The Holiday Bar Cart: Festive sips gift guide

per three-pack. Enjoy three of Pelee Islands’ most popular VQA wines in one tempting holiday pack. The juicy chardonnay boasts intense ripe fruit flavours with a zesty finish and the cabernet franc offers ripe fruit with velvety tannins, while the aromatic pinot noir is fresh with raspberry and sour cherry flavours. | Lcbo.com

Aged in new and seasoned white oak barrels, this world-class whisky’s unique flavour profile is lightly floral with corn, buttery vanilla and peach aromas. On the palate, enjoy a light, sweet peach flavour with a dry wood-spice finish. Try it in an old-fashioned cocktail, garnished with an orange slice, a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry. | Lcbo.com

$28.95 for 1.5 L. Treat your loved ones with this sought-after vino. With grapes harvested by hand and soft-pressed within a few hours of picking, it offers a bouquet of white fruits and flowers for a fresh, elegant palate with a wonderful finish. Pair it with vegetarian and white-meat dishes, such as turkey or blue fish. | Lcbo.com

An Italian classic for food pairing, this super-juicy, easy-to-drink wine boasts an intense and inviting red hue from ripe black cherries and raspberry fruit. It has a smooth, round texture with a light dusting of Montepulciano spice and an aroma of berries with a touch of smoke, making it a divine pairing for pasta, pizza and every kind of meat. | Lcbo.com

Boasting the world’s first triple-wave filtered vodka, this smooth spirit’s unique filtration process uses high pressure—equal to that of three 30-foot waves—to deliver a tastefully distinctive, superior vodka. Clean on the finish with subtle notes of citrus and grain, serve this minimal, yet complex vodka on its own or in a holiday cocktail. | Lcbo.com

Harnessing over 300 years of experience, this classic vodka uses traditional copper pot stills and modern distilling techniques to create a light, peppery spirit with balanced flavours and a hint of citrus. Very round on the palate with a clean finish, it’s ideal for an espresso martini. | Lcbo.com

per six-pack. The brand philosophy is in the name, inspired by the Italian oceanliner SS Rex winning the “Blue Ribband” award in 1933. Today, the blue ribbon is used as a symbol of achieving with passion and flair, in true Italian style. This festive season, recognized Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s place as the beer of celebration—it’s the perfect beer to gift to and to celebrate with friends and family. | Lcbo.com

In celebration of The House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary, the visionary founder of Japanese whisky has launched Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend. Full-bodied and complex with a vivid spiced finish, this special edition is available for a limited time only in select locations across Canada, making it the perfect gift for spirit collectors.| Lcbo.com

An authentic Italian wine from Emilia-Romagna, home of Parmesan, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar, this Prugneto boasts a bright ruby-red colour with an intense bouquet of fine red fruits. On the palate, the freshness pairs well with soft tannins and notes of violet, cherry and plums, followed by a long and spicy finish. | Lcbo.com

This natural marriage of fresh Irish dairy cream and Irish whiskey is fragrant and flavourful, with fresh coffee, hazelnut and chocolate notes. World-renowned for its sweet, creamy and smooth texture balanced by delicate spirit notes, it’s irresistible when served neat over ice or shaken into cocktails, drizzled over ice cream or infused in desserts. | Lcbo.com

Established in 1927, this quintessential blend is a favourite in any whisky lover’s collection, with smoke and peaty undertones between layers of mellow oaky maltiness. Aged for a minimum of eight years, with a balanced medium-light body—with hints of dried orchard fruit, sweet malt, roasted nuts and caramel—it sips well on its own or can be mixed in an old-fashioned or a penicillin cocktail. | Lcbo.com

’Tis the season to sip sober! Balancing bitter citrus with a sweet almond taste, this non-alcoholic cocktail is the ultimate aperitif beverage for the bold. Available in seven delicious flavours, it’s a great alternative for those who aren’t indulging but still want to celebrate. | lesbreuvagesatypique.com

Aromas of spicy dark fruit, dried herbs, smoky oak and chocolate greet the nose, while juicy blackberries, currants and a touch of mocha entice the palate in this smooth, full-bodied red. Balanced with a soft finish, this luscious wine pairs well with grilled dishes, like portobello mushroom burgers or organic steaks and roasted potatoes. *$19.95 from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 at the LCBO | Lcbo.com

per four-pack. Brewed just like Guinness stout using the same natural ingredients, this no-alcohol brew pours the same familiar dark liquid and creamy head. With hints of coffee, chocolate and bittersweet roasted notes, it provides all the flavours you expect from Guinness in a non-alcoholic format. | Lcbo.com

Made from grapes grown on prized vines more than 40 years old, this first-rate modern-style Reserva is full-bodied with an irresistible complexity. Soft tannins weave through its lush black fruit base, balanced by notes of cacao and roasted hazelnut and a touch of pepper. | Lcbo.com

Introducing the brand-new Cabot Trail Maple and Blueberry Cream liqueur, a cutting-edge fusion of velvety smooth creams and sweet Canadian grade-A maple syrup with a hint of fresh, tangy local blueberries. Inspired by Canadian tradition, it’s a delightful new synergy of flavours that’s simply irresistible. | Lcbo.com

per six-pack. Born in Toronto’s Roundhouse Park, this iconic Canadian beer honours an era of quality craftsmanship, living up its motto—do one thing really, really well. Using four all-natural ingredients to create its one and only premium pilsner, this six-pack of crisp brews is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. | steamwhistle.ca

Celebrate with the rich warmth of this award-winning bourbon, a favourite among gift givers and spirit connoisseurs. Crafted in new charred-oak barrels, its signature secondary finishing cask offers a unique rich and smooth flavour profile with notes of vanilla, ripe fruit, bitter chocolate and toast. Whether sipped neat or on the rocks or added as a key ingredient in holiday cocktails, Angel’s Envy adds a touch of festivity to gatherings and joyous moments. | Lcbo.com

Greet guests with this easy-drinking red that’s warming hearts. From Sambuca di Sicilia, this pure cabernet sauvignon offers notes of blackcurrant, cherries and spice, yet is very delicate. Balanced and full bodied, it pairs well with holiday roasts and other seasonal dishes. | Lcbo.com

Created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years from the four corners of Scotland, Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true icon. Smoke notes are gentle and restrained, giving plenty of room for its sweet and malty flavours. Savour the unmistakable taste of a timeless old-fashioned cocktail with a bold Johnnie Walker edge. | Lcbo.com

From the father of Japanese whisky, this rich blend combines more than 100 malt and grain whiskies from the Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries. Full-bodied with spicy, fruity and oaky notes, it makes a great gift with its distinctive “one block of whisky” packaging. | Lcbo.com