I’m a firm believer in taking holidays as they come. I get annoyed walking into stores before Thanksgiving and being inundated with Christmas music, laughing Santas, and candy canes. However, the past couple years I’ve been giving more and more DIY presents, which requires me to begin thinking about what to give people farther in advance.

Gift guides abound, but here I collected a list of boozy DIY gifts that both enthusists and novices alike will enjoy.

When making DIY presents, it is important to customize each gift for each recipient. One of the easiest ways to do that is by making different liqueurs and infusions.

Liqueurs and infusions:

You cam make a liqueur or infusion out of almost anything. Seek inspiration from the recipient’s favorite foods and flavors and then follow these instructions. If you need some guidance, however, here are some delicious recipes to start with.

Amaretto– Amaretto is a classic ingredient that is an excellent addition to anyone’s cocktail arsenal.



Apple Pie Bourbon– This liqueur brings together two American classics: bourbon and apple pie. The result is a lightly sweetened booze that can be consumed straight or as a mixer.

Bacon Infused Bourbon– Aside from our vegetarian friends, who doesn’t like bacon? Joining bacon and bourbon creates a simply delicious drink.

Blueberry Balsamic Shrub– Shrubs, or drinking vinegars, are a great way to bring some acidity to cocktails. This blueberry balsamic shrub is one that is sure to impress.

Cinnamon Pear Vodka– Pear, cinnamon, and other spices come together to form a delightfully spicy vodka sure to warm many hearts.

Coffee Bitters– Bitters are versatile ingredients that add complexity to drinks. These are coffee bitters will please your extra caffeinated friends.

Irish Cream– Irish Cream is simple to make and deliciously versatile. Just make sure you can keep it cold when gifting it!

Lavender Infused Vodka– This spa worthy concoction is sure to help the recipient relax after a hard day.

Limoncello– Limoncello, a popular lemon zest liqueur from Italy, is a refreshing and smooth drink. Enjoyed ice cold, this present will have your friend saying salute!

Rosemary Infused Vodka– Leaving the kitchen and entering the bar, rosemary adds a level of complexity to many vodka based drinks.

Tutti Fruitti Infused Vodka– For your friend with a sweet tooth, this candy infused vodka is sure to hit the spot.

Boozy Food:

Booze + food = a delicious present sure to be enjoyed.

Bailey’s Fudge– Delicious and buzz inducing, this fudge would be the hit of any holiday party.

Bourbon Infused Cherries– These boozy cherries can be spooned over ice cream, plopped in drinks, or eaten alone.

Guinness Brownies– Perfect for Guinness fanatics and enjoyable even for those who don’t like beer, these brownies are sure to please.

Rum Balls– What could possibly make chocolate truffles any better? Alcohol.

Burnt Whiskey Caramels– These sweet and salty caramels are guaranteed to please the sweet toothed masses. Whiskey adds a subtle flavor that makes these truly delectable.

Kits:

Even if you aren’t a crafty DIY person, you can still make a thoughtful DIY present simply by putting together kits that you know your friends and family will love. Here are some suggestions.

Basic Bar Set: The important tools that most people don’t already have in their kitchen are a shaker of some sort (I like Boston shakers), a strainer, and a bar spoon. While you can buy premade sets they tend to be either expensive, low quality, or both. Pulling together your own set can ensure that your friend can make cocktails for years to come.

Bloody Mary Mix– Bloody Mary’s are a classic drink for a reason: they are delicious. Make your friend’s job easier by gathering everything they need for a perfect Bloody Mary.

Ice set: A good ice mallet and bag are helpful in building drinks with crushed ice while a spherical mold will allow the your friend to sip a less diluted drinks.

I hope these ideas give you a jump on your holiday gift preparations!