If you're not hosting Thanksgiving dinner, and you didn't contribute something to the spread, you sure as hell better not show up empty handed. Here are five suggested hostess gifts to pick up on the drive over, and a little insurance that you'll get invited back again next year.
Hula O Maui Sparkling Pineapple Wine This delicious sparkling wine is a delightful aperitif or post-dinner cleanup reward. Made from 100% Maui pineapples the taste is light and refreshing and not at all syrupy sweet. And the bottle is so cute that your friends and family will be forced to say nice things even if they hate it.
Clear Creek Distillery Kirschwasser (Cherry Brandy) Where there's apple pie and pumpkin pie, there's vanilla ice cream. After you've appropriately ooo'd and awww'd over those traditional non-alcoholic desserts, try pouring cherry brandy over a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream. The flavor of the brandy's sweet cherries boasts an "almond nose" and the combination of it all together is divine. So go ahead and give yourself one more reason to stuff your face.
Patron XO Cafe One of my favorite activities after the Thanksgiving meal is the group Scrabble game or Thursday's crossword puzzle. It always involves a rich cup of coffee with heavy cream, sugar, and a little sumpin' sumpin'. Try adding this coffee liqueur and let the games begin.
Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch After you've presented this bottle to the hostess prepare to catch her as she jubilantly leaps into the air and straddles your torso. This rich, golden single malt is laced with peat-smoke and an absolute treat for those who appreciate complex layers of flavor. For that annoying aunt who announces that scotch is "gross," try waving the bottle cap under her nose and watch her beg for mercy.
Clear Creek Williams Pear Brandy Best served chilled, this eau de vie de poire will perk up your pallet just when you think you never want to eat or drink again in your life. Cozy up to the fire, share what you're grateful for, and toast the end of Prohibition.