We have an incredible bounty of delicious, high-quality sweets and treats made right here in the Bay Area. What better time to indulge in them than the Holidays? Whether your preference is for sweets, caffeine, alcohol, or all three – here is a selection sure to elevate your celebrations.
Left: From St. George Spirits, the Spiced Pear Old Fashioned is the perfect Holiday cocktail: 2oz Breaking & Entering American Whiskey, ¾oz Spiced Pear Liqueur, 4 dashes Angostura Bitters. Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled then strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large cube. Garnish with a flamed orange peel. Photo by Nicola Parisi.
Right: From Contraband Coffee Roasters, Dark Horse is a blend of beans from Guatemala, Honduras, and Brazil that leads with bittersweet chocolate and caramel flavors. Waves of toasted nut and vanilla keep rolling. The texture is smooth, the flavors are deep, and makes a stellar cold brew.
Left: Full-bodied yet crisp, Tunzenbier from Fort Point Beer Co. is a Bavarian Style Lager made in collaboration with Suppenküche, San Francisco’s classic German restaurant. With notes of baked bread and grassy hops, it pairs well with a hearty meal and a table full of friends.
Right: The 2023 Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout from East Brother Beer Co. is pure beer-magic! When you first crack open the can you’ll be treated to a heady mix of dark cacao and a good ol’ bourbon kick. The first sip brings wonderful notes of bold coffee with rich notes of toasted oak and a hint of sweet vanilla and cacao- all wrapped in the wonderful warmth of bourbon. ABV 11.7%
Left: The Christmas Collection Edible Chocolate Box from Charles Chocolates is a bittersweet chocolate box filled with limited-edition holiday confections and has a white chocolate lid with beautiful snow-covered white pine trees. When the chocolates are gone, you’ll still have the box to keep – or devour.
Right: Have a little treat while you do your gift wrapping. You deserve certified organic & fair-trade OCHO Candy Trees & Peppermint Minis.
Left: Blood Orange Winter Punch from Mommenpop is a festive treat: 750ml bottle Mommenpop Blood Orange apertif, 750ml bottle dry red wine, 12oz cranberry juice, 6oz tequila or mezcal, 6oz honey syrup (2 parts honey, 1 part water). Garnish with blood orange slices. Serves 12. Photo by Nicola Parisi.
Right: Need a showstopper cocktail for your Holiday gatherings? Consider the Ruby Rose from Spirit Works Distillery, a lovely punch that showcases their highly versatile Barrel Gin: 1 1/2oz Spirit Works Distillery Barrel Gin, 3/4oz Honey Syrup, 3/4oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice, 3/4oz Lime Juice, 3 dashes Aromatic Bitters. Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice. Shake 10 seconds, then pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with a grapefruit peel and maraschino cherry.
Left: The Very Merry Box from Recchiuti includes chocolate confections created by hand, inspired by European traditions and flavors, wrapped up for the holidays. This collection is comprised of the finest chocolates Recchiuti has to offer, from their signature Burnt Caramel truffle to Rosemary Olive Oil truffle and their famed Fleur de Sel Caramel. Available with 88, 32, or 16 pieces.
Right: Dewie Dippers from Mr. Dewie’s are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and vegan! These cutie beauties are mini versions of their regular ice cream sandwiches, dipped in delicious dark chocolate sauce.
Left: Douglas Fir + Rosehips Botanical Tea from Juniper Ridge is a soft, savory tea that sings with the flavor of clean mountain air and the resonant note of rosehips. Sustainably sourced and harvested from California’s northern coast, this simple blend dances with sweet fragrance and a spark of tanginess. Serve hot for a restful companion in the cold or chilled for the perfect refreshment after a long day outside.
Right: Earl Grey aperitif from Veso is infused with pounds and pounds of Earl Grey Tea leaves. The tea is sourced from Numi Tea in Oakland, who make it with Organic and Fair-Trade Assam Black Tea and Organic Bergamot. Tea is naturally high in tannins and bitterness (you’ll notice the soft, velvety mouthfeel) which is balanced with cane sugar to smooth it out.
Left: The Organic Peppermint Mocha from Linea Caffe is the holiday hero in a cup! Topped with a lush layer of Straus Organic Whipped Cream, it’s the festive treat you’ve been waiting for. Perfect for those crisp San Francisco mornings. Swing by Linea’s cafés in the Mission District or Potrero Hill for a delightful touch of peppermint happiness.
Right: If a stand mixer and a good recipe are your special person’s happy place, this gift box is for them. Grab The Everything Bundle from Just Date: the ultimate holiday foodie bundle which includes date sugar, date syrup, pomegranate syrup, Chai Caramel, Stellar Eats Date-sweetened Coffee Cake Mix, plus new date-sweetened dark chocolate chips. Baking and cooking with superfood ingredients like date sugar and date syrup is even more fun because you can indulge every day without worrying about the sugar crash!
