If you have friends who are just as keen on trying new food
and drinks as you, it might be a good idea to surprise them with a unique
present for their birthday or a special occasion. You simply cannot stick to
the general gift voucher; get something that talks about your relationship and
makes them smile. If you are stuck with food and drink related ideas, below you
will find a few great ones that will get you thinking.
Cooking Classes
Whether your friend is
keen on the Indian cuisine or sushi, you will surely find a few
cooking classes in your area. Contact the organizers and find out whether or
not you could get a voucher with your friend’s name on. This will not only make
your gift personal, but also be useful and interesting for the person who is
getting it.
Wine Tasting
There is nothing better than a wine tasting tour. If you are
keen on this drink, and your friend seems to be an expert, always knowing what
to serve at dinner parties, you might want to impress them with a wine tasting
experience. No matter if it is held at the local restaurant or a vineyard
nearby, they will appreciate the thought and remember you when they attend. If
you want, you can even join them on the day and spend a few great hours
together, talking about one of your favorite drinks.
Wine Cooler
In case your friend is a collector and has loads of
different special wine, they certainly deserve a wine cooler. Unfortunately,
not all of us have the opportunity to store our bottles in an air conditioned
wine cellar, so a wine cooler might be a
great idea for your boozy friends. If they know what the ideal serving
temperature of each type of wine is, they certainly need a temperature
controlled wine cooler in their kitchen.
Brewing Kit
Microbreweries spring up in every part of the country faster
than you could notice. If you love the special spices and aromas that local
producers create, why not encourage your friend to give brewing a try? There
are plenty of
small scale brewing kits available from local gift shops
and breweries, and you will give your loved ones an experience to remember for
a lifetime, even if their beer turns out to be less than perfect.
Whiskey Kit
Those who love something with a kick and more alcohol, a
great whiskey kit is a perfect gift idea. From guide books to training and a
make our own whiskey kit there are loads of options to choose from.
However, you will need to ensure that your friend has the space and the
ventilation system they need to complete the project, as malt whiskey needs the
right storage, and it can let out some strong fumes and smells.
Spice Mixes
In case your friend enjoys cooking, you will need to find
the right spice mixes they can use and experiment with. Next time you visit a
tropical island or an exotic country, make sure that you visit a local market
where you can pick up some authentic produce and quality spices your friend
could not get their hands on otherwise. From tea leaves to special aroma and
spices, dried flowers, there are plenty of things you can pick up from local
markets.
Wine Guides
Wine lovers love showing off their expertise. If you would
like to help your friend get to know more about their favorite region or type
of wine, you can visit a local book store or a gift shop at a farm and find the
right book for their taste. From a guide to match the wine with every meal to
one that focuses on the traditions and the most valuable bottles, you can
choose the one that is more likely to impress them.
Culinary Course
There is a
difference between a cooking class and a culinary course. You will get more insider information
about what traditions and cultural aspects played a part in creating a dish,
and you will also find out the best way to consume every dish. In case your
friend is just as interested in the origin of the dish as the taste, you can
get them a culinary course as a present, and they will love you for it.
Getting the present right for a foodie and a wine lover is
not easy. Try one of the above ideas, and see if you can impress your friend.
