Come the holidays, you'll find many a gift guide declaring the best finds for food-and drink-loving friends.

But we know not all gourmands are alike, so we've curated a wish list for four distinct, taste-driven personalities: the serious cook who never shrinks from a kitchen challenge, the cocktail enthusiast who delights in concocting drinks, the adventurer who enjoys the very best no matter the surroundings and the host who knows how to entertain any crowd.

These aren't cookie-cutter holiday gifts, so don't forget something for yourself.