Looking to spread some holiday cheer with homemade gifts? Nothing beats the charm of food gifts made with love, especially when they come with a little adult twist.
This season, why not combine your culinary skills with a touch of creativity and a dash of spirits? Whether you’re selling at a local market or gifting friends and family, these ideas are sure to impress.
Alcohol-infused treats add an extra layer of warmth to the holidays. They’re perfect for those cozy winter evenings and make for unique, memorable presents.
Don’t worry if you’re new to making edible gifts with an adult edge—we’ve gathered approachable and delicious recipes you can whip up in no time.
From boozy baked goods to spirited sauces and jams, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. Ready to dive in?
Let’s unwrap these 18+ Christmas food gifts that will have everyone asking for seconds (or the recipe)!
Boozy Baked Goods
Baking with alcohol adds a delightful depth of flavor to traditional holiday treats. These boozy baked goods strike the perfect balance between sweet and spirited, making them standout gifts for adults.
From cakes soaked in rum to cookies with a hint of whiskey, these recipes are approachable and sure to be crowd-pleasers. Plus, they store well, which is a bonus for gift-giving.
Here are five irresistible boozy baked goods that will warm hearts and palates alike.
1. Rum-Soaked Fruitcake – A classic holiday staple elevated with generous amounts of dark rum soaking into dried fruits and nuts. This rich cake improves over time, making it perfect for gifting well in advance of Christmas. Wrap it in festive paper and include a small bottle of matching rum for an extra touch.
2. Whiskey Chocolate Chip Cookies – These cookies have a classic chewy texture with an unexpected kick from the whiskey mixed into the dough. The alcohol enhances the chocolate’s richness without overwhelming the palate. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties or as a sweet stocking stuffer.
3. Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, decadent cheesecake bars infused with Baileys Irish Cream are a treat for any adult sweet tooth. The liqueur blends seamlessly into the batter, lending a smooth, boozy flavor that feels festive and indulgent.
4. Spiked Gingerbread Muffins – Traditional gingerbread flavors get a grown-up makeover with a splash of bourbon or spiced rum. These moist muffins are easy to package individually, making them a convenient grab-and-go gift option.
5. Red Wine Brownies – Rich, fudgy brownies made with a bold red wine add complexity and depth to this holiday favorite. The wine cuts through the sweetness and creates a sophisticated flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a glass of the same wine.
These boozy baked goods are sure to delight, but if you’re looking for something a bit more on the cozy and savory side, keep reading.
Infused Spirits and Liqueurs
Homemade infused spirits and liqueurs are an elegant and customizable gift option that can be tailored to suit any taste. They’re surprisingly easy to make and can be bottled beautifully for an impressive presentation.
Infusing allows you to experiment with flavors—think fresh herbs, spices, or fruits—blended with your favorite base spirit. These gifts are great for those who appreciate a good cocktail or enjoy mixing drinks at home.
Check out these five inspiring infused spirits and liqueurs to craft this holiday season.
6. Vanilla Bean Vodka – Simple yet sophisticated, vanilla bean vodka infuses a smooth, sweet vanilla flavor into a neutral spirit. It’s perfect for coffee drinks or baking, and gifting it in a decorative bottle with a vanilla pod inside adds charm.
7. Cinnamon-Orange Spiced Rum – Combining fresh orange peel and cinnamon sticks with rum creates a warm, festive spirit ideal for holiday cocktails or sipping neat. This infusion brings classic Christmas flavors into a versatile bottle your recipients will love.
8. Berry-Infused Gin – Fresh or frozen berries steeped in gin give a fruity, vibrant twist to this botanical spirit. The resulting liqueur is lovely for mixing into cocktails or enjoying with tonic water during winter gatherings.
9. Chocolate Chili Tequila – Add cocoa nibs and dried chili flakes to tequila for a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet infusion. This edgy spirit is perfect for adventurous drinkers and adds a unique kick to margaritas or hot chocolate.
10. Homemade Coffee Liqueur – Combining brewed coffee, sugar, vanilla, and vodka creates a rich, aromatic liqueur reminiscent of popular coffee spirits. It’s excellent for after-dinner drinks and can be bottled in beautiful jars for gifting.
Infused spirits are a great way to offer something artisanal and personal. Ready for more festive ideas? Let’s explore savory treats next.
Savory Snacks with a Twist
Not all holiday gifts have to be sweet! Savory snacks infused with alcohol or featuring complementary flavors make excellent gifts for the foodies on your list.
These treats pair wonderfully with drinks and can be enjoyed while mingling at holiday parties or cozy nights in. Plus, they’re often easy to make in batches and package attractively.
Here are five savory snack ideas that bring a grown-up flair to holiday gifting.
