These Culinary Goods and Experiences From Across Colorado Offer the Best Way to Connect as a Community, in the Season of Giving
The tree is trimmed and adorned with a display of dazzling ornaments, and the menorah is lit inside a home’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. Usually, the “sounds” and “sights” of the yuletide season steal all the glory when it comes to the celebrating—but it’s not just about the twinkling lights and the merry music of carols–the holidays are also about savoring the joyful indulgence in the tastes and smells that mark this especially communal time of year. Sharing food and drink, whether over a meal or as a gift for a loved one, can be the best way to spread joy and spirit, this season.
From colorful and sweet macarons adorning a table at the holiday party, to sharing a family recipe for spices that’s been passed down for generations (and is now available for everyone to purchase) for making a hearty, home-cooked meal, to a range of “Edible Experiences” across the Front Range and beyond for folks to plan a culinary adventure together, here’s a range of imaginative and rewarding gifts with excellent “flavors” to savor with loved ones near and far.
In the Pantry
Denver Macaron (Starting at $11.25 for a Custom 3 Pack)
Denver Macaron is “redefining the classic French macaron,” offering all the deliciousness of a traditional macaron, with a plant-based twist. Every bite is vegan, gluten-free, and made with potato protein instead of egg whites. But the texture and flavor are perfectly preserved—tasting like the light, fluffy, and tantalizingly sweet pastries you’d expect when biting into a macaroon.
This year, Denver Macaron is offering a special holiday gift box that features an assortment of festive macaron flavors along with the sweetest illustrated card of a dog and cat decorating their Christmas tree. And in the spirit of the season of “giving back,” the brand is donating 10% of proceeds from each holiday box sold between Dec. 1–31 to The Denver Animal Shelter.
Foodies with a sweet tooth, animal lovers and everyone who appreciates a treat that’s almost too pretty to eat… Those hosting a holiday party can’t miss the impressive, totally customizable macaron towers and platters that feature an elegant and colorful display of treats that’s perfect for hosting holiday gatherings, corporate parties or serving as a thoughtful gift.
Editor’s note: The classic horchata and chocolate truffle flavors are a year-round delight for the tastebuds, but the limited time chocolate peppermint flavor feels festive and perfectly balances a cool touch of mint with a rich chocolate base.
Riot BBQ Smoked Beef Tallow ($16)
Riot BBQ Company, which opened in June 2025, is a collaboration between Chef Manny Barella and Pitmaster Patrick Klaiber, marrying Mexico’s open-fire cooking traditions with Texas-style BBQ techniques. Delectable dishes are available for dine-in, catering, and online orders across Denver—but for those who want to bring the flavors of this buzzy BBQ restaurant’s goodness at home, their signature smoked beef tallow is also available for purchase through Riot BBQ’s online ordering platform or at the restaurant. It can be a dream stocking stuffer for any home cook, made from the flavorful drippings of their celebrated brisket, and can serve as a great substitute for oil and butter to impart a rich, complex flavor.
Pig and Tiger Chili Crisp ($15)
Denver’s new, vibrant Taiwanese restaurant, Pig and Tiger, which opened in August 2025 in Five Points, has unveiled a pantry creation perfect for keeping the seasoning going this holiday season. “Pig and Tiger’s Chili Crisp” is a signature creation born from chefs and owners Darren Chang and Travis Masar and their passion for sharing the beauty of Taiwanese cuisine with Denver (and which makes a great gift for foodies and home cooks!). This chili crisp is a delightful addition to dishes ranging from eggs to noodles and even vanilla ice cream! It’s available online and in-store at Pig and Tiger in Denver, Carbon Knife Co. in Denver, Mr Bs at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, South Street Market in Louisville, and at the North Boulder location of Moxie Bread Co.
