---

LaToya Jackson, owner of Toast to the Good Times, a mobile bartending service in Cincinnati, knows how to lend a personal touch to holiday gifts. She gives personalized coasters or engraved glassware — and, as she points out, you don’t need to limit yourself to the recipient's initials. There’s a range of possibilities that show extra thought and care. “I might put their name on there or even a saying, something funny, a memory we shared.”  Jackson points out that accessories like unique bottle stoppers, wine bags, and specialty ice molds also make great stocking stuffers.
When it comes to giving a bottle of spirits, Jackson’s go-to is Uncle Nearest 1884, a small-batch whiskey. “It’s just so smooth. It’s crazy good.” She also loves to introduce people to Phoenix’s Phoenacolada, a pineapple and coconut flavored vodka. “I tell people to try it on its own because it doesn’t have any burn or artificial taste.” She especially recommends it as a gift for the women in your life who aren’t necessarily connoisseurs of liquor. “This will change their lives.” She suggests mixing it with coconut water, sparkling water, and muddled mint and cucumber, for a refreshing low-ABV cocktail.
Even when giving a simple bottle of a favorite spirit, Jackson takes the opportunity to give it a playful and personal spin with a unique bottle cover. Like an outfit for a bottle, “it might be faux fur or flannel,” to evoke a wintery feel, “and it gives the gift some pizzazz,” Jackson says.

Check out the full article at

https://www.ohlq.com/ohlq-hub/news-and-lifestyle/behind-the-bar/the-best-alcohol-related-gifts-by-5-industry-experts