Let’s be real: the holidays are about family, friends, love and quality time, but they are also about presents. Santa Claus’ entire foundation is built on gift-giving while Hanukkah hosts eight whole days for presents galore. That said, finding the perfect gift for your cider-loving friends, family members and colleagues is a must. To help, we’ve put together a two-part cider gift guide, beginning with the basics from cider glasses to cooling coasters — gifts aimed at getting that cider into that mouth.
The Original Cider Tasting Mug | $40
Crafted through trial and error, this cider mug makes for the ultimate cider tasting experience. Made with white ceramic, a tapered neck and an unglazed outer shell, the tenured creators at 33 Books Co. considered every aspect of cider sipping. The white ceramic allows for true evaluation of the cider’s color and clarity, the tapered neck brings the aromas to the tip of the nose and the unglazed outer shell keeps your grip firm, even when wet. This mug is dressed to impress and ready for tasting.
Personalized Cider Glass | $14
Experienced cider drinkers already understand that cider is supposed to be served out of a particular glass. Just like beer and wine, cider should be poured into a glass fit for the color and refreshing flavors. You can find various cider glasses through most glass retailers around the world but, with the United Kingdom’s Dartington Crystal, you can engrave your cider glass for 30 cents per letter, making the glass one of a kind. (Note: United States shipping costs varies.)
Wine Twirls | $20
Just because it has wine in the name doesn’t mean it can’t be used to benefit a cider drinking experience. This set of four “twirls” ensure a fridge-temperature glass of cider for up to 45 minutes, without dilution from water that an ice cube would provide and without the wait time it takes to chill down a bottle. BPA-free and FDA-approved, the chiller gems are comprised of food-safe resin and high-tech thermal gel that will chill down a glass almost instantly, with only three hours in the freezer prior to use. Swirl, sip and enjoy.
Sonoma Cider Limited Edition Holiday 4-Pack | $24
The team at Sonoma Cider welcomes the seasons with a Winter Mix 4-Pack available at retailers across the U.S. Two limited edition 22-ounce bottles of each specialty cider release are packed into the combo. The Sleigh is a perfect combination of winter spices and The Cutter features notes of molasses and baked apples, making it liquidized gingerbread in one bottle. Whether you’re sipping these cozied up by the fire or after a long day of holiday cooking, these ciders are nothing short of festive.
Chilling Coaster Set | $68
Not much is worse than lukewarm cider throughout a day of holiday festivities or watching Sunday football. This four-pack of handmade, refrigerator and freezer safe coasters by Uncommon Goods will solve your room temperature problems in no time. Pop the caddy in the freezer or fridge, depending on your preference, and place your bottled beverage in the coaster for an optimal cooling experience. Made from reclaimed New Hampshire granite, each coaster is unique for every customer.
Hydro Flask 64-ounce Growler | $65
The latest and greatest from Bend, Oregon, is Hydro Flask, a company catering to explorers and outdoor lovers alike. Along with many great ways to stay hydrated, Hydro Flask introduced their 64-ounce, wide-mouth growler made for optimal beer and cider transportation. This stainless steel, BPA- and phthalate-free growler keeps liquids carbonated and cool for up to 24 hours and hot for up to six. Purchase online or at any Hydro Flask distributor.