Savory Spice Shop ($28 – $80)
Rooted in Denver and proudly local since 2004, Savory Spice Shop handcrafts small-batch seasonings known for their freshness, quality, and over 400 tried-and-true blends available at Savory Spice shops and online at savoryspiceshop.com. Browse the collection of flavorful, gift-ready options like:
- The Taste of Colorado Collection ($80) which features eight spices gathered in a set and is named after beloved Colorado landmarks and neighborhoods, making a thoughtful gift for the home cook, host/hostess and food lover alike.
- The Spice & Easy Starter Bundle ($43.99) which includes 10 meal starter packs, makes a time-saving, flavorful gift for college students, new parents or budding home cooks.
- The Gourmet Hot Cocoa Bundle ($28) which can be a perfect gift for teachers, neighbors or colleagues, featuring Dutch Cocoa Powder, Vanilla Bean Sugar and Salted Caramel Spice.
Get Zingy ($16.99)
The Get Zingy story began many years ago when Carole, the Hughes family matriarch, would serve her homemade, secret Hungarian wax pepper relish recipe in dishes at their family B&B in Glenwood Springs. It was so popular that she had dreamed of taking the relish further than the B&B, but when cancer put a wrench in those plans, her daughter, Stacey Hughes, spearheaded the return of this coveted recipe to the Colorado culinary market, with Get Zingy! Today, the family is on a mission to bring together old-world traditions with modern-day ZING! “Each jar is packed with love, clean & simple ingredients, and Slavic family soul,” says Stacey.
And it’s truly a family business through and through, as three generations have contributed to the brand’s creation and success—inspired by grandmother Carole, passed down to daughter Stacey, and beyond to the grandchildren as well. Carole’s granddaughter, Sydney, studied food science at CSU and helped create two of Zingy’s flavors. Her grandson, Sam, assists with production, labeling, and sales, and her granddaughter, Sophie, supports recipe development and social media efforts.
Together, they make up a small but mighty team that makes small batches and locally made spices with peppers sourced from Musso Farms and Knapp Family Farms. Get Zingy produced roughly 3,000 jars with this year’s harvest, with three flavors currently available for purchase and as holiday gifts: The Original Recipe Pepper relish, Beet + Garlic Pepper relish, and Red Onion + Radish Pepper relish.
Shop for Zingy online at getzingy.com, or in-store at Black Fox Provisions in Evergreen, Littleton Meats in Littleton, and Ruby’s Market, in Denver (and there are plans to expand throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, and the Front Range, including a future presence at some local farmers’ markets, so spice fans should stay tuned!).
Vibing and Imbibing
Pure Distilling ($38.99 for shippable bottle of 750mL St. Bernard Mountain Whiskey)
Pure Distilling was founded by two army veterans, longtime friends, and big fans of dogs and the outdoors (what could be more Colorado?) who needed to shake things up after spending time working in the corporate consulting world. Co-founders Drew and Taylor left their careers to start the distillery, and purposefully chose Colorado Springs as their home base location since it’s where Drew was born and raised (and he wanted to bring his fun and exciting ideas back to his community).
Pop into their unpretentious tasting room, which serves as a lively space to sample these unique, Colorado-made spirits from Wednesday to Sunday. Alternatively, you can encounter their spirits at one of the 180 liquor stores and 30 bars and restaurants across the state where Pure Distilling products are sold.
Editor’s Note: As if you need another reason to visit and sample their goods, 10% of all proceeds support avalanche rescue dogs and military working dogs.
Muddy Buck Coffee House Signature Coffee Beans ($18)
Evergreen’s Muddy Buck Coffee House roasts every batch of Muddy Buck Coffee Beans in-house using owner Rand G. Packer’s signature method—judging each roast by sound, smell, and taste for peak flavor. Locally roasted beans mean fresher flavor (more aroma, richer oils, and better taste in every brew) plus roasts you won’t find anywhere else, with Light, Medium, and Dark Roast available as well as Espresso and Decaf. They’re only sold in-store, but the trip is worth it just for a taste of the shop’s famously gargantuan cinnamon rolls.
