays, and this sample pack includes a plethora of flavored vodkas for sipping or mixing into cocktails. The pack includes four small bottles of cinnamon, pumpkin, peppermint, and gingerbread flavors. 

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best for the host

$13.99 $16.99

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When gifting a host, you want a relatively neutral liquor they can use for cocktails, but you also want it to be interesting. Anyone can pick up regular vodka at the store, but they can only make their stirred cucumber martinis with this tasty vodka from Eight Degrees. It’s made with fresh spring water for a smooth taste that’s great mixed or on the rocks. 

Courtesy of Total Wine
BEST FOR YOUR IN-LAWS

$49.99

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Unless your in-laws happen to hate red wine, they’ll enjoy this bottle. It’s a Sonoma pinot noir with plenty of acidity and bitter cherry and blackberry notes. It’s savory rather than sweet, with a hint of anise spice on the finish. 

Courtesy of Total Wine
best for fine & rare

$259.99 $329.99

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For someone extra special, this Glen Fohdry Malt Scotch Whisky is a rare find that’s expert-approved by Total Wine’s team. It’s distilled in the Speyside region of Scotland in American oak casks, giving it a rich malt flavor that takes decades to perfect. This is an indulgent present reserved only for those who deserve and appreciate it. 

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