Gift Guide: 5 Top-Notch Gift Spots for D.C. Drink Lovers
We’ve made our list, and we’re checking it twice, ‘cuz alcohol-themed gifts are both naughty and nice. This holiday season, we’ve rounded up the best places to find wine, beer and cocktail-related gifts for the lush in your life.
Salt & Sundry: Cocktail connoisseurs will dig almost everything at this brand-spankin’ new shop from Metrocurean maven Amanda McClements. Now open five days a week at Northeast food haven Union Market, Salt & Sundry proffers a gift-worthy selection including vintage punch bowls, agave-sweetened tonics, enchantingly flavored simple syrups and exotic Bittermens bitters in flavors such as Elemakule Tiki and Xocolatl Mole (1309 5th St. NE; 202-556-1866).
Planet Wine: Look no further for the beer enthusiast on your list — Churchkey beer director Greg Engert curated a selection of “Holiday Pops” four and three-packs showcasing seasonal craft brews. We’re into “The Locals” selection, which includes holiday-themed ales from local breweries Port City, Tröegs Brewing, Heavy Seas and Evolution Craft Brewery (2004 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-3444).
Cork Market: Wine and cheese is one of the best partnerships in epicurean existence; get them both in sumptuous, rare and delicious abundance at Cork Wine Bar’s down-the-street market and tasting room. Add a jar of exotic honey and a fresh-baked sweet for a gourmet collection of cheer (1805 14th St. NW; 202-265-2674).
Zengo: For your tequila-sipping friend, consider helping them join the “Owners Club” at Richard Sandoval’s swank Latin lounge. Personal bottles can be purchased and stored at the bar for up to three months, free of charge — just make sure you’ll get a cocktail or two out of it (781 7th St. NW; 202-393-2929).
Tabletop: Find gifts to please the family member who loves booze and design at this Dupont shop, which sells “functional objects for all surfaces.” From artsy bottle openers to rocking avec glasses and sassy “drunk” coasters, there’s something to please everyone who likes to get tipsy and look classy doing it (1608 20th St. NW; 202-387-7117).