The Family Jones Automatic Espresso Martini ($40)
Espresso martinis are currently all the buzz (in more ways than one!)—and with The Family Jones’ ready-to-pour espresso martini cocktail, which is perfectly measured and made from regenerative grains sourced in Loveland, then distilled in the LoHi Spirit House, energy levels can be exceptionally spirited at any yuletide event this holiday season.
Built on the silky, estate-grown corn and wheat profile of their award-winning Annika Jones Vodka, it’s brewed with local Huckleberry Roasters coffee for deep, dark roast intensity, layered with candied orange and vanilla. Finished with a house-made espresso liqueur, it brings the depth of a bar-crafted drink—without the mess. Grab one to go at The Family Jones Spirit House, or visit a shop from the lineup of local retailers selling this and other Family Jones spirited concoctions.
Azomalli Cacao Herbal Teas ($17 – $40)
Those seeking a cozy gift need look no further than Azomalli, which makes delicious cacao herbal teas crafted with ethically sourced cacao shells and thoughtfully chosen herbs. Azomalli was inspired by founder Paola Balsa’s Mexican heritage and global wellness traditions. Each blend is intentionally designed to be both yummy and nourishing, bridging ancient wisdom with modern taste buds—and the brand’s use of cacao shells as the heart of each blend, offering a naturally sweet, chocolatey flavor without any added sugar or artificial ingredients, creates a memorable taste experience while honoring the traditional Mesoamerican practices Paola learned from her family.
Current Azomalli Blends that can be perfect for purchase and present giving include:
- The Mayan Elixir: A decadent, chocolatey blend with a hint of spice; rich and grounding, like a mug of comfort on a Colorado evening.
- Cacao Spice: A warming fusion of cacao, cinnamon, and traditional botanicals; robust, aromatic, and ideal for snug afternoons.
- Peppermint Brew: Refreshingly bright with a smooth finish; invigorating, yet gentle enough for daily sipping.
Check out Azomalli’s goods via their online shop, or grab some in-person at one of the several local markets around the area (including Boulder and Wash Park’s events), and the pop-up holiday market in Evergreen, CO (Kittredge) as well as in a few local coffee shops and restaurants (coming soon).
Edible Experiences
FlyteCo Classic Tower Tour ($12)
A FlyteCo “Tower Tour” can be a unique gift for the aviation enthusiast, craft beer lover, or those who just love the chance to embark on the “ultimate rooftop bar” experience. The tour includes a one-hour guided experience that takes participants up 11 stories of stairs (don’t worry, you’ll get to rest and learn interesting tidbits of Denver aviation lore, every few floors!) to see one of the best views of Denver. Learn more about the history of the former airport, the leaders who paved the way for aviation, and how the Denver aviation industry has evolved. After the tour, enjoy a complimentary FlyteCo beer toast (or soft drink). Tours are offered most days of the week and can be reserved online.
The French Kitchen Cooking Class Experiences (Starting at $39)
The French Kitchen in Colorado Springs is a destination centered around creating delicious food surrounded by a supportive community. There’s a café, bakery and fresh market—plus all types of cooking classes offered on-site. Buy a gift card to give the gift of a true culinary lover’s experience, and the recipient will get a chance to choose from 100-plus locally hosted cooking classes.
Rocky Mountain Food Tours
Just an hour south of Denver, embark on expertly guided culinary experiences hosted by Rocky Mountain Food Tours, which feature 4-5 downtown foodie locations—including Chef Brother Luck’s restaurants, hidden speakeasies, craft breweries, and artisan food shops, among other destinations. Purchase a tour for a loved one, or get a gift card (valid for any amount and never expires) that’s redeemable for a food tour. Guests can enjoy generous tastings paired with local history and insider stories. It can be a memorable day trip and an encounter cooked up just right for the food lover on any gift list.
