Bubbly
Steve Mcaghon, Assistant wine director, the John Dory Oyster Bar
1. Vincent et Tania Carême, Vouvray Cuvée T
“Taserlike jolt of acidity and minerals makes for a toasty, well-rounded, and ripe crowd-pleaser.”$25 at Maslow 6, 211B W. Broadway, nr. Franklin St.; 212-226-3127
2. Pehu-Simonet Transparence Extra-Brut
“Besides the candy-colored label, there’s nothing sweet happening here. This is crisp, bone-dry, and earthy juice.”$50 at Sussex Wine & Spirits, 300 E. 42nd St., at Second Ave.; 212-867-5838
3. Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
“The only way to improve on this is to get a bigger bottle of it—thankfully they put it in magnums.”$125 at Park Avenue Liquor Shop, 292 Madison Ave., nr. 41st St.; 212-685-2442
Beer
Dave Pollack, Owner, the Diamond
4. Captain Lawrence, Nor’easter “
This beer’s dialed-in: It’s got bourbon, oak, and vanilla flavors, and it comes in a Champagne bottle, so there’s plenty to share.” $13 for 25 oz. at American Beer Distribution, 256 Court St., nr. Kane St., Cobble Hill; 718-875-0226
5. De Dochter van de Korenaar, Embrasse
“Cocoa-y, vanilla, smoky. Double the weight of a Guinness.” $15.95 for 22.4 oz. at Bierkraft, 191 Fifth Ave., nr. Berkeley Pl., Park Slope; 718-230-7600
6. 25 Dodici (9.5% ABV)
“A great example of the subtle use of spice to add a nice dimension without being overwhelming.” $22.75 for 25 oz. at Bklyn Larder, 228 Flatbush Ave., nr. Bergen St., Park Slope; 718-783-1250
Rum
Joe Swifka, Bar manager, Lani Kai
7. Appleton Estate V/X
“One of the best values for well-made gold rum. Great sipped neat or in any number of tropical drinks.” $24 for 25 oz. at Bowery & Vine, 269 Bowery, nr. E. Houston St.; 212-941-7943
8. Santa Teresa 1796, Ron Antiguo de Solera
“Honey, coconut, and pecan, held together with some mellow smokiness from the barrel. Drink this while you’re trussing that holiday bird.” $35 at Astor Wines & Spirits, 399 Lafayette St., at E. 4th St.; 212-674-7500
9. Ron Zacapa XO
“We’re in the deep end of the pool now. Waves of coffee, cocoa nib, and sherry, and a richness that will warm your toes.” $106 at Beekman Liquors, 500 Lexington Ave., nr. 47th St.; 212-759-5857
Whiskey
Richard Boccato, Co-owner, Weather Up Tribeca
10. Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
“Exceptionally smooth and very reasonably priced. Makes for a very fine Old Fashioned.” $22.95 for 25 oz. at 67 Wine & Spirits, 179 Columbus Ave., nr. 68th St.; 212-724-6767
11. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
“A true single-barrel affair. It’s got a lot of heat behind it, but the finish is surprisingly tame and well balanced.” $47 at September Wines & Spirits, 100 Stanton Ave., at Ludlow St.; 212-388-0770
12. Whistlepig 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey
“It has bold and spicy notes on the nose, it’s rich on the palate, and has a smooth and creamy finish.” $70 at 67 Wine & Spirits
Sake
Motoko Watanabe, Owner, Akariba
13. Gasanryu Koka Honjozo
“It’s a very good, basic sake, both enjoyable by itself and with food—you can drink a lot without being bored by it.” $27 at Mister Wright Fine Wines and Spirits, 1593 Third Ave., nr. 89th St.; 212-722-4564
14. Kokuryu Gohyaku Mangoku
“Rice-y and round, rich but not quite floral. One of the most desirable bottles of its type in Japan.”$40 at Sakaya, 324 E. 9th St., nr. Second Ave.; 212-505-7253
15. Masumi Yumedono Junmai Daiginjo
“A perfect symphony of floral, fruity notes, silky texture, and voluptuous flavor, plus an in-your-face-gorgeous Japanese paper case.” $100 at Ambassador Wines & Spirits, 1020 Second Ave., nr. 54th St.; 212-421-5078