Let’s get into the holiday spirits… literally.
With so many celebrations coming up, it’s time to start thinking about the bottles you’ll be drinking, sharing, and gifting.
Drinking locally is the best way to drink, and Buffalo’s spirits scene is seriously impressive. Here are a few of our recommendations for the holidays.
Made with 16 botanicals, this blend is wild… literally. This gin tastes just like it sounds. A little bit floral, a whole lot of flavor. Lakeward’s wild gin has been one of our favs since its release almost a year ago. If you love crafting cocktails at home, this a must-have for your liquor cabinet. The bottles come with lights and there are mini bottles already stuffed in stockings for you to grab and go. Extra points for festive presentation!
Drink Recommendation: Made with 16 botanicals, this blend is wild… literally. This gin tastes just like it sounds. A little bit floral, a whole lot of flavor. Lakeward’s wild gin has been one of our favs since its release almost a year ago. If you love crafting cocktails at home, this a must-have for your liquor cabinet. The bottles come with lights and there are mini bottles already stuffed in stockings for you to grab and go. Extra points for festive presentation!
BESPOKE BOURBON CREAM, BLACK BUTTON DISTILLING
Every time we drink this creamy sensation, we are even more obsessed. This drink is oh so smooth, and the bolder vanilla and caramel flavors make this liqueur a standout. The flavor profile is similar to an Irish cream like Baileys, but arguably better in our opinion. Ssh… don’t tell our Irish relatives. You can most definitely drink it on its own, but beware because it’s dangerously delicious.
Drink Recommendation: Add a splash to your cup of coffee or get crafty. Our personal fav from Black Button’s cocktail list is the Chocolatini. We love the chocolatey creamy combo, and the chocolate syrup rim seals the deal.
REVOLUTION COFFEE LIQUEUR, LOCKHOUSE DISTILLERY
Chocolate, coffee, and alcohol in a bottle. Sign us up! This bottle has been around for years, and it’s always been one of our favorites. This liqueur is just the right amount of rich for us. The boldness of the beans is balanced by the dark chocolate for a smooth flavorful finish. We also love that it’s a collab with Public Espresso + Coffee.
Drink Recommendation: A Double Double sounds better when alcohol is involved. Lockhouse’s recipe calls for coffee liqueur, cream liqueur (try Black Button’s) and cinnamon simple syrup.
BARRELED KRUPNIK, BUFFALO DISTILLING
The world’s first barreled krupnik was born in Buffalo and hit the market less than a week ago. It is made from 100% local WNY grain and honey and finished in apple brandy and bourbon barrels. This spiced honey liqueur is unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. You will immediately taste the golden goodness. Try it neat or blended. Either way, it’s love at first sip!
Drink Recommendation: Add a splash of Barreled Krupnik to your Old Fashioned or Manhattan for a slightly sweeter taste that’s ever so warming.
STRAIGHT TENNESSEE WHISKEY, TOMMYROTTER DISTILLERY
Cider cask finished whiskey? Yes, please! We love stories, and this one had us instantly interested. This whiskey is distilled in Tennessee, aged for 7 years in oak barrels, and finished in hard cider barrels from BlackBird Cider Works. If you like a southern bourbon that’s on the sweeter side, this whiskey is for you!
Drink Recommendation: Get yourself a bottle and then pick up a pack of BlackBird cider. This drink rec is simple, delicious, and best of all completely local! Even served cold, this seasonal combo will warm you right up.
HAPPY (LOCAL) SHOPPING!
As you shop for gifts, stock your bar cart, and attend holiday parties, think local first. When you buy your booze locally, you are supporting a local distiller’s dream. And that’s extra special, especially during the holidays. Let’s spread the holiday cheer locally!