Christmas is around the corner, and if you are staring at your gift list wondering what works for both work dos and family get-togethers, a good bottle is usually a solid place to start. Alcohol has a way of fitting into festive plans without much fuss, whether it ends up on the table the same evening, gets opened during a long lunch, or is saved for a quieter moment later on. It feels celebratory by default, which is exactly what you want from a Christmas gift. This list brings together a mix of popular, well-loved labels alongside a few wild cards, so the gifting never feels predictable. Some bottles will feel instantly recognisable, while others are meant to spark curiosity the moment the wrapping comes off. Think of it as a shortcut to gifting that feels thoughtful, a little playful, and memorable, without needing to overthink the choice.
1. Licor 43 Original
Licor 43 Original is Spain’s highest-selling liqueur and one of those bottles that quietly earns its place in a home bar through sheer versatility. Made from a closely guarded family recipe using 43 natural ingredients, it brings together Mediterranean citrus, botanicals, and spices in a profile that feels layered but approachable. The flavour opens with bright citrus aromas, followed by a gentle coriander warmth, soft sweetness from mature fruit and vanilla, and a light floral finish drawn from orange and lemon blossom. Its radiant golden colour adds to its festive appeal, while its ease of use makes it equally suitable for sipping over ice, pairing with coffee, or anchoring simple cocktails. It is a particularly thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys experimenting without wanting a bottle that feels intimidating.
Price: MRP ₹3,500
Image credit: Licor 43
2. 1800 Añejo Tequila
1800 Añejo is a tequila designed for slow appreciation rather than quick pours. Made entirely from 100 percent Weber blue agave harvested at peak maturity, it is aged for at least fourteen months in French oak barrels, giving it depth without overwhelming the agave character. The palate leans into toasted oak, vanilla, and butterscotch, finishing with a gentle peppery spice that lingers comfortably. Its dark amber hue and rounded texture make it ideal for sipping neat, especially for whisky drinkers looking to explore tequila without straying too far from familiar territory. As a Christmas gift, it works well for collectors or hosts who value craftsmanship and maturity in their spirits.
Price: MRP ₹9,500
Image credit: 1800
3. Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado
Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado sits comfortably between tradition and accessibility, making it a dependable festive gift. Aged in American white oak barrels, it carries a warm golden colour with subtle copper tones. The nose brings cooked agave, light vanilla, and a gentle oak toast, while the palate balances smooth agave sweetness with soft wood influence and a lightly fruity finish. It works equally well as a sipping tequila or as a base for classic cocktails, which adds to its gifting appeal. This is a bottle that suits mixed company, where preferences vary but quality is still appreciated.
Price: MRP ₹3,650
Image credit: Jose Cuervo
4. Lucifer’s Gold Whisky
Lucifer’s Gold is a blended whisky that brings together Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon, creating a profile that feels playful yet well-structured. On the palate, Scotch-style fruitiness and spice meet bourbon-driven vanilla and charred oak, resulting in a smooth, slightly sweet balance. Designed to be mixed as easily as it is sipped, it suits drinkers who enjoy flexibility rather than rigid rules around whisky. As a Christmas gift, it works particularly well for younger hosts, casual gatherings, or anyone who enjoys cocktails without sacrificing flavour.
Price: MRP ₹1,994
Image credit: Lucifer's
5. Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey
Bushmills Original is the foundation of one of the world’s oldest licensed distilleries and remains one of the most approachable Irish whiskeys available. Triple distilled and matured in both bourbon and sherry casks, it carries light fruit notes, soft vanilla, and a gentle spice that makes it easy to drink. The blend of single malt and lighter grain whiskey creates a warming, smooth profile that works well neat, over ice, or in classic cocktails. Its long-standing heritage and easy character make it a safe yet thoughtful Christmas choice.
Price: MRP ₹2,999
Image credit: Bushmills
6. Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a richly styled rum aged for up to twelve years, known for its smooth texture and dessert-leaning flavour profile. Aromas of orange peel, toffee, and liquorice lead into a palate layered with dark chocolate, brown sugar, baking spices, and candied citrus. The finish is long and sweet without tipping into excess, making it a favourite among both rum enthusiasts and whisky drinkers. With its depth and elegance, it works particularly well as a Christmas gift meant for slow evenings and after-dinner pours.
Price: MRP ₹6,900
Image credit: Ron Dipmolatico
7. Hayman’s London Dry Gin
Hayman’s London Dry Gin represents a classic English gin style, crafted using a two-day distillation process that remains rare today. Juniper leads the profile, supported by coriander, angelica, citrus peel, and warm spice. On the palate, it has a creamy texture with peppery notes, citrus brightness, and a long finish marked by piney juniper and subtle sweetness. It is a gin that respects tradition while offering enough depth to satisfy seasoned drinkers. As a festive gift, it suits hosts who enjoy well-made martinis, gin and tonics, or simply appreciate a properly structured spirit.
Price: MRP ₹4,870
Image credit: Hayman's London
8. Onegin Vodka
Inspired by Russian literary heritage, Onegin Vodka is crafted to emphasise balance and clarity rather than neutrality alone. It opens with a faint sweetness touched by almond and honey, followed by a dry, lightly spiced finish. Subtle notes of aniseed, vanilla, toasted almond, and white pepper give it character without distracting from its clean structure. Designed for sipping over ice as much as for refined cocktails, it makes a strong Christmas gift for those who appreciate vodka with personality and restraint.
Price: MRP ₹5,650
Image credit: Onegin
9. Glenmorangie Signet
Glenmorangie Signet stands as one of the most distinctive whiskies in the brand’s permanent collection. Crafted using rare high-roast “chocolate malt” barley and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, virgin charred oak, and sherry casks, it delivers a flavour profile built around dark chocolate, espresso, roasted nuts, orange zest, and warm spice. Bottled at 46 percent ABV and non chill-filtered, it offers remarkable depth and mouthfeel. With its luxurious presentation and layered complexity, Signet is a statement Christmas gift suited for collectors, milestone celebrations, and serious whisky enthusiasts.
Price: ₹45,621 (Mumbai), ₹26,985 (Bangalore), ₹25,000 (Gurgaon)
Image credit: Glenmorangie
10. Chivas Regal Ultis XX
Chivas Regal Ultis XX is a twenty-year-old blended malt made using five rare single malts, finished with Chivas’ signature single grain. Created as a nod to the five master blenders who shaped the house style, the whisky keeps things elegant and restrained rather than showy. The nose opens with fresh apple, raspberry, vanilla and toffee, moving into blossom honey, milk chocolate, poached pear and citrus on the palate. The finish is long, smooth and softly sweet. It works well as a Christmas gift for formal occasions or for someone who prefers a rounded, classic whisky without heavy smoke.
Price: Available at select luxury retail outlets; price on request.
Image credit: Chivas Regal