Best Liquor Gifts 2017

Every holiday party brings not only the decision of what to wear but also what to take as a host gift—because if you don't know by now, nothing kills holiday cheer faster than showing up somewhere empty-handed. So do your part to keep the partying going the whole night through and gift a bottle that not only says "thank you" but also shows you have great taste.

Here to help: Greg Buda, director of education and training manager at The Dead Rabbit, the NYC bar consistently ranked among the world's best. When choosing a bottle as a host gift, Buda looks for two things: rarity and versatility. Rarity "doesn't necessarily mean that the bottle is expensive," he says, but rather "something that they won't come across at every liquor store."

In terms of versatility, Buda looks for a home bar chameleon, a "price-accessible whiskey that's good to sip on the rocks or neat, but not too expensive to use in a cocktail like an old-fashioned or Manhattan." Here are his top picks for gifts your host won't forget— even if the party does get a little hazy.

Who doesn't love a good whiskey? "This is a special version of the well-loved Green Spot Irish whiskey, finished in Bordeaux wine casks. This is the perfect Irish whiskey to have after a big holiday meal, and to me is like dessert in a glass," Buda says.

"This Spanish brandy might not be something you are familiar with, but it is perfect for the holiday season. It can be enjoyed neat, of course, but also makes a great spiked cider, brandy toddy or boozy eggnog." You had us at spiked cider.