11. Whiskey-Glazed Nuts – Roasted mixed nuts tossed in a sweet and smoky whiskey glaze create a crunchy, addictive snack. These are perfect for nibbling during holiday gatherings or packaged in festive tins for gifting.
12. Beer Cheese Spread – A creamy, tangy cheese spread made with sharp cheddar and your favorite craft beer. This spread pairs beautifully with crackers or pretzels and can be jarred and sealed for gifting with a personalized label.
13. Spiked Spiced Olives – Marinate olives in a mixture of vermouth, herbs, and spices to create a sophisticated, cocktail-ready snack. These savory bites are perfect for garnishing drinks or serving on a charcuterie board.
14. Bourbon BBQ Sauce – A rich, smoky BBQ sauce enhanced with bourbon adds flavor depth to any grilled or roasted dish. Jarred and decorated with a holiday label, it’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to cook or entertain.
15. Chili-Lime Tequila Popcorn – Popcorn tossed with a zesty chili-lime seasoning and a hint of tequila creates a fun, flavorful snack perfect for movie nights or parties. Package it in clear bags tied with festive ribbons for an eye-catching gift.
With savory options covered, it’s time to sweeten things up again with some festive spreads and preserves.
Festive Jams, Jellies, and Preserves
Jams, jellies, and preserves offer a sweet and sometimes tangy way to gift flavor-packed goodness. When spiked with a bit of alcohol, they become unique culinary treasures perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese.
These treats are great for batch preparation and can be beautifully jarred for gifting. Plus, their shelf life makes them ideal for gifting early or mailing to loved ones far away.
Here are five delicious ideas for spirited preserves this holiday.
16. Mulled Wine Jelly – Capture the essence of holiday mulled wine in a jelly that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or glazing meats. This jelly balances fruity wine notes with warm spices for a festive flavor experience.
17. Spiked Cranberry Sauce – Traditional cranberry sauce gets a grown-up upgrade with a splash of bourbon or brandy. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with turkey or sandwiches and looks charming in decorative jars.
18. Apple Cider and Whiskey Jam – Sweet apples meet spicy cinnamon and smooth whiskey in this delectable jam. It’s a cozy, comforting spread that’s ideal for holiday breakfasts or gift baskets.
19. Peach and Prosecco Preserve – Light and bubbly prosecco adds a delicate sparkle to sweet peach preserves. This elegant option is perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated twist on classic jams.
20. Cherry Bourbon Compote – Rich cherries cooked down with bourbon create a luscious compote that’s fantastic on ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes. Gift it in small jars with rustic fabric covers for a charming presentation.
Jams and preserves are lovely, but for those who want a quick and easy gift, infused simple syrups and cocktail mixers are the way to go.
Homemade Cocktail Mixers and Syrups
Cocktail mixers and syrups are fantastic gifts for anyone who loves to entertain or enjoy a crafted drink at home. They’re simple to make yet add sophisticated flavor to holiday cocktails.
These mixers can be customized with seasonal flavors and alcohol infusions, making them a thoughtful and practical gift. Plus, they travel well and can be paired with a bottle of liquor or cocktail recipe cards for a complete set.
Here are five homemade cocktail mixers and syrups to inspire your holiday gifting.
21. Cardamom-Orange Simple Syrup – This fragrant syrup combines fresh orange zest with warm cardamom spices. It’s excellent for adding a festive twist to sparkling wine or whiskey cocktails.
22. Spiced Cranberry Mixer – Made with fresh cranberries, cinnamon, and cloves, this mixer is perfect for holiday vodka or gin drinks. Its bright tartness balances sweeter liquors beautifully.
23. Maple Bourbon Syrup – Combining pure maple syrup with bourbon creates a rich, sweet syrup ideal for pancakes and cocktails alike. It’s an all-around favorite that adds warmth and depth to any drink.
24. Ginger-Lemon Cocktail Mixer – A zesty blend of fresh ginger juice and lemon with a hint of honey creates a versatile mixer. It brightens up gin or tequila cocktails and is sure to be appreciated by any cocktail enthusiast.
25. Chili-Honey Syrup – Sweet honey infused with dried chili peppers adds a spicy kick to cocktails or even tea. This syrup is a bold choice for those who love a little heat with their sweet.
These cocktail mixers round out our list of festive 18+ food gifts that are as delicious as they are thoughtful. Ready to get cooking and gifting?
Making and selling these holiday treats is a wonderful way to share joy and a little liquid cheer this season. Happy gifting!
Remember, the best gifts come from the heart—and a little splash of something special.
So go ahead, whip up these spirited delights, and watch your holiday sales (and smiles) soar.
Cheers to a deliciously festive season!
