Items for a Christmas Basket Gift

Christmas is coming, and you are probably wondering about gifts, something different to surprise your loved ones, acquaintances or coworkers. The Vallarta Lifestyles editorial team suggests trying a Christmas basket, a tradition rooted in the Iberian Peninsula and some Latin American countries, including Mexico, filled with a selection of exclusive delicacies—wines, liqueurs and deli items—they can use to celebrate and toast every occasion this season.

Within the business sphere, it is common for managers of small and medium-sized companies to give these baskets to clients and coworkers as a gesture of gratitude and courtesy. However, this practice has also spread to other social circles.

The origin of this custom may date back to the Roman Empire, when some employers gave their subordinates a wicker basket, called a sportula, during Saturnalia, the December festival held in honor of the god Saturn. However, it was not until the middle of the 19th century that Spanish public administrators adopted this practice, followed by private companies in the 20th century. Subsequently, this tradition would reach North America.

What items to include?

For an expert suggestion, we turned to wine and liquor store Vinoteca, which offers ready-made Christmas baskets and also the option to customize them.

We asked branch manager Jesús Rodríguez for a basket containing some of his store’s most outstanding products, and he shared the premium selection he recommends to those looking to celebrate the December holidays with the highest quality items

• Chivas Regal 25

A rare and exclusive blend of Scotland’s finest whiskeys, launched for the first time in 1909, Chivas Regal 25 was one of the world’s first luxury drinks, aged for at least a quarter of a century.

• Herradura Selección Suprema

Brand Herradura’s most exclusive tequila, it is 100 percent agave, extra-aged and handsomely packaged. It is characterized by a balanced aroma and intense notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, nut and dried fruit.

• Vega Sicilia Único 2008

Belonging to the last harvest of the most emblematic wine from Spanish winery Vega Sicilia, it perfectly combines the qualities of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon in distinctive proportions, leading renowned critics around the world to rate the special reserve as the fourth best Spanish wine.

• Delicatessen Mix

Vinoteca’s deli area offers several treats to accompany the wines and spirits, the mix featuring an assortment of pistachios, almonds with chili and cashews from the Deliteca brand.

• Guava Nougat Roll

The typical sweets of Jalisco and Mexico should not be omitted from a Christmas celebration in Puerto Vallarta. So, complement the basket with a guava roll with goat milk caramel and nuts, a delicious way to end a meal.

• Vacu Vin Wine Preserver

In this Christmas basket, we can also include items or accessories useful for wine lovers. This product serves an important function when storing leftovers, as it extracts the air from the bottle and helps maintain the wine’s original flavor by preventing oxidation.

Other Products and Shops

Chains such as Liverpool and Costco also feature gourmet areas offering food and drinks you could include in your holiday basket. The following is a selection recommended Vallarta Lifestyles editorial team:

Liverpool

• Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ideal for adding flavor to your homemade feasts, this Italian oil, originating in the middle of the 19th century, is one of the favorites of culinary professionals.

• St. Dalfour Four Fruit Spread

This French jam combines the sweetness of blackberry, raspberry, strawberry and cherry to make a delicious treat containing no coloring, sweetening or flavoring. It could be a great option for a family Christmas basket.

• Minuet Cookies

What would Christmas be without cookies for the little ones? We recommend Minuets, from the Mexican brand Lilí, with flavors including nut, orange, cinnamon, chocolate and coconut.

• Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial Champagne

For a glamorous and stylish basket, this dry, fruity and vivacious champagne perfectly reflects the style of the Moët & Chandon house. It is perfect paired with simple and intense flavors, such as red meats, cheeses, black olives, olive oil and fresh herbs, among others, so it is excellent for toasting.

Costco

• Upper Crust Bakery Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious cinnamon rolls from Upper Crust Bakery are available at Sam’s Club. If the recipient of the basket enjoys hot drinks such as coffee or cocoa accompanied by pastries, do not hesitate to include them on your shopping list.

We hope these recommendations are to your liking and surprise your loved ones or friends with a Christmas gift as splendid as it is unexpected. Cheers and buen provecho!