Crepe Therapy Café “Self Care Society” Membership ($29-58/month)
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things, but rather an opportunity to enjoy the sweet life in a simple, easily digestible way. “Treat” your loved ones this holiday season, with a membership to the Self Care Society at Chef Mawa McQueen’s new Crepe Therapy Café in Boulder. There are three tiers of membership—each offering guests a specific variety of perks, ranging from unlimited coffee to specialty crepes to priority seating during peak hours, access to monthly wellness events, VIP access to new menu tastings, and more.
Barcelona Wine Bar Dining Experiences ($60 – $130)
This year, elevate your gift-giving game with an experience from Barcelona Wine Bar, choosing between four in-restaurant “experiences” that are designed to showcase the best of this restaurant (each including a special take-home aspect):
- The Aperitivo Experience ($65) includes one glass of Cava per guest, paired with an Aperitivo Board, and two Chef-created tapas.
- For the ultimate combination, the Barcelona Wine Bar Experience for Two ($130) is designed for two, featuring two flights of three hand-selected Spanish wines, paired with six Chef-created tapas, and a half paella.
Bringing Local Flavors into the Home
Sazón & Liberation Cookbook ($35)
Just released this fall, Sazón & Liberation, from local author Dr. Julia Roncoroni, an associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of Denver, acts as both a cookbook and a collection of stories—sharing the voices of immigrant chefs from Latin America and beyond. Some of Denver’s top culinary talents contributed to Sazón & Liberation, including Byron Gomez, Manny Barella of Riot BBQ, René González Méndez of Xiquita, Edwin Sandoval of Xatrucho, and Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class, Carne, and Casa Bonita. The forward was penned by Xiquita chef and co-owner Erasmo “Ras” Casiano.
Inside the book, appreciate the dozens of recipes tied to intimate stories ranging from Salvadoran pupusas (made the way grandmother teaches), to Colombian empanadas that honor family traditions, and Mexican mole that carries both history and reinvention. The dishes come from various places, but the themes unite readers in a story of migration, resilience, and the power of sazón to preserve identity while creating community. Each recipe acts as both food and story—it’s the invitation to cook, to listen, and to gather at a table and share a sense of community, where liberation is imagined through soulful food.
Cerberus Brewing Co. Beer Candles ($8)
The dog-friendly, local brewery, Cerberus Brewing Co. in Colorado Springs, features great food, good vibes and a wide selection of in-house craft beers. And those who want to bring this cozy aura into their living room can buy or give a signature beer-scented candles, which make for a snug, aromatic, and playful present. Available for purchase in-store, these candles capture the spirit of the brewery—and bring Colorado craft beer culture right into the home.
Leven Deli’s “Signature Brownie” or “Fresh Baked Bread” Candles ($16 – $38)
Leven’s baked goods are legendary in these parts—and now, Denverites can enjoy smelling their sweet and savory goodness in candle form, at home! Made in partnership with local artisan candlemaker Wooly Wax, the 100% soy candle captures the scent notes of Leven’s chocolatey brownie, which is studded with malted milk cookies and drizzled with tahini for a nutty sesame flavor. Leven and Wooly Wax also offer a fresh-baked bread candle in eight-ounce ($28) and four-ounce ($16) sizes.
Wooly Wax owner Rachel Woolcott was a chef for 20 years and her culinary knowledge of how scent and taste intertwine helps her bring complex flavors to life. Candles are available to purchase at Leven Deli or Leven Supply or online at eatleven.com. Candles are $28 for the eight-ounce size and $38 for 16-ounce candle.
Savoring and Celebrating the Flavors of the Season
A candle from Cerberus or Leven’s, a cozy Azomalli herbal tea, or a bag of aromatic coffee beans from Muddy Buck can be a gift that keeps on giving beyond the holiday season. It’s an ideal way to support local businesses—while creating a sense of community at home, and beyond—sharing your favorite things from Colorado’s diverse culinary scene with those you care about most.
