The Holiday Gift Guide for Denver Food Lovers

Skip the madness of the shopping rush this year and give the gift of Denver— a combo of ultra-local edibles, drinkables, and related products. All the gifts on this list can be purchased in the metro area or online. That means you can be in the comfort of your home and shop for the whiskey lover, caffeine freak, and chocolate addict in your life. There’s even a spectacular wine experience listed.

Each gift comes with an official Eater stamp of approval, meaning we’ve personally curated and tested all of these items to make sure their quality is top notch. Still not seeing a good fit? The national guide has a full list of suggestions from across the Eater universe.

PUMPKIN MOUNT BAUM CAKE
The traditional Japanese cakes crafted in the Red Dragon oven at Glaze got a holiday makeover with the pumpkin flavor. A variety of other variations, like the matcha or vanilla, are also available for the layered cake. Whichever one you get, it is a treat!
Price: $12 for a ring; $32 for the trio
Where to purchase: The Baum Cake Shoppe for online purchases or in store at Glaze by Sasa, 1160 Madison Street.

SALSA FROM PINCHE TACOS
The popular modern Mexican eatery is now packaging its unique salsas and offering them for sale. You can choose between the casera, roasted tomatillo, or molcajete or take home all three. A portion of the proceeds gets donated to autism research.
Price: $6.25 per jar
Where to purchase: These can be purchased in store: 1514 York Street or 3300 W. 32nd Avenue.

BACON FROM THE DENVER BACON COMPANY
Created by chef Justin Brunson of Masterpiece Deli and Old Major, this is a dry-cured, hardwood-smoked bacon made in Denver with natural pork. It's just smoky enough and expertly thick cut to make it irresistible.
Price: $11.50
Where to purchase: Online or at Masterpiece Deli or Marczkyk

COFFEE BEANS FROM BOXCAR
Master roaster Vajra Rich, owner of Boxcar, crafts his coffee beans in a vintage German coffee roaster in Denver's RiNo neighborhood. Coffee beans are sourced responsibly and offered to go in one pound bags that range from the House Blend (chocolate-cherry-full-bodied) to the Cherry Picker (fresh berries, caramel, milk chocolate).
Price: $10.59 to $15
Where to purchase: Boxcar Coffee Roasters

WHISKEY FROM LEOPOLD BROS.
The now iconic Colorado distillery makes a wide variety of superb spirits but its bourbon remains king. The distillate is barreled at the Pre-Prohibition standard of 98-proof, which allows the barrel to add subtle notes of oak and vanilla and does not overpower the finished whiskey. For your gin lover, look for the company's Navy Strength American Gin.
Price: $39.99 for the whiskey, $44.99 for the gin.
Where to purchase: Leopold Bros.

CHOCOLATE FROM RITUAL CHOCOLATE
Made in a small lab using vintage Mexican chocolate-making machinery, these bars crafted with only two ingredients: cocoa beans and cane sugar. Cocoa beans are sourced from purveyors that show environmentally and socially responsible farming practices. Try the Balao or the Costa Rica.
Price: $6.75
Where to purchase: Ritual Chocolate

WINE CLASSES FROM FRASCA FOOD AND WINE
For the wine geek in your life, the experience of having master sommelier Bobby Stuckey teach a thorough wine class will be a sure winner. Four classes are available on the Champagne, Pinot Noir, the Rhone Valley, and Austria. They can be purchased individually or as a package.
Price: $235 per class
Where to purchase: Learn more here

COCKTAILPUNK BITTERS
Add a fabulous accent to your cocktail with Cocktailpunk cocktail bitters. The Boulder-crafted concoctions feature a carefully chosen set of basic elements that are focused and nuanced, simple yet devious. Check out the Colorado Cherry Bitters and the Palisade Peach Bitters.
Price: $13 each; $32 for a set of three
Where to purchase: Cocktailpunk

APRON FROM WINTER SESSION
Local craft company Winter Session makes an apron tailored to fit like a garment and built to withstand longterm wear in the kitchen, workshop, or studio. It is made from raw 12oz 100% cotton denim with 100% cotton trim and waist ties. There's an adjustable neck strap and multiple pockets.
Price: $88
Where to purchase: Winter Session

FARM, FORK, FOOD, A COOKBOOK BY CHEF ERIK SKOKAN
This is as much of a lifestyle manual as it is a cookbook. Skokan, a farmer and chef, shares some of his staple recipes and his thoughts on living and eating seasonally.
Price: $19.96
Where to purchase: Amazon