Cheers. Skal. Prost. Salud.
The clinking of toasting glassware adds to the celebratory melody of the season. Don’t let shopping for the wine connoisseur, beer enthusiast or cocktail technician on your holiday list end on a sour note. Local retailers offer the perfect mix of gift items that will prompt a chorus of thank you, takk, danke and gracias.
For the wine giver
RACK PACK The Rack Pack serves double duty as a light wood gift box that opens to reveal a cleverly configured wine rack for three or six bottles of wine. Dutch-designed and ecofriendly. $28.95. Available at Goodthings.
For the cold beer lover
CHILLSNER “Cool to the last sip,” this freezable bottle insert is ready in about 45 minutes. Drop into a brew of choice, press to seal the top, and enjoy. Dishwasher safe. $31.95 for two. Available at Goodthings.
For the sipper
SIERRA VODKA SET While billed as a vodka set, this beautiful handcrafted glass set is suitable for sipping tequila, cordials or other after-dinner drinks. The set includes six 2-ounce “shooters” and a 22-ounce bottle with stopper, which nests inside a matching ice bowl. Other uses could include appetizer or dessert server. $59.99. Available at EAT!@Home.
For the celebration
KINKY BUBBLES Give the New Year 50 shades of fun with a bubbly blend of 2 ounces Pink Kinky Liqueur—a vodka fusion with mango and blood orange liqueur ($14.99/750 ml.)—and 2 ounces LaMarca Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine. $11.99/750 ml. Available at Mahtomedi Liquor Barrel.
For an after dinner treat
KRINGLE CREAM Made with Wisconsin cream, this liqueur features a nutty, buttery sweet flavor with a generous nod to the holiday classic Danish kringle. Serve over ice, in warm coffee, or with a spike of bourbon. $23.99/750 ml. Available at Mahtomedi Liquor Barrel.
For a new shake on an old style
MASON JAR SHAKER Out of the fruit cellar to chilling casual drinks, to shaking up martinis and cocktails alike, the ubiquitous jar continues to find new spins on its classic design. $29. Available at Truly.
For the recycler
TOP POPPER Eco-conscious beer drinkers will love this magnetic bottle opener, crafted from reclaimed trees, including black walnut and maple. The opener easily attaches to all things metal and keeps the bottle caps from popping into oblivion. $16. Available at Truly.
For the brew fan
ADAM TURMAN PRINTS “Great Beer Brewed Here” announces this limited-edition print from Twin Cities artist Adam Turman. With Minnesota serving as a subtle backdrop, the print gives a nod to the state’s growing microbrewery industry. Add a touch of classic Minnesota lore with everyone’s favorite lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, toasting his beloved bovine, Babe. $25/11 x 14 print. Available at Truly.
For the wine lover
COOLING WINE GLASSES For the wine sommelier or novice alike, the importance of sipping wine at the proper temperature is important for a successful experience. Enjoy a set of two Freeze cooling wine glasses by Host, which have a built-in cooling gel at the bottom of each glass to keep the vino cold for hours on end. Place the 8.5 oz.-glassware in the refrigerator for reds, the freezer for whites. $24.99. Available at Winemakers @ the Lake.
For the collector
WINE CORK HOLDER Capture your best-corked memories with a wood and glass Kathy Phillips shadow box to hold your cork collection. The best-selling box is adorned with the phrase, “There’s always time for a glass of wine.” $33.95. Available at Winemakers @ the Lake.
&
Eat!@Home
2202 Fifth St..
White Bear Lake
651.653.1228
Goodthings
2184 Fourth St.
White Bear Lake
651.426.8006
Mahtomedi Liquor Barrel
3124 Century Ave. N.
Mahtomedi
651.770.0692
Truly
2175 Fourth St.
White Bear Lake
651.426.8414
Winemakers @ the Lake
4764 Banning Ave.
White Bear Lake
651.330.9166
