Relying on alcohol to get you through the holidays is a time-honored tradition. Whether you’re hosting your own soirée, trying to figure out what to get your boss, or just hanging out on the coach with your Secret Santa, booze is a nice accompaniment to all seasonal occasions. Here are five intoxicating cocktails, gift ideas, and bar accessories to help you ( or anyone you know) survive the month ahead.  

1. Craft Cocktails at Home

Saratoga entrepreneur Lisa Guyman has solved the problem of serving craft cocktails at parties, where speed is key. DrinkDrop, her brand of frozen drink mixers, is your just-add-booze solution. ($30 for a box of 16) 

2. Don’t Forget the Host 

Host gifts are a must for the holidays. Moët & Chandon Golden Diamond Suit comes cloaked in isothermic foil, which keeps the bubbly chilled for up to two hours ($40). Beer aficionados await Anchor Brewing’s annual Christmas Ale ($16). Set St. George Spirits’ new Spiced Pear Liqueur alongside the cheese plate ($15-35). 

3. Stock Your Bar With Mixers

We like Bar Jars’ pear cardamom shrub($9), Hudson Grace’s dry martini olive juice($15), and The Perfect Puree’s new cranberry flavor($25).

4. Hire Someone to Do it For You

Hire Rye on the Road to sling pro drinks at your intimate affair. For three hours, a bartender will pour as many as three classic cocktails—using house-made syrups, bitters, and mixers—over hand-cut ice into vintage-style glasses. ($1,000 for 35 people)

5. Make the Perfect Bowl of Punch

A party’s not a party without a bowl of punch, and Bay Area bartenders are fêting the season. Our favorites are at Goose & Gander, Smuggler’s Cove, and Trick Dog. Get the recipes here.

This article was published in 7x7's December/January issue. Click here to subscribe.