Let’s be real — 2020 has been ROUGH! An ongoing pandemic has pretty much sabotaged this whole year, so why should you let crappy, everyday alcohol ruin your morning?
Here are some unique, delicious, and well-made beer, wine, and liquor options available for delivery and/or pickup around the DMV. Use this list of liquid gold for holiday gift ideas (or just an excuse to #treatyourself). Cheers to 2021!
JuneShine: The San Diego-based hard kombucha co. makes a refreshing line of probiotic, gluten-free, and organic cans (6% ABV) you can find at your local grocer. Brewed with green tea and honey, sustainably-produced options include Acai Berry, Hopical Citrus, Blood Orange Mint, and Midnight Painkiller — a yummy take on the famous tiki drink with activated charcoal inside! The brand was founded by artists and adventurers, so of course there’s a flavor finder quiz for everyone from “Soul Cycle front row” to “walk-in-the-park” types.
Cutwater Spirits : The San Diego-based distillery puts a tropical twist on egg nog for its snow white Tiki Holiday Spirit. Cutwater gets into the holiday spirit by adding cream and cinnamon to its fabulously fruity Bali Hai Rum. Sip the bottled spirit chilled, neat, or over ice. Now available in D.C. at BevMo, Total Wine, and select Costos. Cutwater is also known for its canned cocktail line of vodka sodas, palomas, and Bloody Marys.
Diplomatico Rum Reserva Exclusiva: The award-winning Venezuelan rum producer makes its premium flagship by aging a blend of exclusive rum reserves up to twelve years. Aromas of orange peel and licorice meet toffee fudge tasting notes for a complex, long-lasting finish. And now there’s Diplomático By Mombacho Cigars S.A., the first cigar blend designed to be paired with its rum. Bottles on Drizly start under $40.
Hard Bubbly by FUN WINE: Say hello to Fun Wine: a new carbonated collection inspired by the cool culture of Miami’s music, art, and fashion worlds. The gluten-free, low-alcohol “flavored” wine (5.5% ABV) comes in at just 59 calories per 5-oz. pour to prep for a future South Beach trip! Colorful bottles ($5.99 each) come in crazy flavors like Cappuccino Chardonnay and Espresso Cabernet, along with Strawberry Moscato, Coconut Chardonnay and Sangria. Graffiti artist and ArtBasel regular Miguel Paredes is behind the adorably eccentric and playful branding (think: cute coconuts sporting sunglasses), which makes drinking a piece of pop art doable. Available starting January 1 in select markets
Bev : Wine in a can never looked so good, thanks to Bev’s fizzy, skinny creations that contain zero sugar and 3 carbs. Rosé, sauvignon blanc, and pinot grigio arrive at your door in bright and cheery cans, and a red just joined the fam; Bev Noir is its ”cooler older sister” and best served chilled. To end a year that’s in major need of silver linings, a sparkling white wine holiday release is wrapped in a glam gold label (and appropriately called Glitz!). Shipping is always on them, and each four-pack equates to 1.3 bottles of wine. Subscribe for 15-percent off buys from this badass Venice Beach brand founded by females.
Center of Effort: Nestled in the foothills of California’s central coast, the Edna Valley is famous for the pinot noirs and chardonnays produced at this decades-old landmark estate vineyard. Liquid gift packages include a “Classic Holiday Duo” of its award-winning red and white flagships ($65)
Thrasher’s Rum: Barman-turned-distiller Todd Thrasher stocks two holiday “Cocktail Cases” with a bottle of Thrasher’s Rum, cocktail mixers, glassware, and recipe cards ($60-$70), or double up on both for $125. A custom Thrasher’s rum flask goes for $75. Buy online or in-person at his Tiki TNT distillery on the Wharf.
District Winery: D.C.’s first commercial winery in Navy Yard has a holiday gift set ($99) for budding connoisseurs at home, featuring three bottles, a waterproof guide to wine tasting, and tasting note sheets.
