Infusions, Chocolates, Honey and More: 6 Tequila and Mezcal Gifts That Aren’t Just a Big Bottle

As the holidays roll around, tequila and mezcal fans are getting thirsty for the next unexpected addition to their collection. But let’s say — hypothetically — that they already have all the bottles they could want.

Here are six easy gifts that’ll elevate the occasion to the next level.

Tequila Lover Cocktail Infusion Kit

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Looking to up your mixology game? Williams Sonoma has expanded upon the cocktail kit concept with an at-home infusion setup. The box includes flavor blends packed with black tea, botanicals, chili and more, all fit to infuse half a standard bottle of tequila.

Once you’ve mixed up your potion, signature cocktail recommendations include the Plata Granada, Spicy Paloma and El Burro among others. Best of all: after you’ve used up all the boxes’ ingredients, the glass infusion bottle can remain on your bar cart for years to come, ready for any DIY recipes you think up down the road. Priced at $75, this is a great gift for wannabe alchemists and the cocktail curious.

Cristalino is Forever Tasting Box

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Cristalino tequila — charcoal-filtered renditions of an aged reposado or añejo — has handily established itself as the latest craze to grip the agave spirits market.

If you’re interested in sampling the wares, Proximo Spirits has bundled up five bite-sized packages in one. The collection includes offerings from Maestro Dobel, Gran Coramino, Gran Centenario, 1800 Tequila and Jose Cuervo alongside tasting cards and a little history lesson. This is an easy pick to enjoy with friends and family; consider blind-ranking the spirits and reading up on all the boozy details afterward. Retails for $60.

Mike’s Hot Honey

Hot Honey Combo | Cocktail Set

When Mike’s Hot Honey was first founded in 2010, it was conceived as a pepperoni pizza topping for Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Brooklyn. In years since, the signature combo of wildflower honey and Brazilian chili peppers has garnered a cult following among chefs, gourmands, and unexpectedly, bartenders.

The brand has a huge array of cocktail suggestions perfect for your next spicy margarita, Oaxacan Old Fashioned or other non-tequila-related beverage. Mike’s even sells a full-fledged cocktail set if you’re looking to up the peppery ante across your mixology portfolio.

MarieBelle x Del Maguey VIDA Puebla Chocolate Cocktail Box

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Mezcal, chocolate and cocktails… the perfect trio for a cozy night in. But what if they were all packed into one?

MariaBelle Chocolatiers recently teamed up with Del Maguey to do exactly that. This scrumptious sampler includes chocolate renditions of classic recipes like the Margarita, Carajillo, Negroni, Paloma, Old Fashioned, Mai Tai and the Last Word. The treats — which clock in at a snoozy .4% ABV — are accompanied by a full bottle of Del Maguey Vida Puebla packed with subdued flavors of roasted agave, white peach and candied pine. If you’re hoping to woo and wow your guests, this one will cost $75.

Tequila Glassware

Denver & Liely | Handmade Copitas 

There is a lot of spirits glassware on the market. Whether you’re sipping whiskey, champagne, wine or even beer, you’re bound to hear all sorts of conflicting opinions about the exact ones that apparently work best. When it comes to agave spirits, we have two recommendations that stand out from the crowd — one new school, one old school.

First, we present the Denver & Liely glass: a self-described “technological marvel” designed to amplify both taste and aroma in high-end spirits. You’ll find this recognizable silhouette in many a spirits lover’s collection for good reason.

On the other hand, we’d recommend some traditional mezcal copitas. These short, stout ceramics have been used to drink mezcal within Oaxaca for centuries. Their shallow design allows spirits to aerate, unveiling new hidden depths of flavor within the palate. The ones recommended above are relatively cheap and sport lovely little faces on the outside. We promise they won’t judge if you’ve sipped a few too many.

Cocktail Smoker

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Cocktail smokers have become an increasingly popular staple among bartenders and showy party hosts over the past couple of years. While the practice of smoking wood chips and other aromatics is perhaps most popular with whiskey and bourbon, it’s a great addition to aged tequilas and an obvious pairing for a good smoky mezcal.

This kit, which includes a smoker, woodchips, filters and cleaning tools, is currently on sale for $35. If you’re looking for versatility, these work just as well for charcuterie boards and mysterious dishes as they do for cocktails.

Read More:

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Australia Digs Deeper Into Tequila Market With Peanut Butter, Fruit Zingle and ‘Fireballs’-Flavored Agave Spirits

New Additive-Free Tequila ‘Founded, Farmed Distilled and Led by Women’ Hits the Market Nationwide

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