RS Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays are in full swing, and it never seems like there is enough time to get everything done, let alone get gifts for everyone. If you need some inspiration on some beverages and experiences that will be sure to please the recipients, read below. Or, maybe these are things you will want to gift to yourself!

RUNNER

Runner has to be our favourite service in the GTA. They are an online convenience store, with a curated selection of alcohol, snacks, gifts and more. Just select want you want and have it delivered in less than two hours. The perfect service for getting that special bottle to your special someone before the holidays or putting together a package of wines and chocolates for a client.

MOUNT GAY RUM (BARBADOS)

The holiday wouldn’t be complete without a little rum in your eggnog. Our eggnog gets a generous pour of the always reliable Mount Gay Eclipse. If you are looking for a special gift, try stepping up to Mount Gay’s Black Barrel or 1703 Master Select. We love Mount Gay because it reminds us of amazing times in Barbados. Actually, the proper way to give somebody rum for the holidays is to take them to Barbados!  Seriously, book a trip to Barbados for you and your loved one and no other gifts will be needed.

ROSEWOOD ESTATES WINERY AND MEADERY – Rosewood Lover Gift Pack

For the wine lover looking to sample some of Ontario’s best, the Rosewood Lover Gift Pack assembles 5 beautiful wines and a mead, complimented by the estate’s own honey.

FRENCH DOOR WINERY – Flagship Holiday Gift Box

For the person who enjoys those treasure bottles, one of our favourite BC wines from one of our favourite BC wineries. The Héritage is French Door Estate’s flagship wine, known for having a long, silky finish with notes of sweet tobacco, black cherry, and pepper on the palate. This gift box gives you a double win; the 2019 was an excellent growing season, and these coveted vintages are almost sold out. The 2020 hasn’t been released yet, so you will be among the first to try it!

A NIGHT OUT – Selva/The Fifth Social Club

Begin the night at Selva, one of Toronto’s most unique and delicious dining experiences. The food is outstanding, thanks to one of our absolute favourite chef’s, Nuit Regular. They have a fantastic selection of cocktails on tap, including a Don Julio Margarita, or a Paper Plane with Bulleit. Walls, floors, and bar are painted with bold tropical plants and animals that glow vibrantly under the blacklights. Or reserve one of their heated outdoor domes and take the feast outside on a winter night. Afterwards, head upstairs to The Fifth Social Club to really get the party started, but make sure to request guest list or get bottle service in advance.

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PHANTOM CREEK – Holiday Sparkling Gift Box

If you want to elevate your bubbly game, break away from the cliché brands that are touted in rap songs and get into something truly spectacular with Phantom Creek’s first ever sparkling wine releases. Both made in méthode traditionnelle, picking up rich brioche notes from extended aging on lees for 47 months. The 2017 Brut seamlessly blends the lively finesse of Chardonnay with the depth of Pinot Noir. The nose shows bright and expressive fruit, with ripe lemon and golden apple, along with toasted hazelnut and subtle, harmonious sweet spices. The 2017 Brut Reserve shows delicate, elegant fruit, led by lemon and crisp green apple lifted by orchard blossoms and acacia. There’s added richness and complexity from aging in neutral barriques for 11 months prior to blending. Get a set of these bottles for that person with a discerning palate, and for yourself!

TRE AMICI – Elegant Italy Wine Pack

For that friend who only drinks Italian, our friends at Tre Amici have the perfect gift pack to cover all the bases. A Roero Arneis, and Valpolicella Ripasso, and a Prosecco to set them up for NYE.

HAMMAM SPA

Hammam Spa is consistently recognized as one of the best spas in the GTA. Their locations blend old world charm and modern sophistication to transport guests to a new realm of relaxation and rejuvenation. Spa experiences are an excellent gift, because everyone enjoys their time in the spa, but are often hesitant to splurge on themselves. Do it for them. Hammam has many gift card options, or book an appointment for you and a lover to have a romantic spa day.

MIONETTO PROSECCO

Holiday parties, dinners, brunches; stocking stuffers; quiet time with family; you can never go wrong with Mionetto Prosecco. We have developed a deep appreciation for that bold orange label. It’s versatile, it’s delicious, and it’s an outstanding value. If you can find their Prestige Collection Prosecco Rosé, make sure you grab a bottle or three of that as well.

KOOZA – Cirque Du Soleil

Tickets to a Cirque Du Soleil show is a gift that keeps giving, as the experience lives in your heart and mind forever. Tickets have just gone on sale for KOOZA, coming to Toronto this spring. KOOZA is an homage to traditional circus, seen through a prism of wonder and spectacle that only Cirque Du Soleil can provide. Explore the different ticket options, from VIP to Family Offers. Whatever you choose, thrills are guaranteed.

ALIDA TEQUILA

You may have noticed, we are big fans of Aguamiel Tequila around here. Aguamiel has recently re-branded as Alida and is once again on shelves in time for the holidays. Move fast though, this stuff tends to sell out quickly. Bartenders love it for the perfect blend of smooth and bold that plays so well in cocktails. Connoisseurs love the big notes of cooked agave and pleasantly peppery finish. Neophytes love the softy entry and hint of sweetness and tropical fruit. If you are looking for a gift for a tequila lover, don’t get caught up in the Casamigos hype. Alida blows it away.

AMARULA

Ooo, this is our new favourite cream liqueur. Sorry Bailey’s, you’re out. This South African import uses a spirit made from the fermented Marula fruit. Amurala is decadent with a balanced sweetness and gentle fruitiness that we find more pleasant than the punch of whisky in other cream liqueurs. This is a perfect holiday drink. It’s lovely simply over ice. It’s also fantastic with coffee or hot chocolate, poured over ice cream, in eggnog, or however you wish to try it! Aaaaand, if dairy isn’t your thing Amarula has recently released a vegan-certified plant-based version using coconut cream. So good! Give yourself a bottle of Amarula this holiday!